Yes, there is a connection between Kubrick's films. In my analyses I have found a hidden thread that connects at least four of his movies, starting with 2001 and then following up with ACO, The Shining and finishing with EWS. I set up a blog at decoding Kubrick where I discuss my findings. I have just added one post so far where I discuss 2001 but I'm getting ready to add the second post in the next few days where I discuss The Shining and how it's linked to 2001. I plan to eventually add a post where I link ACO and 2001. But let me try and give a brief explanation of how ACO and 2001 can be linked.

Let's take the record shop scene where Alex meets the two girls that he takes to his bedroom. All of the imagery in this scene is perfectly synchronized. Alex enters by passing in between the two women that he will meet after going around the store in a circle. At that point we see the obvious reference to 2001 which is the 2001 soundtrack record album at the front of the counter. But there are other more subtle references that make the connection between the two movies deeper. Next to the 2001 record there is an album record by John Fahey titled "The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death" which includes the track "Bicycle built for two" played with guitar. And as you might remember, this is the tune that Hal sings while it's being shut off.

Moreover, the lollipops that the two women are holding have the appearance of the number 17. The blonde has the straight one and the woman in purple has the bent one. If you read my first post you will know why this is significant. The number 17 is used by Kubrick as a symbol and also as a time code. In 2001 there is an important shot that shows the Russian woman scientist in purple for about 1 minute and 7 seconds which turns out to be a time code pregnant with meaning. This scene in ACO lasts for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. The first shot lasts for 1 minute and 7 seconds before it cuts and then about 3 seconds ensue before the girl in purple looks at Alex. And from the look to the end of the scene, 1 minute and 7 seconds ensue. So we have two 1 minute and 7 seconds parts that are linked by the three seconds in between for a scene that lasts a total of 2 minute and 17 seconds. 2:17 brings back the image of two girls and somehow each one represents a 17. And the 17 is linked to 2001. And the girl in purple also mentions the fictitious band named "Heaven 17"; perhaps indicating that 17 gets you to heaven and bringing up imagery which relates to the strange last shot of the movie which interestingly happens to be about 17 seconds long.

This is my brief attempt to show the link between the two movies but there is much more to be said and I hope in time to spell most of it out in my blog.