Analysis and comparision of two film reviews of "A Clockwork Orange".

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Never far from controversy, Stanley Kubrick's 1971 classic 'A Clockwork Orange,' over the years since its release, has sparked huge debate. Emotionally charged language has perpetuated reviews, papers and simmering complaints about the movie, whilst varied semantic devices and all levels of diction have been utilized by many levels of 'scholar' trying desperately to put across their points clearly on what is a complicated, and undeniably deep appraisal of youth, society and the portrayal of evil. This essay will aim to contrast two different reviews written on the same subject, outlining the different techniques used and the overall feel of the two pieces. Whether through preconceived ideas or just general skill with semantics and grammar etc. they certainly strike different tones and studying the lexis, grammar, metaphorical and rhetorical language and typographic features I will discuss the reviews, noting the similarities and differences.

The two pieces themselves are both reviews, one professional from Yvonne Ng from writing for 'Kinema', an online subscription journal that is clearly aimed at the academic, the other by Cesar Alvia who scribes for another site clearly as a fan of the film, rather than being paid for his opinions. Indeed, the second site boasts that 'The reviews are written by fans who do it for the love of it- Not for money! ' Both of the reviews set out a brief background of Kubrick's motivation to produce the film, various techniques he used to create the ambience of the movie and go through the events that unfold as the story progresses. However, they both clearly attempt to engage their own audiences, Ng with a well researched and referenced technical insight and Alvia with his familiar tone, witty asides and obvious love for his subject topic. Under the following headlines, I will explore in greater details, certain issues in the writing.

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Register: The real difference that first strikes one between these two reviews, is the use of the register in the two pieces and the entirely different tone that categorises and appeals to the two audiences. In Ng's 'Kinema' piece, the formal style is prevalent from the very beginning, utilising referenced quotes with a more mature and advanced grasp of semantics obvious: 'has acquired a prominent place in the history of cinema' as opposed to the latter review 'If you've never seen A Clockwork Orange, then quit reading this review and go rent a copy.'

Although it would ...

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