Barry Lyndon (1975) – Film Review
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Ryan O’Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee
Certificate: 12
By Sarah Morgan
Stanley Kubrick – genius, or overrated? He does seem to polarise opinions, with most critics falling in the former category, but many others opting for the latter.
I think I’m a bit more open minded. The films of his I like I’m a bit obsessive about – Dr Strangelove and The Shining are, to my way of thinking, masterpieces. But I find 2001: A Space Odyssey and Eyes Wide Shut incredibly tedious, with the rest falling somewhere between the two camps.
Barry Lyndon, in fact, pretty much epitomises everything I both love and hate about Kubrick’s work. It looks absolutely fantastic, with every scene obviously meticulously planned so that it looks like an 18th century painting or a Hogarth drawing, but boy is it long-winded. And there’s only one man to blame for that – Kubrick not only directed, he also adapted the screenplay from William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon himself.
“Series of adventures”
Ryan O’Neal, then at the peak of his fame, plays the lead role. He was very much of his time, a slick, good-looking leading man, albeit one – to me at any rate – with little in the way of personality; it’s certainly difficult to imagine him and Kubrick having too much to say to each other either on set or off it.
I’m not sure he works in a period piece either. The most interesting thing about him is that he and Farah Fawcett named their son Redmond, presumably after the character O’Neal plays here – when we first meet him, he’s called Redmond Barry.
The story takes him from his boyhood, following his father’s death in a duel, through his rather active grown-up years as he embarks on a series of adventures. He fights for the love of his beautiful cousin, joins both the English and the Prussian armies, then becomes a gambler.
After that, he causes an elderly aristocrat to have a heart attack, marries his wealthy widow, dotes on their son who later dies, sinks into alcoholism and falls fouls of his stepson’s viciousness.
“Sumptuous”
That seems like a lot to pack in, so you might think that a running time of more than three hours is justified. And yet it’s all so ponderous, it feels like it lasts for a lot longer – and that’s coming from somebody who isn’t a fan of loud, quick-edited movies that are clearly made to cater for those with a short attention span.
As previously mentioned, the film itself does look utterly beautiful. The supporting cast is to die for too – O’Neal seems even more bland than usual while sharing the screen with such wonderful character actors as Leonard Rossiter, Frank Middlemass, Patrick Magee, Andre Morell, Murray Melvin and John Sharp.
Michael Hordern’s narration is beautifully delivered, and there’s a role for Leon Vitali, who would become Kubrick’s assistant, and even had a documentary, Filmworker, made about him 2017, which is well worth seeking out. It would make a good companion piece for this sumptuous 4k restoration; sadly, there are no special features on the disc whatsoever – and it is certainly a film that there is a lot to say about, whether you’re a fan or not.
For me, Barry Lyndon – the movie, as well as its title character – is something to be admired, but not necessarily liked or enjoyed.
Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.
Barry Lyndon – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barry Lyndon about?
An Irish opportunist, Redmond Barry, climbs the social ladder in eighteenth-century Europe – through soldiering, gambling and a strategic marriage – before his fortunes unravel.
Who stars in it?
Ryan O’Neal leads as Redmond Barry, with Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Leonard Rossiter, Hardy Krüger and Leon Vitali among a superb supporting cast.
Who directed it?
Stanley Kubrick – he also adapted the screenplay from William Makepeace Thackeray’s The Luck of Barry Lyndon.
Why is the film visually famous?
It emulates eighteenth-century paintings and includes scenes shot by candlelight – achieved with ultra-fast Zeiss lenses – for a uniquely natural look.
Is it slow-paced?
Yes – it is deliberately measured and ‘painterly’. Many consider the pacing part of its style and power, though it will not suit everyone.
How long is it?
Approximately 184 minutes – just over three hours.
Who narrates the film?
Michael Hordern provides an omniscient voice-over that frames events and foreshadows key turns.
Which music is used?
A classical and folk selection – notably Handel’s “Sarabande”, Schubert, Vivaldi, Mozart and Irish airs performed by The Chieftains.
What awards did it win?
Four Oscars – Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design and Music (Adaptation). It was also nominated for Best Picture, Director and Screenplay.
Where was it filmed?
Across Ireland, England and Germany – including historic houses and landscapes that enhance the period authenticity.
Is the new release restored in 4K?
Yes – the edition under review is a 4K restoration, showcasing the film’s candlelit interiors and landscape vistas with far greater clarity.
Are there special features?
This particular disc has no extras – a pity, given the film’s rich production history and critical afterlife.
What certificate is it?
12 – for period violence and mature themes.
Is it based on a true story?
No – it is adapted from Thackeray’s satirical novel. Its events and characters are fictional, though set against real eighteenth-century contexts.
Why do some viewers admire it while others struggle?
Admiration tends to focus on its craft – composition, lighting, music and control – while detractors cite its emotional distance and stately tempo.
Barry Lyndon is released by Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment
