Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Philip E — 09 Jul 2009
Two notable points of this film are its cinematography and its score. Much has been said about Kubrick's triumph in reproducing 18th century indoor candle lighting without making it look artificial, but I was more fascinated by the way he was able to use the camera to flatten his images, making them seem like paintings that, every once in a while, moved or spoke.
The score consists of Baroque and early Classical selections; it excels because of placement; the pieces by Handel and Schubert were most effective in establishing an appropriate mood. Ryan O'Neal was a strange choice to play the title character, but it was an interesting character nonetheless, not so much changing over the course of the movie, as allowing himself to be revealed, little by little, in time with the evolution of his living experience.
Like Kubrick's other films, "Barry Lyndon" takes its time, but it is a worthwhile experience.
This review of Barry Lyndon (1975) was written by Philip E on 09 Jul 2009.
Barry Lyndon has generally received very positive reviews.
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