This is a fantastic film

Rating: 10/10 (27 June 2006)

For years I had deliberately avoided this film, the thought of Ryan O'Neal with a clunky Irish accent and bad period acting had scarred me away but what a delight it was when I finally bit the bullet and watched it.
Firstly I normally hate to watch period pieces particularly those adapted from English literature of the time, the unrealistic characters and sentimental plots make my skin crawl. But here we have the story of Redmond Barry lovable(?) Irish rogue and his adventures through Europe. The acting is superb throughout, O'Neal even pulls off a believable enough accent and is well cast as titular character, portraying his initial naivety and ultimate world-weariness with aplomb. As with all Kubrick films it is beautifully shot, the period setting allowing sumptuous costumes, scenery and backdrops. Each scene looks like an oil painting, add to this a fantastic selection of classical pieces for the movie's score and you have a feast for your ears and eyes. But, crucially, this film in held together and driven along by a witty, dark and realistic story. It is long, but your patience will be well rewarded.