Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Rod A — 03 Jan 2010

What's great about this film? It's beautifully photographed. The sets, scenery, and costumes are historically accurate. We are given a glimpse into the ruthlessness of individuals and the knowledge that no matter what one achieves, past actions might come back to devastate any success that has been achieved.

What is challenging about this film? Well...it's a big downer. There's nothing particularly moving going on here. It's just unpleasant, very beautiful and well-photographed, but unpleasant.

Does that make it bad? No, but I'm not sure what Kubrick is trying to tell us. Be good? People are mean? It all seems too mechanical to me.