Barry Lyndon

BARRY LYNDON (15)
D: Stanley Kubrick
Warner Bros./Hawk/Peregrine (Stanley Kubrick)
UK 🇬🇧 1975
187 mins
 
Historical
 
W: Stanley Kubrick [based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray]
DP: John Alcott
Ed: Tony Lawson
Mus: Leonard Rosenan
PD: Ken Adam
Cos: Milena Canonero & Ulla-Britt Soderlund 
 
Ryan O'Neal (Barry Lyndon), Marisa Berenson (Lady Lyndon), Patrick Magee (The Chevalier), Hardy Kruger (Captain Potzdorf), Steven Berkoff (Lord Ludd), Leonard Rossiter (Captain Quin), Arthur O'Sullivan (Highwayman)
 
A sumptuous schoolbook history epic from Stanley Kubrick about the life of an 18th century lord, which is gorgeous to look at but about as interesting as watching paint dry (unless, of course, you really enjoy period pictures).
Kubrick brings his usual meticulous standard to the adaptation of William Makepeace Thakeray's tome, aided by handsome cinematography and faithful production design, costumes and makeup. Where it falters is in the editing and running time, which could have been shortened without detracting much from the story. Ryan O'Neal is also curious casting as the Irish rogue who manipulates his way into English aristocracy after falling in love with a lady of wealth and becoming involved in a duel with an English soldier.
Critics seemed to enjoy it a lot more than audiences did, with many calling it the best film of 1975. A bold statement considering the strength of some of the films released the same year. The filmmaking standard is of much higher quality than the antiquated story, but as far as period adaptations go, this is of the very highest merit, despite the plot being a total dirge.
8/10
 
Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon
Did You Know:
Production was moved from Ireland to England after Stanley Kubrick received word that his name was on an IRA hit list for directing a film featuring English soldiers in Ireland. Consequentially a number of scenes were never filmed to prevent further controversy.