beautiful and slow

Rating: 5/10 (24 February 2015)

It's the 18th Century Ireland. Redmond Barry's father is killed in a duel over a horse. Barry (Ryan O'Neal) falls for his cousin Nora Brady but she gets engaged to English Captain John Quin. Barry shoots him in a duel and runs away to join the army. He finds out that the duel was set up by the Brady family and Quin isn't actually dead. Barry fights in the Seven Years' War. He deserts and is later forced to join the Prussian Army. He is rewarded for saving Captain Potzdorf. He is brought in to verify if Irishman gambler Chevalier de Balibari is actually a spy. The two men escape and become gambling associates. He eventually marries the wealthy Lady Lyndon. With her wealth and his new name, he returns to England. His need to gain acceptance in high society is rebuffed by his stepson Charles. His son Bryan with Lady Lyndon dies and he is devastated.
Stanley Kubrick is meticulous and masterful. Every scene is perfected to his requirements. It's a beautiful piece of art but not necessarily a compelling movie. The Michael Hordern narration keeps droning on and on. The pace is incredibly slow. Barry Lyndon is not likable or very compelling. Ryan O'Neal is mostly lifeless in this mannered costume drama. That's not to say that there isn't any drama or emotional content. The movie doesn't take full adventure of the story. The lead character just doesn't come to life. The constant dueling is a little bit funny but it doesn't do enough to excite the whole 3 hours. The last duel with Bullingdon is just terrific but it doesn't make the whole movie.