Clockwork Orange Spectatorship Analysis

http://sssfcfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-male-gaze-clockwork-orange.html







During the treatment scene, how is the spectator punished? By this point of the film, it is believed by many that since the audience is still here with Alex (as oppose to choosing to just not watch the film at all), then they too are in need of punishment due to their involvement of the previous crimes. Alex introduces the scene via his narration, and refers to the audience once again as his 'brothers'. The audience, who have now been directly identified, are invited in to the scene. During the punishment of Alex, the audience are given an Extreme Close-Up of Alex's right eye (which has been identified earlier in the film as symbolic of the evil side of Alex's persona, due to the make-up in his costume. This connotes his evil persona is being punished) which has been cramped open by metal prongs. The audience are forced to watch this which in turn will distress and disturb some audiences. The Close-Up of Alex's face as he is being tortured also tells the audience of the terror and pain Alex is going through. His excessive screaming and begging to stop can also distress some audiences. It is thought that while Alex may be being punished for violent crimes through the Ludvigo Technique, the audience are being punished for their involvement in the crimes by being shown these distressing images. With the Audience and Alex both being punished for their crimes, it enhances their growing relationship, showing a sort of solidarity and unity between the two. The audience will also sympathise with Alex more through this scene, thus aligning with him more.