Barry Lyndon (1975)

Historical drama film written, directed, and produced by Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O’Neal.

Cynical, ironic, and suffused with seductive natural lighting, Barry Lyndon is a complex character piece of a hapless man doomed by Georgian society.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus

Story: An Irish rogue wins the heart of a rich widow and assumes her dead husband’s aristocratic position in 18th-century England. (IMDb)

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Barry Lyndon (1975): A Cinematic Time Capsule of Elegance, Betrayal, and Dastardly Duels

– Retrospective & Movie Review –

Ah, ‘Barry Lyndon,’ the kind of movie that makes you question if you’ve accidentally slipped into a time portal and landed in 18th-century Europe. Directed by the cinematic maestro Stanley Kubrick in 1975, this film is a journey into the past, complete with powdered wigs, sprawling landscapes, and more duels than your average swashbuckling adventure.

Let’s start by acknowledging that watching ‘Barry Lyndon’ is like flipping through a high-end coffee table book filled with exquisite paintings. Each frame is meticulously composed, capturing the elegance and excess of the 18th-century aristocracy. The attention to detail is so absurdly meticulous that you’ll find yourself wondering if Kubrick had a secret time machine stashed away somewhere to film this masterpiece.

The story follows the rise and fall (mostly fall) of one Redmond Barry, who later adopts the more posh moniker of Barry Lyndon. Played by the dashing Ryan O’Neal, Barry is a charming Irish scoundrel with a knack for getting into trouble and bedding the wrong women. If there’s one thing Barry Lyndon teaches us, it’s that maybe having a plan in life is overrated. Just go with the flow, right?

O’Neal’s portrayal of Barry is like watching a man navigate a world of powdered wigs and petticoats with a perpetual look of mild confusion. It’s almost as if he’s asking, “Why are we dueling over a woman in a lavish ballroom when we could just, you know, talk it out?” But alas, this is the 18th century, and talking is so last season.

Barry Lyndon (1975), Stanley Kubrick, Movie Review

Now, let’s talk about the film’s notorious pacing. ‘Barry Lyndon’ moves at a pace that makes a sloth look like an Olympic sprinter. If you’re expecting breakneck action or snappy dialogue, you’re in for a rude awakening. Kubrick seems to be on a mission to test your patience, daring you to embrace the slow burn. I’d recommend having a cup of coffee handy, but honestly, by the time you finish brewing it, the movie might still be in the opening credits.

Yet, in its unhurried meandering, the film manages to capture the essence of a bygone era. It’s like a living, breathing painting, with every scene meticulously composed and lit with the precision of an 18th-century portrait. The candlelit scenes are a visual feast, but I can’t help but wonder how many crew members suffered from mild singeing accidents during the shoot.

Let’s not forget the film’s narrator, Michael Hordern, who guides us through Barry’s misadventures with the detached amusement of someone watching a particularly juicy soap opera. His narration adds a layer of irony to the unfolding drama, as if he’s in on the joke while we’re left trying to decipher the punchline.

Now, about the duels – because what’s an 18th-century drama without a healthy dose of swordplay? Barry Lyndon takes dueling to a whole new level, turning it into an art form. The duels are choreographed with such precision that you half-expect the combatants to break into a choreographed dance routine. It’s a wonder they didn’t start pirouetting mid-fight.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring classical gems from the likes of Handel and Schubert, adds a layer of sophistication to the proceedings. It’s like Kubrick raided an 18th-century composer’s playlist, and honestly, I’m here for it. Nothing says “classy period drama” like a well-timed symphony.

In the grand tapestry of Kubrick’s filmography, ‘Barry Lyndon’ stands out as a unique gem, a departure from the sci-fi paranoia of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and the psychological horror of ‘The Shining.’ It’s as if Kubrick decided to take a leisurely stroll through the annals of history, pausing to capture the absurdity and elegance of a bygone era.

In conclusion, ‘Barry Lyndon’ is not your typical Friday night popcorn flick. It’s a cinematic feast that demands your attention and rewards those patient enough to appreciate its languid beauty. Is it a masterpiece? Perhaps. Is it for everyone? Definitely not.

But if you’re willing to surrender to Kubrick’s meticulously crafted vision, you might find yourself transported to a world of powdered wigs, candlelit romance, and duels that redefine the meaning of ‘fighting in style.’ So, grab your wig, dust off your dueling sword, and embark on the 18th-century adventure of a lifetime – just be prepared to take it slow.

Stephen Galen Estevan

A cinephile whose love for the Silver Screen transcends eras and genres. Armed with a deep passion for films, from classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, I’m on a lifelong quest to explore all 100+ years of Cinema, one Frame at a time. Care to join the adventure?

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