it has the same signature mechanics but it's really the plot that ultimately gets people to watch it, I mean if Clockwork Orange's main plot descended into some weird orgy ring for the rich (I admit Korova Milk Bar was a prelude to a certain degree), without any identifiable struggles of the common human experience, it might have been written off.

The problem in my view is that EWS's failure was in that most people just didn't identify enough with the characters or their struggles other than a superficial 'affluent married couple with divorce lawyer on speed dial with illuminati'.

In fact, it's just become a favorite topic of conspiracy theorists that have largely decoupled from the story line, and in my view, simply did not do Kubrick justice since an artisan or creator's final work is always scrutinized. I remember large parts of the movie being edited out which allegedly enraged Kubrick and put him at odds with producers.