A Film Which Struggles for Greatness and Almost Succeeds

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 2000)

"Barry Lyndon" follows the life of 18th-century rogue Barry Lyndon (Ryan O'Neal) and his adventures (or misadventures) through England and France. Even though this sounds like a comedy, it is a film which is as serious as a heart attack. Stanley Kubrick's direction is somewhat prodding here as the film lasts an amazing 183 minutes. However, the screenplay, cinematography, set direction, and costume design are all brilliant. Ryan O'Neal carries the film as far as it can go, delivering perhaps his best performance to date. Everyone else has their moments, but it is O'Neal's show. Kubrick's innovations here are on display as usual, but this film falls short of his earlier triumphs ("Dr. Strangelove", "2001: A Space Odyssey", and "A Clockwork Orange"). With all this said, "Barry Lyndon" is still a great film which ranks real high on the list of the late director's credits. 4 out of 5 stars.