Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Jay C — 08 May 2012

Kubrick's period film is a sweeping epic tale of one man in the 18th Century. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It is wonderfully shot, and looks great...and it isn't really too bad acting-wise.

..but do I really want to ever see it again? Probably not. It is seriously long, and I'm not sure it's length is really all that warranted. Kubrick certainly was a master of his craft, but I think a film like this needed more human characterizations.

..and that is where Kubrick tends to struggle without a really fantastic actor. Nicholson could give a great performance without Kubrick's help...as could Sellers or Kirk Douglas, Ryan O'Neal clearly couldn't.

I'm not saying he is awful, but he is not good enough to make this three hour long film worthwhile.