Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Alec B — 21 Jun 2011

Much has been written and said in praise of the film's visual style. Its all deserved, but people tend to disregard it as nothing more than a technical exercise on Kubrick's part. That assessment is a serious error in my view.

Its a film without sympathy, neither for its characters or the world they live in but we are strangely invested in Barry Lyndon. He is a failure and a completely unremarkable man who is no different from the rest of the world.

Also it features one of the best uses in classical music in a film. 'Barry Lyndon' is a stunning accomplishment and I really want to receive more affection.