A Clockwork Orange at Prince Charles Cinema

A Clockwork Orange is perhaps best known for its lengthy ban in the UK. Released in 1972, it was withdrawn later that year by the director Stanley Kubrick after copycat attacks were carried out by youths who had seen the film. As this was before the days of the internet and file sharing, fans of Kubrick's work had to wait until the year 2000 to see it (or else travel abroad), when the ban was lifted after his death. The film is an iconic piece of work, featuring outlandish props and colourful designs - even sinister make-up - all of which had a huge influence on the world of pop (David Bowie took his Spiders from Mars to view it, and subsequently dressed them up in droog-like overalls; Blur paid tribute to the milk bar scenes in their video to 'The Universal'). The film poster, designed by Bill Golding, is also legendary. Following the story of Alex (Malcolm McDowell), the movie explores the violent and hedonistic nature of its lead character. At times awkward and controversial, the film throws up some truly memorable scenes, including the one where Alex has his eyes wrenched open and is forced to watch a plethora of film clips in an attempt to get him to be good. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, the film is one of Kubrick's greatest, and retains its edginess to this day.