A Clockwork Orange

 A CLOCKWORK ORANGE

 Thriller Conventions Conventions

KUBRICK’S ‘A CLOCKWORK ORANGE’

 The use of a tunnel setting shows that it is an unglamorous, dimly lit urban location, which is a generic thriller convention. conve ntion. The tunnel is a very claustrophobic setting, helping to unnerve and build tension  within the audience.

 There is a sort of ‘mob mentality’ in  which the ‘vulnerable’ (drunk) individual individu al is attacked by a group. This helps to build tension as it is obvious that something bad is going to happen, and –  and  – enhanced enhanced by the shadowing shadowing of the non-ambient chiaroscuro lighting  –  makes  makes the group (droogs) seem callous and

KUBRICK’S ‘A CLOCKWORK ORANGE’

 The use of light in this shot helps to create contrasts contr asts of black and white, enhancing the binary opposite of ligh lightt and dark; which appeals to the audience.

 The use of chiaroscuro lighting helps to create a surreal, dream-like feel to the shot, continued through aspects of the film.

 The use of shadows created by the chiaroscuro lighting seems very menacing, helping to evoke fear and tension within the audience.

KUBRICK’S ‘A CLOCKWORK ORANGE’

 The use of nonambient lighting connotes falsity, which could be making a statement about social conformity between  Alex and his ‘droogs’‘droogs’as they appear to blindly obey him for the most part of the film. film. This falsity could be reflective of his false sense of power and control, possibly ironically foreshadowing his inevitable downfall later in the film.

 The white costume –  costume  –  and  and  Alex’ make-up make-up  –  helps  helps to show the devianc deviancee of the group; adding to the build buil d up of tension within the audience.