A study of Stanley Kubrick's analysis of the free will : determinism debate in A Clockwork Orange

Abstract

This is an analysis on how Stanley Kubrick deals with Free Will and Determinism in A Clockwork Orange. This disse1iation tries to find how by creating a highly stylised universe of ultra-violence, Kubrick, tackles one of the fundamental dilemmas of existence: are we free or determined? This dissertation offers an analysis of the questions surrounding the Free Will - Determinism debate through the eyes of Kubrick. Through his mastery of the medium, Kubrick demonstrates that the various techniques of conditioning employed by institutions do not lead to a better person. Rather, the contrary effect can be produced: Thus the anti-hero embodies the paradoxical condition of being good but in despair. Indirectly, Kubrick's portrayal of Alex is a critique of behaviourism and the techniques of conditioning. At issue, ultimately, is a moral question: the possibility of goodness implies the possibility of evil. lo remove the latter would remove the former, but is this condition desirable? To choose despite our impulses, would we still be humans? Removing choke would certainly deprive humans of their humanity. Ultimately Kubrick's genius lies in presenting a philosophical discourse in visual terms and his presentation while itself actually engaging in the debate stimulates the viewer to re-consider his own assumptions.