Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Alecs M — 29 Aug 2009

Probably the least interesting Kubrick film I've seen so far - but that's really not too bad of a complaint, considering that every Kubrick film I've seen is fascinating and brilliant in its own way. Barry Lyndon is just gorgeous. Kubrick seems to be quite the perfectionist when it comes to visuals, and as usual, it pays off spectacularly. Barry Lyndon looks like a painting that has come to life - every single shot is lit in a dream-like way that gives the movie a hypnotic atmosphere. Everything else about Barry Lyndon is also spectacular - the music, the acting, the tragedy and very slight humor - really, the only problem I have here is that the middle section often drags. The first and last hours are endlessly fascinating and entertaining, but in the middle hour, I found Barry Lyndon to be a bit distant and often cold. I think that some of the more tedious moments in the middle could've been cut out, and Barry Lyndon would've been a tighter, more effective film as a result - but what we have is still pretty spellbinding and one of the best period pieces I've seen.

My list of Kubrick films:

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey - 10.

2. The Shining - 10.

3. A Clockwork Orange - 9.5.

4. Eyes Wide Shut - 9.5.

5. Full Metal Jacket - 9.5.

6. Dr. Strangelove - 9.

7. Barry Lyndon - 8.5.