Malcolm McDowell on A CLOCKWORK ORANGE

Actor Malcolm McDowell talks about making A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, released in the US on February 2, 1971. He discusses why the film "become prophetic," shooting the infamous "Singing in the Rain" scene and why he believes the film is a classic. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE ranks number 70 on AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movies list, and #4 on AFI's Top 10 Sci-Fi Films list. It was nominated for four Oscars and three Golden Globes.
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[@Robson1898vascao]

He got spitted in the face, he almost died by drowning, he had an injury at his eye and got blind for a period of time, his biggest fear is SNAKES and his character had one... But it REALLY worthed. Clockwork Orange is one of the greatest movies ever.

[@nickgaetano3510]

alex t. But everything else is true ? Haha

[@MistressKarma6969]

@Julian Howard 😂😂

[@JerryShelby]

Most importantly, he licked a shoe 🤢

[@__MarchHare__]

@@ecco8 he did. He really started choking on the drowning scene. The underwater breathing gadget broke down, but no one noticed it in time.

[@savannafrank4351]

He also broke 7 ribs in the fight against Billy and his gang. He asked for 2.5% box office Stanley said there wasn't any but took it all.

[@RandomVideoCircus]

I met Malcolm, he was such a nice guy!!!

[@haydenchampagne9119]

so have i. he is a good man.

[@huntinglightning3507]

You two are VERY lucky to meet THE Malcolm McDowell! 😉

[@sebastianalegria3401]

RandomVideoCircus l envy you

[@zachplayzz8257]

Ian Malcolm

[@nunyabiz2889]

I met Anthony Hopkins once in a restaurant that I served at, and though I wasn't his server, still had a good chat with him. I mentioned at the end of the conversation that he was very friendly and I was surprised that a man in his line of work was so down to earth and nice and he said back to me "Have you met Malcom McDowell? That's a nice guy." I honestly didn't even know who MMD was at the time so I just smiled and walked away. About a week later I watched Clockwork Orange not knowing that he was the star. Strange thing that happened. Cool experience, though.

[@Reasonology]

He's right of course. Great films don't date. Wizard of Oz - Star Wars - Citizen Kane - Jaws - 2001 - etc. - they stay fresh.

[@TheGodParticle]

Very true, I watch those movies more than anything else today.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

Mike Randa does he used to be in a tv serie?

[@Johnconno]

Anything with McDowell in it ages like rancid vonny chicken.

[@danaripley1200]

I still love A Clockwork Orange to this day. Mr. McDowell is right, the movie itself is timeless and I do watch it every chance I get and it never gets old.

[@eardrumbuzzer6477]

One of my very favorite films.

[@YinandYangGaming]

this is one of my all time favourite movies

[@YinandYangGaming]

ughhhh so perfect and i honestly have no clue why? guess that's just Kubrick

[@NoneOfyourBusiness468]

+onlinekiller61 Hidding meanings? just see it as it is. No need of hidden messages.

[@shockandawe03]

Alex DeLarge is one of my all time favorite movie characters

[@4Bluetars]

"A Clockwork Orange " may make more sense today than it did 40 years ago.

[@marilyndee969]

And now, 53 years ago. And it still seems new and fresh and original and completely unlike any other film.

[@eardrumbuzzer6477]

His amazing and beautiful blue eyes really shine! Malcolm is a terrific actor!

[@marilyndee969]

Yes indeed. He and Mel Gibson have some of the most beautiful blue eyes. They really stand out. And they didn't do anything to make that happen. Just the luck of having those eyes.

[@roflmows]

i was lucky enough to meet Mr. McDowell at Hollywood Palms in Naperville, IL, a little while back. he's a HELL of a nice guy, very real, not at all stuck up or anything. he even did a Q&A before the movie (they were showing Clockwork of course), talked about working with Kubrick, it was very cool. the best part was when he said: "Make sure you order something good to eat. TRY THE WINE!!!" lol, was too funny. what a guy ;)

[@dannyroberts6655]

It's a shame his northern English accent has been replaced with a transatlantic one over the years. Brilliant actor though, probably one of the best British actors we've ever had.

[@jettoutlaw3700]

Where exactly is that dialect heard, Sir? I know there's several different British accents but that's all I know. Could you elaborate, please?

[@kelman727]

Hard to say: he was born in Leeds, worked in Lancashire for a while, but raised in Liverpool. At the time, 'correcting' your accent was vital if you wanted to go into most professions or get into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Thankfully not the case now.

[@alfching2499]

That’s what too long in Nightmare Land does for you,He Looks very Well though.

[@colbybogue7754]

My favorite movie of all time,it opened my mind to the world.this is a masterpiece forever.

[@cosmokramer179]

Malcolm McDowell is so underrated

[@abigailsockeye1586]

Dare I say Kubrick's best film? And a low budget one at that, and one he intentionally pulled from theaters himself.

[@Zm598]

I would say 2001 and the shining are the best, or at least my personal favorites :) .....[clockwork is a technical masterpiece and I love almost everything about it beyond the viewing experience]

[@aidanfilms702]

A clockwork orange, 2001, The shining, and eyes wide shut are the best imo.

[@eardrumbuzzer6477]

In other words, you love the Soundtrack......as well.

[@Zm598]

James Woody what?

[@lewiscranston881]

2001 is my personal favourite. But A Clockwork Orange is a close second.

[@OgonoArtFamily]

I'm singing in the rain~

[@poodonkey123]

He's such a perfect Alex.

[@davidkiley2522]

this is my absolute favorite movie of all time....have seen it hundreds of times....never gets old......:)

[@y2kmedia118]

I watched this movie for the first time last month and it immediately became my favorite film of all time

[@svenspan78]

he´s a very very good actor...he deserved an award for what he has been throu for that movie...

[@tiffsaver]

McDowell was brilliant in this role... terrifying, even today.

[@Deutschlieber]

Mr. McDowell is absolutely correct. Even today, ACO looks very futuristic...the Durango 95, the vulgar clothing, the bleak housing estates full of trash and graffiti.

[@omega2k1969]

As of this interview he was still handsome. Good for you Malcolm!

[@dianaallison6110]

Malcolm was so gorgeous back then.. & still is today...a brilliant actor/cant imagine anyone else playing Alex. A timeless film, hands down. I love him in everything I've seen him in...

[@nicholasjanke3476]

Uh gorgeous?? Well no I never thought so (neither was Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Lucille Ball, Bill Bixby-these actors attracted audiences more by their prescence)

[@marilyndee969]

I agree. I read later that he played villians because he lost his "pretty boy" good lucks. They didn't last. But his activng ability did. He just changed the roles he had. Then again, Alex was not a nice character. So maybe he just played more of the same. With an older face.

[@carlostrevino2669]

I have seen CWO so many times and read the book. I first saw the movie when I was 9, by accident. Later,watched it as an adult. On my birthday finally saw it on the big screen. Love Malcome,love this movie. One of my all time favorite movies!!!!

[@mikebasil4832]

Happy 50th Anniversary to A Clockwork Orange. 👏🏻

[@Count22]

Remember feeling an underlying fear.I think we all did.Its a stones throw away and we all know it.Alex represents that. Thank god we were smart enough to realize Anthony Burgess's work,Kubrik to deliver it...But Malcolm McDowell to personify it. Brilliance in Film.

[@borjastick]

Gangster number 1. He is extraordinary in it.

[@hipshimmy]

I loved him in that film.

[@proxkei2266]

I only watch this film only when im alone. Lol

[@Eternaldarkness3166]

I love this guy on Heroes too, a brilliant actor one of my favorites.

[@johnwatts8346]

what a glorious feeling, im bap bap... happy again...

[@ObiWanCannolii]

I had no idea McDowell was responsible for that that piece in the film. It was stunning and it reached out and slapped you in the face and then punched you in the stomach. Remarkable actor - and of course, Stanley was pure genius. Bravo!

[@businesschic24]

Malcolm McDowell is actually really hilarious. He starred in that new Halloween movie, and I didn't watch it, but I watched ten minutes worth of bloopers and he is so hilarious, and he's just making it up, too, all the jokes. Look it up. He's so funny in them.

[@ryanmerkle7892]

This comment was 10 years ago. Wow lol

[@UvuloidFriction]

he was absolutely fuckin BRILLIANT. i don't think Kubrick could have casted anyone better

[@SlamifiedBuddafied]

According to McDowell (commentary from 'A Clockwork Orange') he was approached by Kubrick and it was said, "As I was reading this book, I couldn't get the image of you out of my head. I don't think, this movie, could have been created if you didn't exist!"

[@fabeswag8874]

Why because it shows murder and rape

[@SlamifiedBuddafied]

Fabe Swag It portrays the mind of a wicked man who seeks both the finer things in life, yet through subjective experience he finds pleasures in the more taboo or unheard of things some people in this world take pleasure in. Alex see's himself as a catch above the rest, one who's so used to being able to take what he wants, it's a norm. It's a bit narrow for you to focus specifically on the ideals of homicide and rape when there is a much more grand design behind the character of Alex. At the time, McDowell was already a somewhat controversial actor of the time, but also had some pull when it came to excellence in acting; he was capable of putting himself into the mind of what I'd call "a civil maniac" and that is essentially an oxymoron.

[@chrisyonts5887]

SlamifiedBuddafied DON'T TOUCH THAT! IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT WORK OF ART.

[@SlamifiedBuddafied]

***** I'm afraid you've lost me.

[@karmsuri3028]

Each frame of the film stays etched on the mind, like every Stanley movie. Can see this movie again and again. And can't think of the movie without Malcolm.

[@TheOneWithTheHair1]

He still looks fantastic.

[@Legoflymaster89]

Loved him on Blue Thunder, Milk Money, Star Trek Generations, Mr Magoo, Time After Time

[@escobar8133]

Check out gangster no1

[@soraganteng]

i love his eyes

[@SheenaJackson39]

A Clockwork Orange is my all-time favorite movie.

[@Boodhunnilesh]

so true, stanley's a visionary

[@rjzavala87]

My favorite movie. Its just so good.

[@TheGuyThatsAwesome]

Arthur C. Clarke wrote 2001 the novel as he was writing the script with Kubrick.....

[@brantfrans8595]

An incredible, insane movie. But still the role took it's toll on him.

[@Claytone-Records]

That Singing in the Rain is one of the perfect scenes in film.

[@indyman1223]

Malcolm McDowell just summed up why this is my favorite movie. It's about the right to choose, simple as that

[@falltwilight]

Great actor talking about his seminal role. As a fan I am glad to see that he continues to put out great work. He is great as the mysterious Employer in the upcoming indie horror film "The Employer"

[@Robson1898vascao]

And Malcolm wasnt even nomitated for Oscar. But even if he would, he couldnt beat Gene Hackman at The French Connection.

[@randywhite3947]

Robson1898vascao you don’t know that

[@shytguy]

He's so right. When I first was introduced to clockwork I couldn't believe it was made in 1971. I thought it was recent upon first look

[@apocyldoomer]

A most memorable scene him singing and kicking the guy in the face, just hilarious! A timeless movie, still famous!

[@jasperedwards3341]

My favourite part of the movie is when he returned the the place with the man in wheelchair and he has a bath and stars singing in the rain and the face of the man in wheelchair is priceless

[@cybernautadventurer]

This film was so extraordinary in that it showed a psychopath trying to adapt to normal life after being treated for his mental illness. The biggest irony of this movie is that even when Alex's demons had been exorcised from him, he still had to face the consequences of his actions, namely from his victims exerting their own justice. I agree with the plot-point that Alex would inevitably be led to suicide. I think a psychopath who is suddenly given all the inhibitions that normal people have, the stress and fear of it must be overwhelming. I can't believe no other Hollywood film has run with a similar idea.

[@futuropasado]

Led to suicide because they brainwashed him artificially, relating Beethoven to violence. Stress and fear comes from that, this could be made to any normal human. You didn't understand Kubricks/Burguess whole point. They see the state violence, brainwash and cinism as bad as Alex violence. Also, that violence to cure violence it's an infinite wheel, and a man without choice is not a man, Alex should be in jail instead of brainwashed and used politically.

[@ngardner157]

A Clockwork Orange is a classic

[@TheOwlEyes]

my favorite movie ever......EVAR!!!!!!!!

[@swifty1969]

“FOOD!!….. alright?” “Very good sir” “Have some wine”

[@zeoinfinitneospace2134]

Did you know who voice Metallo in Superman the animated series this guy I love his performance

[@SK8musicfeeling]

The movie is a true classic. The book is simply a piece of art.

[@demonbarber14]

Malcolm McDowell is the coolest actor ever!

[@fuschiadreams]

Completely and wholeheartedly agree with you!

[@trungha8]

same. thats what makes it so great

[@lollipopfop]

I agree with you. Directors are not often writers. I can only think of a small handful that are the head writers as well as directors, and mostly those are showrunners on tv shows. They are completely different art forms!!!!

[@nicholasjanke3476]

A Clockwork Orange struck a cord with the public being that everyone is scared of violent crime. That's basically it.

[@Tarbabyification]

they say time is the fire in which we burn

[@michealcurrie8272]

You do it better when you smile.....

[@Icelandrobot]

and this is why malcolm mcdowell is the beast actor ever

[@mhaze210]

A Clockwork Orange is easily (imo) Kubrick's most insane / interesting films. One that I don't watch nearly as much as The Shining or Full Metal Jacket (or maybe even 2001)....I think it's because it just STICKS with you and it's so unforgettable, you really don't need to see it again (until you start realizing all the messages, metaphors and symbology is scattered throughout the film). Watching A Clockwork Orange is like peaking into Kubrick's mind.

[@TheGyroBarqusShow]

(the description) no it's released in February 2nd 1972 in the USA that means 1 year later then what you said guys, come on AFI

[@Yorgar]

thanks for explaining the ending confused the hell out of me

[@JesusCristo2002]

Kubrick's masterpiece includes themes of: the brutality and barbartity of our nature, free will, psychological conditioning, the influence of art and media in culture and it's effect upon humanity, and government authority. "A Clockwork Orange" is third in my top ten greatest English Language/American films ever made (behind a tie between Francis Ford Coppola's first two "Godfather" films and Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey").

[@soundwavs1961c]

He was great in Time After Time as H.G. Wells

[@cx1designs]

Genius!!

[@Viperman200221]

Great actor!

[@hiramquesada9]

love him!!!!!

[@forrestrobinson2754]

He seemed a-little bit sick at 2:36 :)

[@lou.104]

His accent is very different here. If you look at some interviews of him in the early 70s perhaps you'd understand that there's a difference, that he sounded much more british back then and now he sounds very different.

[@tunainoil]

That's what happens when you live and work an X amount of years in the US.

[@smittenbykittens]

He is still so very attractive

[@PaulT1967]

I can't say McDowell became renowned for his powers of intellect. He looked intelligent in those early 70s films; unless he suffered in an accident, how appearances can deceive.

[@TrenchMan93]

He still has that look in his eye

[@brokenscimitar]

I have no idea as to what hidden meaning there is or was in A Clockwork Orange, I thought that it was just a marvellously well-acted and produced motion picture, so there!

[@cx1designs]

Great actor!! Great movie!! :o)

[@1960bioshock]

This is president. John henry Eden! I was so blown away when I learned he was in fallout 3

[@027220]

1:51 - 2:21 Malcolm's right. I mean Alex can 'never' change.

[@EdwardPCampbell]

Not entirely 'seminal' he was also a star in the rebellious public schoolboy film 'IF'. Released 1968. Filmed by Lindsey Anderson. Mc Dowell shines, as usual. "Viddy well, o my brothers. Viddy well".

[@paulyoldmac]

@Boodhunnilesh surely anthony burgess was the visionary here,kubrick adapted it brilliantly but credit where credits due

[@SatchmoSings]

Not only "A Clockwork Orange" but "If..." and "O Lucky Man!" are his legacy . . . When I saw "If..." I couldn't get over it and I'll always remember Justine Noonan; gawd she was the hottest but in a very friendly way.

[@Seph_vision]

I wanted him to talk about the contraption they put on his eyes to keep them open.

[@Jurassicprince]

0:06 A Clockwork Orange, If...., ..... and then Easy A. Wow.

[@nicholasjanke3476]

Stanely Kubrick on the film's message:"It is wrong to turn even evil criminals into vegetables."

[@preachermeat]

the movie holds true to the book in most of the cases...except for the missing 13'th chapter that some books have and some do not. but even without that last chapter, the movie does a great job of laying out the ideas that burgess was trying to convey, even if kubrick took more liberties than the author would have wished he'd done.

[@LookNoUnderscores]

I bought it the other day, watched the shit out of it.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

This man was a GOD in this movie.

[@leespencerzombie]

Wow, i love this guy, i ddnt kno u played Alex!!

[@UnkleAce]

Great movie

[@melgrant7404]

OMG those menacing eyes

[@chooselife5863]

Great film!

[@RaikenXion]

Exactly how old is Malcolm Mcdowell now?? cus hes really aged, Still hes a great actor

[@Revengeofthestorm61]

My god how quickly he has aged, i dont think he is that old but he certainly looks older than his age.

[@mikecailean2053]

Why do you feel the necessity to be pessimistic about him reading his comment? Why take the time? Does his belief really matter so much, that you feel the need to comment on it in that way? And how am I giving false hope? This is the Internet anyone can read these comments, including Mcdowell himself. A man Can Dream, and your just one of those haters bringing him down.

[@CyanideSublime]

0:50 - ... *fly*

[@alexdelarge703]

Viddy well, little brothers. Viddy well.

[@juliusaugustino8409]

Great film:) a clockwork orange and shining. My personal favourites from kubrick.

[@thufir1971]

This movie is, among many other things it is about, also about raising children. For a very long time many people thought that children have to be broken and subdued to the world of adults at any cost and with any means, including brute force. Raising children was for a long time something coming along with the unconditional and complete submittance of the free spirit and vibrancy of children. The result were emotionally dead adults full of wrath, not able to tolerate anything than violence.

[@dlsofsetx]

My idea would be a three part miniseries.Part 1 up to Alex's conviction,2 his prison & Ludovico experiences,3 after his release.There was much in the book not in the movie.