Review of Barry Lyndon (1975) by Johnny T — 16 Aug 2012

Its story of an 18th-century social climber, adapted from Thackeray, unfolds in Gainsborough-esque landscapes and in rooms lit either by milky-white sunshine or shimmering candle flames. Stanley Kubrick's series of film morality plays continues with Barry Lyndon, a most elegant and handsome adaptation of William Makepiece Thackeray's early 19th-century novel. Kubrick's outstanding external landscapes - in rich, cool tones - overpower the ant-like people crawling about; his interiors - hot, uncomfortable despite their plushness - seem unnatural in contrast. This cinematic mural bears repeated and sustained watching without ever really commanding and demanding acute attention. Ryan O'Neal's excellent performance captures the shallow opportunism endemic to the title character who is brought down as much by his own flaws as by the mores of the ordered social structure of 18th-century England. Casting, concept and execution are all superb!

VERDICT: "Instant Classic" - [Positively Acclaimed Reaction] Usually I give this rating to a movie that I believe is absolutely outstanding and has little to no flaws in it. Audiences, who haven't seen this film, must see it right now! (Films that are rated 4.5 or 5 stars).