Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Benjamin J — 26 Jul 2011

How strange! The first half is very good - Till the 'Intermission...Then it's like a completely different film - The second half sinking into boreham untill the dual near the end. Plus points are the fantastic use of picture painting woven into the story....fascinating scenes beautifully reconstructed letting us into another bygone world. I was going to give this film 4 stars after 'part 1' (great) - BUT what a let down was to follow! The story (which was slow anyway) was suddenly in slow motion by part 2. This was followed by the main character immediately turning into a bastard for no apparent reason, and the majestic scenery (which was the highlight of the film) gave way to mundane interiors where extended dialoage ruined all the brilliant build up of Barry's life. I found myself savoring every second of part 1 (hence the 3 stars for Good.....but wishing to fast forward most of part 2!

What a shame there were two halves,,,,It was reminding me of Ridley Scott masterpiece 'The Duellists' (1977 just two years later)....but without the action....At 2 hours it might have worked. Also I must say that although the narrative was ok at the beginning.....it got tedious long before the end.

My advise would be to watch the first hour.....A truely unique amazing experience.....then turn the telly off and invent your own end to the story.