Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Kevin N — 17 Sep 2009

A film which is almost utterly indescribable, and almost certainly as close to cinematic perfection as has ever been reached. Horrendously underrated both at the time of its release and still today, this has to be Kubrick's narrative masterpiece, a film which captures the essential human thesis the director strove for during his entire career.

Like many of his other films, this one deals with the circular motion of the mortal life, and the unmalleable tragedy of being a human being in a place and time that barely even stops to consider us. Filmed entirely with natural light, the indexical quality of the film brings a whole other dimension to an already textured piece of art; watch as Kubrick literally reinvents cinematography in front of your eyes.

The most moving part of the film is its form; this was supposed to be a "practice" period piece in preparation for Kubrick's never-filmed 'Napoleon', which puts the film in an entirely unique light- only a master could produce a sketch that looks, feels and moves far better than most films from that decade or any other.

One of the most beautiful films of all time, and one that deserves patience, enjoyment, disgust, analysis, and passionate viewing- something most movies just don't ask for anymore.