Barry Lyndon (1975)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick | 184 minutes | drama, war, romance | Actors: Ryan O’Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, Steven Berkoff, Gay Hamilton, Marie Kean, Diana Körner, Murray Melvin, Frank Middlemass, André Morell, Arthur O’Sullivan, Godfrey Quigley, Leonard Rossiter, Philip Stone Leon Vitali, John Bindon, Roger Booth, Billy Boyle, Jonathan Cecil, Peter Cellier, Geoffrey Chater

Director Stanley Kubrick actually had a film about Napoleon in mind. This proved unfeasible and he got the book ‘The Memoirs Of Redmond Barry, Esq.’ out of the closet and adapted the story into a movie. Kubrick has a penchant for bringing out the mental aspect of humanity in his films. Dark sides, the decline of human values ​​and norms. ‘The Shining’, ‘Full Metal Jacket’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ are examples of this. ‘Barry Lyndon’ is a film from 1975. The shooting lasted more than 300 days (not strange for the super perfectionist Stanley Kubrick) and the film lasts more than three hours. Is that a long one? No. Kubrick knows how to hold the attention from the start. By using classical music, expansive landscapes, humor and of course good acting by Ryan O’Neal in particular, ‘Barry Lyndon’ is a film that can be watched regularly. The story tells the story of Redmond Barry (Ryan O’Neal), a poor Irish scoundrel who, through trickery and deceit, manages to make his way in high society. At a young age he ends up in the British army and ends up in the Prussian army. Barry is an opportunist and the chances of survival with the enemy were simply better at that time. After the war, he comes into contact with Chevalier de Balibari (Patrick Magee). Together they start gambling and scam rich Europeans on a financial advance, but also access in higher circles is within reach. Redmond meets Lady Lyndon, a young widow, and he wins her heart. After they get married, he calls himself Barry Lyndon. Barry’s assertiveness, desire for wealth and his heartless behavior ultimately lead to his downfall. ‘Barry Lyndon’ is a beautiful and special film. Besides beautiful cinematography (by John Alcott, who has done several of Kubrick’s films), it gives an insight into the way of life in the 18th century. The brutal army in which many soldiers were senselessly driven to death. The rich life in the higher circles, but also the life of the poor in the countryside is shown.

Ryan O’Neal surprises in a serious role. He manages to carry the film from start to finish. From a timid shy boy he slowly changes into a heartless man, sometimes with a spark of love for his only son. John Alcott, the cinematographer for this film, beautifully portrays the rise and fall through the use of soft colors (rise) and harsh gloomy hues (fall). All this is supported by the appropriate music by Bach, Handel and Mozart.

The build-up is slow, but the film never gets long-winded or boring. The entire production looks very neat: costumes, buildings, decoration. Everything gives a wonderful insight into the years in which the film is set.

Redmond Barry’s life and deeds are narrated throughout the film by Michael Hordern’s voice-over. The way he does that is phenomenal; it gives the film an extra dimension: cynical, thanks to the special intonation and humor. ‘Barry Lyndon’ was not successful after the premiere. Over the years, the film acquired the status it deserves: a classic.