Kubrick's Lost Treasure: Barry Lyndon

Rating: 10/10 (12 December 2017)

Many casual movie fans can rattle off some films by the acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick. Movies such as The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and 2001: A Space Odyssey might come to mind when one thinks of Kubrick's filmography, but most overlook what is perhaps his most beautifully shot film: Barry Lyndon. Formed in the wake of Kubrick's derailed movie about the life of Napoleon, he decided to use the resources and knowledge he had accumulated to develop William Makepeace Thackeray's novel, The Luck of Barry Lyndon. A period-piece film set in late 18th century Europe, Kubrick spares no expense on the realism that was necessary to capture the viewer's attention. Everything was shot on location, and the gorgeous costumes were designed after attire that would have been worn at the time. Despite its slow pace, Barry Lyndon is a film that immerses the viewer into dazzling scenery and a stunning tale of human experience.
The film begins with a poor Irish boy named Redmond Barry, portrayed by Ryan O'Neal, trying to win the affection of his cousin Nora. After Nora is promised to marry Captain John Quinn, Redmond challenges him to an illegal duel, resulting in Quinn's apparent death. Redmond begins a life on the run from the law, and finds his way into the British army. Briefly fighting during the Seven Years War, Redmond deserts from the army and goes on a series of adventures that eventually lead to his marriage to the wealthy widow, Lady Lyndon. Having taken his wife's last name, Barry has everything he could possibly want. Barry's wealth and happiness get the better of him as he is irresponsible and reckless with money, leading to his climactic downfall.
Kubrick designs a world where the actors and actresses do not need to be extravagant to make an impact. Ryan O'Neal is often criticized for his cold and emotionless performance as Barry Lyndon; however, these viewers might be missing the big picture. Like most protagonists in Kubrick films, Barry was not meant to be a character the viewer roots for. He is not a hero; he is simply a man who makes advancements and mistakes. Barry could not have been portrayed any other way; otherwise the film would lose its unbiased tone. All of the characters have little dialogue, another Kubrick trademark. Marisa Berenson, who played Lady Lyndon, got the second billing for the film, but only had thirteen lines of dialogue. While this might add to the slow pace, it helps viewers to focus on the beautiful scenes and sets featured throughout the film.
One constant technique Kubrick incorporated into Barry Lyndon was designing scenes in a similar fashion to the paintings of William Hogarth: an artist who lived during the time in which the film was set. Not only do these scenes add to the surreal beauty of the film, but the aesthetic makes the viewer feel as though they are looking at an art piece rather than a moving picture. Kubrick wanted the film to look so natural that he shot many scenes using only candlelight. It was too difficult for a regular camera to pick up, so Kubrick had a special lens made by NASA to properly pick up the light source. The scenes that use candlelight are remembered as some of the most ravishing in cinema history.
Barry Lyndon was not commercially successful due to a three hour run time, slow pace, and minimal dialogue. Anyone looking for a historical action film should stay away, as Barry Lyndon lacks the tenacity that would provide satisfaction. Having said that, Barry Lyndon appeals to those who want to see a realistic period-piece that requires a deep level of thinking to properly interpret and assess the events and characters in the film. Fans of Kubrick's other work will likely enjoy this well. A breathtaking, artsy film like Barry Lyndon will likely be remembered by those who watch it regardless of enjoying it or not.