Barry Lyndon (1975) Film Review: Almost 50 years old; still an astonishing technical achievement

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Based on the 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray, Barry Lyndon (1975) is a historical/costume drama written, produced, and directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick.

This three-hour epic recounts the story of an 18th-century Irish rogue and gold digger, who, through sheer chance and wit, works his way up the social ranks, eventually marrying a rich widow in order to obtain her aristocratic husband's position and fortune.

Filming took place on location in England, Ireland, and Germany, and the final product went on to win four Oscars at the 48th Academy Awards, receiving widespread praise for its groundbreaking cinematography, art direction/costume design, and original score.

It is certainly no exaggeration to state that Barry Lyndon is one of the most beautiful films ever made, exhibiting absolutely stunning shot composition and a breathtaking visual aesthetic from the very first frame. Many of the settings created were inspired by English painter William Hogarth's artistic works, with the opening wide shot of a duel taking place against the backdrop of the picturesque countryside being just one example of this.

A high contender for one of the most beautiful films ever put to the big screen, Barry Lyndon (1975) is stocked full of one truly extraordinary shot composition after another

Kubrick's notorious, often controversial, bid for perfectionism is arguably at its most prominent here, with practically every shot in the hefty run time presenting meticulous attention to detail regarding the finer intricacies of this unique, elegant historic period.

The blocking of actors and extras is carefully positioned to emulate these classic art pieces, with the impeccable costume design also solidifying immersion into this authentic world. Many of the items of clothing worn were genuine garments from the time. The location scouts also deserve much praise for the incredible architecture on display, ranging from rustic countryside inns to grand housing and the expansive gardens.

The film also employs a gorgeous soft texture to the picture, evoking a surreal dreamlike quality which perfectly enhances the remarkable natural beauty of every awe-inspiring vista. Kubrick and his crew developed camera lenses that were able to clearly capture movement with natural light, leading to many lush interior scenes bathed in warm candlelight, which effectively balances the epic vastness with character-focused intimacy and often erotic romance.

There is a timeless quality to the film due to the high standard of technical prowess present in every single frame. The classically designed folk soundscape orchestrates a multitude of emotions, with the music varying from relaxing to patriotic and militaristic for the war sequences, to an all-encompassing heaviness which highlights the satirical and tragic elements of the layered plot.

Ryan O'Neal stars as the film's titular leading role, from the character's humble beginnings, to his years of service in the army, to his eventual aristocratic social status and fall from grace

The exceptionally high quality of the film's visual aesthetic arguably overshadows its story, which is crafted at a deliberate slow pace, and its titular protagonist is not the most interesting central figure for a movie of this scale.

Barry Lyndon, or Redmond Barry as he is originally known, is quite the shallow player who becomes a passive adventurer in his own story. Heavy reliance on expositional narration by Shakespearean actor Michael Hordern may also be a point of contention for some, while his natural, calm line delivery furthers the hypnotic tone the film is bathed in.

Many of the life-changing events which occur around Barry are as a result of pure coincidence, or luck, with lead actor Ryan O'Neal having already received his fair share of criticism for a distinct lack of charisma or charm.

However, dialogue is evidently not the highest priority for Kubrick, as much character development and emotion are routinely expressed through the cast's body language and facial expressions. A solid example of this technique can be seen during a pivotal moment during a card game, where Barry meets his future wife and the mother of his only son, where their initial attraction is conveyed without the need for words.

There is a clear sense of detachment deliberately constructed by Kubrick throughout, placing viewers as simple observers of the rise and fall of one man's life.

The film's hugely cathartic climax showcases the tragic fall of Barry Lyndon, with this particular shot becoming one of the most well-known of the picture, an ideal microcosm of the meticulous blocking and framing Kubrick consistently maintains throughout the production

The movie has become the subject of much thematic analysis since its release and includes many fascinating points of discussion. There is a dark, cynical edge present that serves to highlight the ludicrous lifestyle the pompous, upper-class lords and ladies swore by. Birthday parties for aristocratic children were extravagant affairs, and the working conditions of the armies were very often diabolical.

The film mocks the sheer absurdity of this particular period in human history and also provides an interesting commentary on male empowerment and their ever-present hatred for each other, with many scenarios showcasing men of different social statuses always attempting to gain power over each other. Despite lacking in the character depth department, the movie offers plenty of food for thought through its darkly satirical lens, providing a cautionary tale of the dangers of pursuing self-interest and the heavy costs of deceitful behaviour.

To wrap up, Barry Lyndon is an outstanding cinematic spectacle of visual mastery. The film turns fifty this December, and it still looks magnificent today, largely in part due to revolutionary advances in technical attributes and a fierce commitment to onscreen authenticity. Despite some minor setbacks, this slightly underrated Stanley Kubrick production provides further proof that he is truly one of the great masters of this particular art form.

Check out the trailer for Barry Lyndon (1975) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!