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.
Table of Contents
1. The diagnosis of the protagonists defiant behaviour
2. Speculations about the etiology for Alex’s dissorder
2.1 Genetic hypothesis
2.2 Social Factors
3. The message about people like Alex and the mental healths profession in general
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the character Alex from Stanley Kubrick’s film "A Clockwork Orange" through the lens of abnormal psychology, focusing on diagnostic criteria for personality disorders and the ethical implications of behavioral modification.
- Application of DSM IV criteria for antisocial personality disorder.
- Etiological speculation regarding genetic and social environmental factors.
- Analysis of behavioral reinforcement and the lack of empathy.
- Critique of aversion therapy and the role of psychology in state control.
- Philosophical reflections on free will and societal conditioning.
Excerpt from the Book
1. The diagnosis of the protagonists defiant behaviour
In the context of the surreal environment created in this movie it is difficult to give a DSM IV diagnosis because the disorders described in this diagnostic system are contrasted with normal behaviour in the western society. Whereas the symptoms shown by Alex point personality traits that qualify him as leader of his gang. Alex takes drugs in the “Korova-Milkbar” but that is more an expression of his lifestyle and does not infect his daily life. It is a recreational use without any symptoms of abuse or dependence. The “Milk Plus” with the haluzigen “Velocet” energized him but in contrast to his mother he takes no drugs to stay in function.
It is to consider whether or not Alex meets the criteria for sexual sadism because it is to believe that he has shown this deviant sexual rape behaviour more than six months and the women he violated are not consenting. However, primarily Alex suffers from a personality disorder. This stigmative estimate can be made because his markedly defiant affectivity and cognition are enduring and and interfere not at least caused by his lack of impulse control his interpersonal functioning. An example is the scene where Alex hurts a gang member because he is disturbing his enjoyment of a Beethoven interpretation in the Korova-Milkbar. Before the treatment Alex shows behaviour like that in the milkbar what impairs his social functioning in an extreme way. From the novell we know that he has been was very defiant in this way since he was 15. Alex has no other medical problems, mental disorders or distinct patterns of substance abuse.
Summary of Chapters
1. The diagnosis of the protagonists defiant behaviour: This chapter analyzes Alex's actions and psychological profile, concluding that he meets the criteria for an antisocial personality disorder rather than substance abuse or other mental illnesses.
2. Speculations about the etiology for Alex’s dissorder: This section explores potential origins of Alex’s behavior, considering both genetic predispositions and the significant influence of his social environment and upbringing.
3. The message about people like Alex and the mental healths profession in general: The final chapter discusses the philosophical and ethical implications of using clinical psychology as a tool for state-mandated behavioral modification.
Keywords
Alex, Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick, Abnormal Psychology, Antisocial Personality Disorder, DSM IV, Etiology, Genetic Hypothesis, Social Factors, Social Learning Theory, Aversion Therapy, Behavioral Conditioning, Free Will, Ethics, Psychopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work focuses on analyzing the fictional character Alex from the movie "A Clockwork Orange" using concepts from abnormal psychology.
Which central thematic fields are covered?
The main themes include diagnostic assessments, the origins of criminal behavior, behavioral conditioning, and the ethical role of psychology within society.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to provide a psychological perspective on the protagonist's behavior and to critique the methods used to modify his personality within the film's narrative.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author applies clinical diagnostic criteria (DSM IV) and theoretical frameworks like social learning theory to interpret the film's events.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the diagnosis of Alex's defiance, speculative causes of his disorder (genetics and social environment), and a reflection on how society uses psychology to control deviant individuals.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include antisocial personality disorder, behavioral conditioning, aversion therapy, social learning theory, and the critique of psychological methods.
Why is it difficult to provide a DSM IV diagnosis for Alex?
It is difficult because the film presents a surreal environment where the character's behavior is contrasted against a highly specific and dysfunctional societal context.
How does the author view the "Ludovici-Technic"?
The author views it as a controversial method that focuses on eliminating choices, effectively turning the perpetrator into a victim, and questions the underlying behaviorist assumption that all behavior is learned.
Does the author consider Alex to be a psychopath?
While acknowledging that "psychopathy" is not a formal DSM IV diagnosis, the author argues that Alex exhibits key traits such as lack of empathy, selfishness, and remorselessness.
- Quote paper
- Heiko Böttcher (Author), 2006, The Metamorphosis of Alex in Stanley Kubrick's 'Clockwork Orange' from a Viewpoint of Abnormal Psychology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71141
