Blog Post

1. 15/01/2016
A Clockwork Orange(Kubrick 1971) and Reservoir Dogs (Tarantino 1992)-
ContrapuntalSound Edit
The cuts within A Clockwork Orange retain a similar pace throughout the film, having no
need to change due to slow cut long and extreme long shots used during violent scenes
to reveal the entire picture. Each scene in the film flows on from the last effectively and
seamlessly because of this.
One of the most prominent editing techniques utilised throughout the film is the
addition of contrapuntal sound over the more violent images. A clear example of this is
the invasion scene in Mr. Alexander’s home. Alex, the central protagonist, is heard to be
singing Singing in the rain as he violently beats Mrs. Alexander. This reinforces Alex’s
volatile nature as he is portrayed to be enjoying being aggressive.
A similar technique is used in Reservoir Dogs during the ear cutting sequence. The
upbeat song Stuck in the Middle has been applied to the images of a man being tortured
and eventually having his ear cut off. This audio track does not match the serious tone
of the footage yet it reveals the volatile nature of the character.
The use of this type of editing technique in both films provides the audience with
information about the different characters and their emotions. It also adds humour to
extremely violent scenes making them easier to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP4lWzlO894&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtu
be.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpP4lWzlO894&has_verified=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5rP4CoTyHs