Brilliant and inspired cinema

Rating: 8/10 (2 August 2004)

Considered one of Thackeray's best novels "Barry Lyndon" comes to light in a brilliant fashion under the direction of Stanley Kubrik with Ryan O'Neal in the title role.
A young Irish profligate of the 18th Century finds himself involved in the Seven Year's War in Europe. A born opportunist he deserts as a soldier and by all foul means seeks to improve his status by marrying a countess. He is now one of the new aristocracy...Mr. Barry Lyndon!
The film version of Barry Lyndon's adventures as a cheat, as a spy, as a gentleman of the realm is absolutely flawless. I have only high praise for the uniform quality as we go from scene to scene. The lighting in particular is striking, much like a classical painting. The photography is excellent....sweeping vistas of the European countryside with red-coated soldiers drawn up in battle lines and dropping in disarray under enemy fire....indoor scenes of elegance with people feasting or playing at cards, all bathed in soft candlelight
Every scene is backed by well-chosen music gleaned from the classics. The choice is so good one might think it was written for the film. The art director too can be proud of the meticulous costumes, wigs and make-up; and the aging of the characters is well done and acceptable.
There is also a lovely array of characters both old and young with interesting faces like those you would see in an old Rembrandt. As a character I especially like the old count who suffers terribly from an argument with the new Mr. Lyndon. Another memorable scene is the outburst of the Countess's son who refuses to accept his step-father and endures a thorough thrashing. There are poignant scenes too when Barry's little son comes to grief....and these are the days too when differences are solved by pistol or sword.
All in all a well rounded film. I find it much more satisfying than "Russian Ark" which is praised so highly. This film is filled with beauty and adventure and proves once again that "what goes up must come down"....and so we have the rise and fall of Barry Lyndon!