Movie Review: Barry Lyndon
By xyzygy 2 Comments
Barry Lyndon (1975) is a film I've been wanting to see for a while, well, ever since I seen 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange. Barry Lyndon is from the same mastermind behind those films, Stanley Kubrick. Now when I was deciding if I wanted to watch the movie or not, I was on the fence - it just looked like another old time war movie. That was my first idea of the movie. But I knew old Stanley wouldn't disappoint. And he didn't. The film stars Ryan O'Neal as Barry Lyndon and Marisa Berenson ans Lady Lyndon.
Barry Lyndon is actually the adaptation of a really, really old book called "The Luck of Barry Lyndon" by William Makepeace Thackeray. It tells of an Irishman who is sent off from his homeland because of his ever-present desire for more, more, more. He goes through many loves and ultimately the movie is somewhat like a tragedy. Barry gets by on his cunning and good looks and is seemingly presented with higher statuses and connections. The movie works out like Forrest Gump - told through the narrator as it follows Barry's life at different stages. He is a very passionate guy, and he think of himself as a gentlemen, although coming from a ruined family - of course he would want more.
Barry Lyndon takes place in the 1750's Ireland and the scenery is there to match it. It was filmed on location and the cinematography is stellar, as you would expect from Kubrick. Some of the most beautiful scenes in film are from this movie, like when he first sets his eyes on Lady Lyndon. Stunning. The movie keeps it's tone with the music as well. Much of the music is taken from classical composers but redone to fit the movie. I can't express how perfectly the music fits. Here is an example of one of the songs - the overall tone of this song is what it's like watching Barry Lyndon and the feelings you get. It's called Schubert's Opus 100, Barry Lyndon:
I am so in love with the music that I've even learned the above song on guitar.
In a word, the film is haunting. You will become so closely attached to Barry and you wish you could just help him undo his mistakes and help him through his life. This made me develop a love-hate kinda thing with him. Barry is so conceited, but you wish all the best because he can't help be anyone other then himself.
If you enjoy classic films and haven't seen Barry Lyndon, WATCH THIS NOW! When the movie was over, I felt so alone and confused. I didn't know what to do for the rest of the night and next day really. It's one of the movies that you will think about for a while after you watch it. Anyway, that's enough of my ranting about this movie. All I can really say is watch this, now. After seeing 2001, Clockwork Orange, and Full Metal Jacket, this one ranks above them all as my favorite Kubrick film and possibly one of my favorites of all time. I HAD to write this to tell others about this amazing experience.
P.S. This is the second movie I have ever cried in in my life :P