Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Byron B — 22 May 2014

Drolly narrated by character actor Michael Horndern throughout its 3 hour run-time. Based on a real-life conman and Thackeray's serialized story and novel. Visually based on 18th century paintings by Thomas Gainsborough.

Watching Redmond Barry's rise and fall as he passes in and out of the lives of dozens of minor characters across Europe can be entertaining, if one has the patience. Some segments are more entertaining or amusing than others.

There aren't a lot of films set in this time period, so see it because the camera work and costumes are beautiful. Redmond Barry is not clearly a hero nor an antihero. His fortune-hunting ways, shifting loyalties, and family troubles make him a rogue.

Or, as the excessively long original title of Thackeray's novel suggested, was Barry just a victim of slander? Make your own decision.