Barry Lyndon-1975
Director Stanley Kubrick
Starring Ryan O’Neal, Marisa Berenson
Top 250 Films #44
Scott’s Review #211
Reviewed January 4, 2015
Grade: A
Barry Lyndon (1975) is a sprawling, beautiful film by famed director Stanley Kubrick. The film is set in the 18th century.
Extremely slow-paced yet mesmerizing, every shot looks like a portrait, and the inventive use of real candlelight in certain scenes makes this film a spectacle in its subdued beauty, to say nothing of the gorgeous sets and costumes.
The film is nothing short of a marvel to view.
The story centers around Ryan O’Neal, who plays an Irishman named Redmond Barry.
Redmond is a poor Irishman, but he is an opportunist. The film follows his life as he travels throughout Ireland, England, and Germany, becoming involved in duels, being robbed, impersonating an officer, being reduced to a servant, gambling, marrying a rich widow, and feuding with his stepson.
When he woos and marries the wealthy Countess of Lyndon, he settles in England to enjoy a life of wealth and sophistication. He changes his name to Barry Lyndon.
His ten-year-old stepson, Lord Bullingdon, becomes a lifelong enemy as their hatred escalates, and he is the focal point of Act II of the film.
The supporting cast is filled with unique characters, and in particular, the three sinister characters (Lord Bullingdon, Mother Barry, and Reverend Runt) are delicious to watch, especially when they square off against one another, as with Runt and Mother Barry.
Barry’s two love interests (Lady Lyndon and a German war widow) are entertaining to watch, and Lady Lyndon’s costumes are exquisite. Furthermore, Chevalier de Balibar, a wealthy gambler who takes Barry under his wing, is a delight.
As with many masterpieces, the film would not be as wonderful without the great casting.
My three favorite scenes include the vicious confrontation between Mother Barry and Reverend Runt- an initially polite conversation between two selfish characters gradually spins into viciousness, the duel between Barry Lyndon and Lord Bullingdon- bitter rivals square off in an awkward yet dramatic duel, and when Barry passionately kisses his dying friend- an unexpected homoerotic scene.
Barry Lyndon delves into the issue of class and class distinctions, clearly defining the haves and the have-nots, and the struggles of the poor to obtain wealth by any means and of the wealthy to retain their good fortunes.
With a running time of over three hours, it may initially turn viewers off, but over time, the film will grip them and not let go.
Having now seen Barry Lyndon (1975) four times, I enjoy the film more each time as I become more absorbed in and immersed in the masterpiece.
It’s like a fine wine- it gets better with each taste.
Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Stanley Kubrick, Best Screenplay Adapted from Other Material, Best Scoring: Original Song Score and Adaptation or Scoring: Adaptation (won), Best Costume Design (won), Best Art Direction (won), Best Cinematography (won)
