Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Kyle G — 02 May 2009

Strange and mesmerizing, a rags-to-riches-to-rags epic that's difficult but rewarding beyond all measure. Some of it is a grueling slog, some is a sublime and awesome ecstasy, and some is an absolute phantasm.

And certainly some of it is pathetic and dewy, like the early romantic scenes or the fancy royal bullshit, but it's bewitching and honest all the same. The cinematography here is deservedly acclaimed; I especially love the interstitial shots of nature, a landscape behind Barry on horseback or a gorgeous pastoral scene out the window of a carriage.

And who could forget: the ridiculous and hard-core dueling. It's crazy and hilarious. All in all, this is definitely one of Kubrick's gems, a thrilling and important piece of art.