A Clockwork Orange - Opening sequence analysis

The opening sequence to A Clockwork Orange begins with bright red and blue title cards, which are accompanied by non diegetic music, the combination of these two elements makes the introduction to the film unsettling and jarring due to this being unconventional of film, the music also sounds as if it is building up to something dramatic, increasing the feeling of anxiety the spectator would experience.

    The first shot of the film is a close up of Alex, this shot performs the following three functions for the spectator. Firstly, it introduces Alex as the protagonist of the story, as his face is literally the first image of the film. Secondly the shot divides his face into two, one half with eye makeup, the other half without. This shows the spectator the duality of Alex's character, he could either be a maniacal killer or a charming young man. Finally it helps the spectator align with Alex as Alex is staring directly at the spectator, this drives a connection between the two. All narration in the film is provided by Alex, he starts his narration in this scene and is the first voice that the spectator hears, Alex also addresses the spectator directly and is the translator for the strange and unfamiliar world that they are in. Again cementing his place as the protagonist. As the camera tracks further and further out Alex and his drooges stay central to the frame, however we see mannequins of naked women surrounding them. This tells us that women in this film are seen as literal objects with functions, the mannequins are used as tables, chairs and milk dispensers.