Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece from 1971 dealt with deep philosophical questions without giving any answers. The observer has no easy way to identify himself with any characters or the pictured society as a full load. The movie is reflecting the dilemma that the only way to increase moral is to decrease freedom. In Kubrick’s movie the dualistic society consists only of perpetrators and victims. The roles are fixed but the persons are interchangable. Therefore there is nobody who could be able to be responsible to handle the power to decrease freedom. On the other hand there are deviant personalities that abuse their freedom to violate the law. Psychologic methods introduced in the movie cannot improve the moral of the society because they can only change a former perpetrator to a victim if the world is dichotom between “anvil and hammer”. Who then should condition the conditioners? The movie reflects the zeitgeist of the early seventies when people began to doubt that the utopia of B.F. Skinners “Walden Two” could be realized or should be wished. The ortodox behaviouristic paradigm that a human being is only a reflection of his/her learning history tottered dramatically in this time. Behaviouristic methods used by mighty officials of a sick society cannot heal criminal indiviuals and are no panacea. All they can do is take their freedom of choice. Kubrick was no psychologist and in his oeuvre he borrowed the stylistic tool of disassociation and threrfore he probably used no
behavioural textbook showing the methods and he gives more a general idea about it. For example the cable system around Alex’ forehead is more a metaphor of Jesus’ crown of thorns than a necessary device in the treatment.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- 1. The diagnosis of the protagonists defiant behaviour
- 2. Speculations about the etiology for Alex's disorder
- 2.1 Genetic hypothesis
- 2.2 Social Factors
- 3. The message about people like Alex and the mental health profession in general
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This preview analyzes Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" through the lens of abnormal psychology, examining the protagonist Alex's behavior and the societal implications of his "treatment." It explores the film's ambiguous portrayal of free will versus determinism and the ethical dilemmas inherent in controlling human behavior.
- Diagnosis of Alex's antisocial behavior and the application of DSM-IV criteria.
- Exploration of potential etiological factors, including genetic and social influences.
- Analysis of the film's message regarding the treatment of violent offenders and the role of mental health professionals.
- Examination of the philosophical implications of behavior modification and the suppression of free will.
- Discussion of the film's reflection of the zeitgeist of the early 1970s and its critique of behaviorism.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage by highlighting the philosophical complexities of Kubrick's film, emphasizing the lack of easy answers and the portrayal of a society where the only way to increase morality may be to decrease freedom. It introduces the central dilemma of the film: the potential conflict between individual freedom and social order, and questions the efficacy of behavior modification techniques in addressing criminal behavior. The introduction also situates the film within its historical context, noting the waning faith in behavioristic paradigms in the early 1970s.
1. The diagnosis of the protagonists defiant behaviour: This chapter attempts to diagnose Alex's behavior using the DSM-IV criteria. While acknowledging the challenges of applying a standard diagnostic system to a surreal cinematic context, the chapter explores the possibility of several diagnoses, including sexual sadism and antisocial personality disorder. The analysis focuses on Alex's impulsive behavior, lack of empathy, and disregard for social norms. The chapter ultimately leans towards a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, supported by a detailed examination of Alex's actions and their consistency with DSM-IV criteria. The discussion also touches upon psychopathy, although it's not officially a DSM-IV diagnosis, emphasizing Alex's remorselessness and manipulative behavior. The chapter carefully analyzes the film's portrayal of Alex's actions and behaviour without jumping to conclusions.
2. Speculations about the etiology for Alex's disorder: This chapter explores potential explanations for Alex's antisocial behavior. It addresses the difficulties in determining etiology due to the film's limited portrayal of Alex's past. The chapter examines two major hypotheses: genetic and social factors. The genetic hypothesis considers potential biological predispositions, while the social factors hypothesis explores the role of Alex's dysfunctional family environment, his lack of punishment and fear, and the reinforcing effects of his violent behavior within his peer group. The chapter links the concepts discussed to relevant research, mentioning the role of impulsiveness and empathy in the development of antisocial personality disorder.
3. The message about people like Alex and the mental health profession in general: This chapter delves into the film's broader message regarding the treatment of individuals like Alex and the role of mental health professionals. It analyzes two contrasting perspectives: Alex's behavior as a product of free will or as a consequence of societal conditioning. The chapter critically examines the methods used to "cure" Alex, raising ethical questions about the manipulation of free will and the potential consequences of suppressing individual choice. It also briefly touches upon the shift in psychological thought, referencing the cognitive revolution and the questions it raised about free will and the responsibility of psychologists in society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick, antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, behavior modification, free will, determinism, societal conditioning, ethics, abnormal psychology, DSM-IV, violence, social learning theory, behaviorism, aversion therapy.
A Clockwork Orange: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this document?
This is a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of Stanley Kubrick's film "A Clockwork Orange," focusing on the psychological aspects of the protagonist's behavior and the societal implications of his "treatment." It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis of "A Clockwork Orange"?
The analysis delves into the complex interplay between free will and determinism, exploring the ethical dilemmas inherent in controlling human behavior. It examines the diagnosis of the protagonist's antisocial behavior, potential etiological factors (genetic and social), the film's message regarding the treatment of violent offenders, and the role of mental health professionals. The philosophical implications of behavior modification and the suppression of free will are also central themes.
How is Alex's behavior diagnosed in the analysis?
The analysis attempts to diagnose Alex's behavior using DSM-IV criteria, considering diagnoses such as sexual sadism and antisocial personality disorder. It focuses on Alex's impulsive behavior, lack of empathy, and disregard for social norms, ultimately leaning towards a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. The analysis carefully considers the film's surreal cinematic context and avoids hasty conclusions.
What etiological factors are considered for Alex's behavior?
The analysis explores potential explanations for Alex's antisocial behavior, examining both genetic and social factors. The genetic hypothesis considers biological predispositions, while the social factors hypothesis explores the influence of a dysfunctional family environment, lack of punishment, and reinforcing effects of violent behavior within his peer group.
What is the film's message regarding the treatment of individuals like Alex and the mental health profession?
The analysis examines the film's message concerning the treatment of individuals like Alex and the role of mental health professionals. It considers two contrasting perspectives: Alex's behavior as a product of free will or societal conditioning. The ethical questions surrounding the manipulation of free will and the suppression of individual choice are critically analyzed, along with a brief discussion of shifts in psychological thought and the responsibilities of psychologists.
What are the key keywords associated with this analysis?
Key terms include: A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick, antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, behavior modification, free will, determinism, societal conditioning, ethics, abnormal psychology, DSM-IV, violence, social learning theory, behaviorism, and aversion therapy.
What is the structure of the full analysis (as previewed here)?
The full analysis includes an introduction, chapters on the diagnosis of Alex's behavior, speculations on the etiology of his disorder, and a chapter discussing the film's message about individuals like Alex and the mental health profession. Each chapter is summarized in this preview.
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document serves as a preview to a more extensive academic analysis of "A Clockwork Orange," providing a structured overview of its content and key arguments for research and academic purposes. The information is intended solely for academic use.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Heiko Böttcher (Autor:in), 2006, The Metamorphosis of Alex in Stanley Kubrick's 'Clockwork Orange' from a Viewpoint of Abnormal Psychology, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71141
