Malcolm McDowell, a legendary British actor, is one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation. With a career spanning over six decades, he has starred in some of the most iconic and influential films of all time, including A Clockwork Orange, If..., and Caligula.
Malcolm McDowell’s career has graced audiences with a wide range of memorable performances. His breakthrough role as Alex DeLarge in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) remains one of the most iconic roles he played. However, in a surprising revelation, McDowell admitted in a 2020 interview with The Guardian that he has no memory of most of his films.
Malcolm McDowell Does Not Remember Most of his Films
In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Malcolm McDowell made a startling confession that left fans and colleagues alike astounded. He revealed that he has virtually no memory of his experiences working on the majority of his films.
“People stop me and say, ‘Oh, we loved you in blah-blah’ and I say, ‘Sorry, that wasn’t me,’” McDowell told The Guardian.
“And then they’ll show me on their phone or show me the DVD cover and sure enough, there I am. And I have no memory of doing it at all.”
McDowell said he had no interest in chasing more ambitious projects. “I’m not going to seek them out.”
“If they offer me something, I’ll do it. But do I want to go parading around actively looking for work? No. Because I don’t have the ambition to be above the title, doing this, that and the other. I really don’t care. I’ve had an amazing run, an incredible career, when you take it all into account.”
McDowell is known for his chameleon-like acting style, which allows him to seamlessly transform into any role, from the charismatic villain to the tortured hero.
Malcolm McDowell Calls the Production of A Clockwork Orange “overbearing”
McDowell has appeared in nearly 300 films and does remember filming A Clockwork Orange. He calls the production “overbearing.”
“I was a useful rebel in the 60s and 70s. But the Kubrick movie was overbearing. Everything was measured against A Clockwork Orange, which gets a little old. But that’s what happens when you work with giants.”
He went on to say Kubrick was “too brutal” to form a close relationship with him. “But I’m an old fossil these days. So I sit still and stay quiet,” he said.
Nevertheless, his diverse range and acting prowess have solidified his place as one of Britain’s most respected actors.
