I have to agree that Clockwork was a great movie. It was highly original in costumes, dialogue, plot, characterization, etc. I understand the characters' motivation to do what they did, and the completely sociopathic nature of the protagonist.
I just couldn't handle the level of violence. I find that sticks with me and overtakes the good things about the movie.
I liked A Clockwork Orange, and I understood why I liked it. That kid who was the protagonist was a punk with little self awareness. He was a product of his environment with no emotional or ethical ambiguities dogging him. The Micheal Douglas character is loaded with them and knows he is deeply flawed. Kubrick really made an outstanding film in Clockwork. @CJ, with the guy in traffic, losing his job, they certainly included events that evoke sympathy.