While many films lose some of their effect over the decades, "A Clockwork Orange" remains one of the most visually arresting movies ever made. At the time of its release, the controversial 1971 Stanley Kubrick film elicited mixed feelings from audiences and — and Anthony Burgess, who wrote the 1962 novel of the same name. The film famously leaves out the novel's final chapter (which was also omitted from American printings at that point in time), thus completely altering the core message Burgess was trying to convey. Interestingly, Burgess himself was initially unsure if the novel's final chapter was necessary or not, which is why he authorized the publication of the American version of the book that ended with chapter 20. However, later in life, he did prefer the original British ending (via anthonyburgess.org) and soured somewhat on the film. Whichever ending you prefer, the deeper questions both novel and film ask about freedom of choice still feel relevant today.
