Re: Alex Delarge by Rainman
The differance here is we know Alex is fictional, even though we also know that people really behave like him. But because he is something created specifically for us the audience, he is groomed to evoke emotion from us. Kubrick is demonstrating how the system is also evil in it's own ways, trying to justify brainwashing with religion and rehabilitation and how from Alex's perspective, he even percieves it at the worse evil, employing rapists/gang memebrs much the same as himself, illegal brainwashing methods etc. They are hypocrites that are justified by fear, lack of information and public outrage and claiming to want to be able to reform this 15 year old kid.
Another thing to take into account is Alex is not a murderer. A horrible person that takes pleasure in such things, but does not at any point pre-meditate murder. The woman who was raped dies as a result of shock after the fact, and the catwoman was killed in the heat of the moment, you can tell by Alex's immediate reaction it was unintentional. This and his explotation, the idea that who he is at his core can be taken away or that the things he loves can manifest, like a cancer inside him in such a way to cause physical harm is something that we fear ourselves and so we sympathize with him. He a 15 year old kid that made a mistake, albeit a horrible horrible one.
But we are also shown that he is smart enough and aware of what he did is so wrong that it hurts, and then is sort of given this real second chance when the process is removed and yet his brain is just wired so as to go right back to those thoughts. The idea is this evil nature is in anyone no matter the age or who they are, its primitive basic instict we all have to overcome or choose to embrace. Alex is abused by religion, high government, medical professionals, police officers, friends, parents, and regular civilians. No one is above it. In fact were presented with the idea that as a normal man, Alex stands no chance against these "monsters", being beaten by his former gang who are now the police, being unable to defend himself against an old man, or group of old tired homeless people. I can't help but feel good for him as he has that final fantasy. He lives in a world of monsters and being the biggest one is the only way he can thrive.
Let's keep bumping this picture yeah?
