Tale of a Self Centred Ambitious Adventurer

Rating: Null/10 (3 September 2012)

'Barry Lyndon' has been said to be a different kind of Kubrick film. While most of his works obviously touch on dark themes and have a distinct atmosphere (mostly one that evokes claustrophobia), Kubrick takes a slightly different path with this film. That is not to say that 'Barry Lyndon' is a lighthearted comedy but more of a dark coming of age comedy.
The second half is much darker than the first. It starts off as an epic fairy tale/fable and then, just like any journey, leads to various discoveries with reactions and consequences. Kubrick takes his time in telling us the story but his trick is the moments between the conversation. While the dialogue and narration move the story forward it is the quieter sequences and the pauses that reveal the shades of the characters. Similarly his intricate use of humour adds to the compelling storytelling and the epilogue rounds it up hilariously.
The dazzling visuals (additional thanks to the stunning work of the art department and costume and John Alcott's cinematography) make this an enriching experience. A lot of attention has been given to detail and it shows. The splendid score gives it a touch of satire.
Ryan O'Neal is terrific as the flawed lead who is a sensation seeking adventurer acting on his instinct without thinking of consequences. Marisa Berenson is very good in her restrained performance. Mary Kean does a fine job as the mother. The rest of the cast perform adequately.
In my opinion, every one of Kubrick's films are worth viewing and so 'Barry Lyndon' is no exception even though it's stylistically and thematically very different from his signature.