Gorgeous and sweeping, but has its flaws

Rating: 6/10 (16 April 2020)

I can see that this is a hugely popular and acclaimed film, but I have to admit to being out of step with the other cinemaphiles on this one. It is beautiful to watch - the cinematography, design, the costumes, and even the hairstyles are magnificent. But there is a problem here. The main character is a prick. Barry is a roguish adventurer and a con artist - not an easy man to love. Btw I am usually not the guy who says, "the hero needs to be more likeable" but in this case I found myself thinking it. In the mid 1700s a young, bold, arrogant Irishman finds himself hitting the road after a duel, joining the British army, and conniving his way around Europe, finally wheedling his way into a marriage with a wealthy, titled widow. Barry does eventually get what is coming to him, something Kubrick's narrator informs the audience of well in advance. O'Neal looks the part, but his feeble Irish accent is a drawback. As a sweeping 18th century drama the film certainly deserves respect.