Barry Lyndon (1975). Cert
PG.
Director - Stanley Kubrick. Writer - Stanley Kubrick. Starring - Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson & Patrick
Magee.
Premise -
The rise and fall Redmond Barry, AKA Barry Lyndon. Normally I
wouldn't touch a period drama with a barge pole. Films like Remains Of The
Day, The Madness Of King George & Emma are more likely to send me to
sleep than entertain me. However I
decided to give Barry Lyndon a go because it is after all a Stanley
Kubrick film, the man was a genius and is sorely missed. It is with great
regret that i must say that Barry Lyndon is for my money the weakest
Kubrick film that I have seen. That's not
saying much though, because even the weakest Kubrick movie can be
considered above average. And Barry Lyndon is above average, only just
though. There is
much about the film to recommend. The scenery is gorgeous, as is the
production design in general. From set dressing, to costumes and make-up
Barry Lyndon is certainly nice to look at. This is to be expected from the
master of meticulous detail that was Mr Kubrick. His attention to detail
pay's of in the long run, often I found my eyes wandering and taking in
the lush landscapes or grandly decorated palaces. The acting
is for the most part of the highest standard. Ryan O'Neal as the titular
Lyndon is magnificent and the young boys who play his son and step son
were surprisingly good. Often I am irritated by child actors, but these
two were among the best I've seen. As is to
be expected the standard of direction from Kubrick is beyond reproach. The
way he uses the camera is wonderful and at times breathtaking. However
Barry Lyndon also has it share of problems. The
running time was excessive in my opinion. At over three hours the story is
stretched threadbare and for long periods nothing much seems to happen.
Kubrick apparently was aware of this and saw fit to include an
intermission. Very nice of him I thought, I went and bought an ice cream
from the foyer. ;) I also
found myself not really caring about any of the main characters. They had
little or no redeeming features, all seemed to be looking out for
themselves and trying to screw each other over. Perhaps a commentary on
the class system of the time, but all it did was leave me cold. A below
par Kubrick film, but an above average period drama.
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5/10 for Barry Lyndon. Poster Quote - It's barry ged. |