Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Mike B — 16 Jan 2016

Though firmly rooted in the relative upheaval of mid 18th century Europe, the story is timeless. This particular edition of the opportunistic social climber's improbable rise (and inevitable fall) concerns a member of the Irish gentry's efforts to join the English aristocracy.

But like all confidence pedlers who have preceeded him (and those yet to come), the character traits that draw Mrs. Lyndon to him and enable his ascent to social spheres far above his birthright are the very same that inform his eventual undoing.