Barry Lyndon (1975)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Stars: Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee
Runtime: 185 minutes

Synopsis: An Irish rogue wins the heart of a rich widow and assumes her dead husband's aristocratic position in 18th-century England.

Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10

Verdict: "Barry Lyndon" is one of those acclaimed movies I kept postponing for no other reason than it coming off as intimidating. I mean, a 3-hour long period piece, even directed by Stanley Kubrick, doesn't seem like something I'd be into. But deep down, I knew that I was going to watch it one day, and it was upon reading a statement suggesting giving it a shot even if the premise scares you that I decided to finally sit down and watch it.

I don't exactly know what it is about what was initially a Napoleon biopic that did it, but God am I glad I finally crossed it off my watchlist. "Barry Lyndon" is impressive on so many levels. and at the same time manages to have a personality that goes beyond anything I've ever seen in the period piece subgenre. It serves as an epic odyssey of a man, brilliantly portrayed by Ryan O'Neal, who, after defeating a renowned officer in a duel, escapes his hometown to build his own path and find success elsewhere. The film is riddled with themes of high society, faith, luck, and fatherhood that are perfectly presented through the protagonist's actions, which make him both the hero and villain of his own story. But what easily kept my eyes glued to the screen is the groundbreaking cinematography featured in it. Every single frame looked like a gorgeous 18th-century painting that belongs in a museum. The authenticity of the costume design, locations, and lighting, mixed with smart use of camera zooming, exquisite use of colors, and pitch-perfect framing are responsible for the immersive experience provided by the Oscar-winning film. The score by Leonard Rosenman was just icing on the already delicious cake, as it injected life into the splendid collection of stills that gave the movie its identity.

With "Barry Lyndon", Stanley Kubrick not only solidified his reputation of being one of the best directors to ever walk the Earth, but also one of the most diverse ones. He's proven himself in every imaginable genre, even giving us some of the most iconic films belonging in them, and the period piece category is no exception to that rule.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10