Join Professor Nathan Abrams, a Jewish film scholar at Bangor University, as he dissects Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 'A Clockwork Orange.' Dive into the film's exploration of power and the ethical dilemmas surrounding free choice. Abrams highlights Kubrick's Jewish heritage and nuances in the film that reflect complex cultural themes. The discussion also tackles the psychological journey of Alex DeLarge and the chilling blend of violence paired with classical music. They even ponder whether the film's themes resonate positively or negatively for Jewish audiences.
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Nazi Imagery as Youth Rebellion
Billy Boy's Nazi attire early in the film symbolizes youth rebellion, not top-down fascism.
Kubrick intentionally uses Nazi imagery as a subversive motif, setting a totalitarian context for the story.
insights INSIGHT
Classical Music Contrasts Violence
Kubrick's use of classical music contrasts the beauty of art with horrific violence, mirroring Jewish reflections on Nazi culture.
Music in the film is choreographed like ballet, making A Clockwork Orange a thematic musical despite its violent content.
insights INSIGHT
Free Choice and Moral Accountability
The film's core moral question is about free choice and accountability, central themes in Jewish philosophy.
Kubrick criticizes aversion therapy for removing a person's ability to choose, thus negating true reformation.
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This 600-page biography of Stanley Kubrick delves into the life and career of the iconic filmmaker. Co-authored by Nathan Abrams and Robert P. Kolker, the book provides an in-depth look at Kubrick's creative process. It explores the themes and motifs prevalent in his films, offering new insights into his cinematic vision. The biography also examines Kubrick's personal life, shedding light on the experiences that shaped his artistic sensibilities. While not explicitly focused on his Jewishness, the book acknowledges it as a part of Kubrick's identity. The book aims to provide a comprehensive portrait of one of cinema's most enigmatic and influential figures.
Ethics and Ethnicity
Ethics and Ethnicity
David Mamet
David Mamet's 'Ethics and Ethnicity' delves into the complex intersection of moral principles and cultural identity within the context of his work. The book examines how Mamet's Jewish background informs his exploration of ethical dilemmas in plays and films. It considers the influence of Jewish tradition and thought on Mamet's portrayal of characters and narratives. The study also analyzes how Mamet's work engages with broader questions of identity, community, and belonging. By examining the ethical and ethnic dimensions of Mamet's art, the book offers insights into his distinctive voice and vision. It provides a deeper understanding of Mamet's artistic contributions and their significance within contemporary culture.
The new Jew in film
Nathan Abrams
Nathan Abrams' 'The New Jew in Film' delves into the multifaceted portrayals of Jewish identity within contemporary cinema. The book analyzes how films reflect and shape cultural perceptions of Jewishness. It explores themes such as assimilation, religious observance, and the impact of historical events like the Holocaust. Abrams examines how Jewish characters and stories challenge or reinforce existing stereotypes. The study considers the role of Jewish filmmakers in shaping these narratives. By analyzing a range of films, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving representation of Jewish identity in modern cinema.
A Clockwork Orange
Anthony Burgess
In 'A Clockwork Orange', Anthony Burgess depicts a dystopian future where teenage gangs roam the streets, committing acts of violence and mayhem. The protagonist, Alex, narrates his experiences as the leader of such a gang and his subsequent capture and submission to the Ludovico Technique, a controversial behavioral conditioning treatment aimed at eradicating his violent tendencies. The novel delves into profound questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of individual freedom, and the role of government in shaping human behavior. Through Alex's journey, Burgess examines the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between freedom and constraint[1][3][5].
Discipline and Punish
The Birth of the Prison
Simon Prebble
mechil foucault
Michel Foucault
Michel Foucault's "Discipline and Punish" is a seminal work in social theory that examines the evolution of punishment and its relationship to power. Foucault traces the shift from public executions to more subtle forms of disciplinary control in modern societies. He argues that power operates not only through repression but also through the normalization of behavior. The book's analysis of surveillance, discipline, and the creation of docile bodies has had a profound impact on various fields, including criminology, sociology, and literary studies. It remains a crucial text for understanding the workings of power in contemporary society.
Odyssey
Homer
The Wolf is at the Door
Peter Golenbock
Ed Young
Paul T. Nolan
Harriet Rohmer
Sue Alexander
Emily Hearn
Ann McGovern
Aileen Lucia Fisher
Stanley Kubrick, New York Jewish Intellectual
Stanley Kubrick, New York Jewish Intellectual
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Robert P. Kolker
Genesis
Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit
Craig Mundie
Eric Schmidt
Henry A. Kissinger
In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.
In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry are joined by Professor Nathan Abrams, a professor of film studies at Bangor University in Wales and Jewish film scholar, to discuss Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, starring Malcolm McDowell.
They discuss the film’s exploration of the relationship between power and authority, consider the Jewishness in its approach to free choice and accountability, and uncover the subtle allusions Kubrick makes in this, and the rest of the films, to the Jewishness of his upbringing.
As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes. As a bonus, they conclude the discussion by ruminating on whether or not this film is “good for the Jews.”
Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema 
