Barry Lyndon

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Apr 10, 2019 Subvalorada en la filmografia de Kubrick, no es larga, se toma su tiempo.

Harry G Mar 15, 2019 Art for Art's sake, a beautiful meandering stroll through Thackeray's novel. Not sure why Ryan O 'Neal was cast in the lead role given his emotional range but the scene framing and elegant soundtrack is a joy! See more

Harry M Mar 13, 2019 Stanley Kubrick's most dull film. Unfortunately, Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon (1975) is the textbook example of a film perfectly made on a technical level that leaves you cold with little emotional involvement. I never agreed with the common criticism of Kubrick that his films are cold and devoid of emotional connection, yet after viewing Barry Lyndon, I must agree on this one. For the record, I love many Kubrick films like Spartacus, 2001, Dr. Strangelove, The Shining, A Clockwork Orange, and Paths of Glory. However, Barry Lyndon is far too long, too slow, and too dull with nearly nothing happening. We are supposed to be riveted by this man's downfall, but he is so unlikable and odd that I just cannot bring myself to care. It's not even that this is a period piece as I love many films within this genre, I just did not care for Barry Lyndon. Stanley Kubrick's direction is so creative and stunning. The cinematography is gorgeous as every frame looks like a renaissance painting. But all the lavish wealth of expensive sets, pretty costumes, and period accurate style is lost on me as I could not get emotionally invested in these characters. Perhaps it is the writing. The dialogue and story are excellent and it is certainly told well. But the editing could have cut this film down by half and it still would have dragged. Kubrick likes to linger on shots to draw out suspense, but the pacing is so dry and slow that I constantly wandered mentally. The score is gorgeous and mesmerizing with the endless store of classical music adapted for Barry Lyndon. It fits the classy aesthetic and pretty sets and costumes. I think the real issue is not just Kubrick's lack of emotion in his direction, but in the lead performance from Ryan O'Neal. He plays the part to perfection going through the motions, but I never feel like he believes this character. He seems so distant and out of touch with what is happening. His Irish accent does not sound convincing to me either. I just feel like he is hapless for the character, but unfortunately O'Neal is also incredibly dull to watch. Likewise, Marisa Berenson is so bland as Lady Lyndon. She hardly says a word and feels like Kubrick placed her there to just look pretty. She is absolutely breathtaking, but Berenson gets nothing at all to do. She is wasted on Kubrick's inability to write women apparently. She displays a believable depression and boredom, but that in itself is not very interesting to watch either. Together with Ryan O'Neal, they make for the most mismatched couple in cinema history as a bunch of milquetoast mannequins. The few supporting roles in Barry Lyndon are all more intriguing than the leads. Patrick Magee is great as the kindly Irish Chevalier. Hardy Kruger is fiercely intelligent and perceptive as Captain Potzdorf. Gay Hamilton is lovely and enchanting as the flirtatious Nora. Essentially, all the supporting actors and actresses deliver better performances than Ryan O'Neal. I would not say I hated Barry Lyndon, but it did not entertain me. For all its wit and clever dialogue satirizing the shallow opulence, greed, and manipulation of the aristocracy, Barry Lyndon itself is not very engaging. Kubrick is still a phenomenal director, but does not fit period dramas despite the stunning appearance of his film. See more

Luke M Mar 1, 2019 Just like a painting moves itself in 18th century

Hagrid S Dec 16, 2018 My Sunday afternoon movie watch. One of my favorite movies, that still holds up today.

Leia G Dec 13, 2018 Barry Lyndon is one of the most gorgeous looking films ever. It has been said that Kubrick used lenses that were under authoritative use only by NASA! Stanley Kubrick was already considered a master filmmaker when he made Barry lyndon and this film only enhanced his reputation. Barry Lyndon is about an outsider who marries into aristocrat and fakes his life. Ably played by Ryan O Neill Barry lyndon is characteristic of Kubrick from the slow takes to the pans and zooms and of course the cinematography- few films have utilized candles as well as this one. If you haven't seen this movie you should. See more

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Barry Lyndon

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