Barry Lyndon - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Prospero · 09-08-2001, 07:21 PM

I finally got around to watching Barry Lyndon yesterday--I'd been putting it off, but I swore I'd watch the films in the Kubrick box in order, and it was standing between me and The Shining.

I don't know if it's Kubrick's best (because it doesn't really make sense to compare it to 2001, for example), but it has the best photography of any Kubrick film by far. And it has a Kubrick feel, which I didn't expect. My only minor complaint is that Barry, as played by Ryan O'Neal, seemed like he was silently asking to be punched in the face, especially during the first half hour. I can see why Kubrick would direct him to act in that fashion, to highlight his initial naivete, but somehow that didn't make him any less annoying.

On the whole, though--what a great, great movie.

Welles and Ford Fan · 09-08-2001, 07:52 PM

Glad you liked it. Barry Lyndon has long been my favorite Kubrick film (probably my favorite, period). Actually, I think it does sort of compare to 2001. Both are rather slowly paced, and the creation or re-creation of the worlds for each film is largely what each film is about. I know they have different plots and themes, but the lasting impressions for me are always how well Kubrick succeeded in making us believe those worlds are real. We really feel we are seeing space in 2001, and it really looks and feels like the 18th century in Barry Lyndon. When I see a shot of a chateau or an estate in Barry Lyndon, with a couple of people walking by or standing around, I always feel I am looking at a scene right out of the 18th century. Compare this with many costume/period epics in which the "extras" look exactly like extras who are walking around and talking because they were told to do so. Also, the acting of the principals is free of modern style and their look is impeccable 18th century (unlike some period pieces where the year in which the film was made is apparent in the makeup, acting styles, etc of the actors).

Just as each viewing of 2001 is a trip from prehistoric times to infinity and beyond, Barry Lyndon trnsports me to the 18th century.

Soggy Bagel's Revenge! · 09-08-2001, 07:53 PM

I genreally had the same feeling about the film. It was great, better than a lot of people give it credit for. But oh my god, ryan ONiel is one of the most untalented actors I have ever seen! Why did Kubrick cast him?! Maybe Warner made him, considering the success of "Love Story", who knows? All I know is that O'Niel sucked, and nearly destroyed the entire picture with his lifeless and boring acting. For me, the best performances in any Kubrick film can be found in "Lolita". Peter Sellers, Shelley Winters, and James Mason are all spectacular!

Thanx,
Brook

------------------
If you're a film fan in Colorado, be sure not to miss BLOODFEST!, my horror film festival benefiting Bonfils Blood Center. There are great films showing, so you should come! Get all the info here!

Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films!
or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun!
Also, see my ever-so-wonderful DVD collection!

Filmmaker · 09-08-2001, 08:07 PM

Prospero, told you you'd dig it! I was the same way--I put it off for a long time, but when I finally gave it a chance, I was extremely impressed and walked away kicking myself for not viewing it sooner. Though I agree Ryan O'Neal easily ranks as one of the five worst high-profile actors in history, I was stunned at how well Kubrick was able to get O'Neal to play to his (limited) strengths. Overall, BARRY LYNDON is a staggering achievement (though I still love many of Kubrick's films more than this one)...

------------------
Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." I agree with the second part...

A curious mix of the best and worst in motion picture entertainment--that's right, it's Filmmaker's DVDTracker list!
...and the fun doesn't stop there--check out how the madness all began with Filmmaker's Laserdisc Tracker list!

Laughing Gravy · 09-08-2001, 09:28 PM

Wow, look at this wallpaper. Isn't it interesting. Hey, let's stare at it for 2 or 3 hours.

*Makes some popcorn to snack on while watching the wallpaper for 2 or 3 hours*

Wow. Anybody who created this wonderful, wonderful wallpaper must be a genius or something.

Chunkblower · 09-08-2001, 11:16 PM

I have to agree with Laughing Gravy.

While I can appreciate Barry Lyndon for all it's technical achivements, the film itself leaves me cold. No bad, per se, but it just failed to engage me in any way other than visually.

------------------
I am the eater of worlds, and of children. And YOU are next!

KikuchiyoCM · 09-13-2001, 08:04 PM

Mise-en-scene reveals great depth to the film that a lot of people deny because it's not easily accessible to them, you have to think rather than have everything placed on a plate and handed to you.

I see no problem with Ryan O Neil, its one of those cases that says to me that the director has the power of influence, with this in mind, surely anybody can act...

...even J.C.V.Damme, Adam Sandler and Tom Hanks?? Well, maybe not everyone.

09-08-2001, 07:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Prospero Actor Join Date: Mar 2001	Barry Lyndon I finally got around to watching Barry Lyndon yesterday--I'd been putting it off, but I swore I'd watch the films in the Kubrick box in order, and it was standing between me and The Shining. I don't know if it's Kubrick's best (because it doesn't really make sense to compare it to 2001, for example), but it has the best photography of any Kubrick film by far. And it has a Kubrick feel, which I didn't expect. My only minor complaint is that Barry, as played by Ryan O'Neal, seemed like he was silently asking to be punched in the face, especially during the first half hour. I can see why Kubrick would direct him to act in that fashion, to highlight his initial naivete, but somehow that didn't make him any less annoying. On the whole, though--what a great, great movie.

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09-08-2001, 07:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Welles and Ford Fan Actor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston, TX USA	Glad you liked it. Barry Lyndon has long been my favorite Kubrick film (probably my favorite, period). Actually, I think it does sort of compare to 2001. Both are rather slowly paced, and the creation or re-creation of the worlds for each film is largely what each film is about. I know they have different plots and themes, but the lasting impressions for me are always how well Kubrick succeeded in making us believe those worlds are real. We really feel we are seeing space in 2001, and it really looks and feels like the 18th century in Barry Lyndon. When I see a shot of a chateau or an estate in Barry Lyndon, with a couple of people walking by or standing around, I always feel I am looking at a scene right out of the 18th century. Compare this with many costume/period epics in which the "extras" look exactly like extras who are walking around and talking because they were told to do so. Also, the acting of the principals is free of modern style and their look is impeccable 18th century (unlike some period pieces where the year in which the film was made is apparent in the makeup, acting styles, etc of the actors). Just as each viewing of 2001 is a trip from prehistoric times to infinity and beyond, Barry Lyndon trnsports me to the 18th century.

09-08-2001, 07:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Soggy Bagel's Revenge! Actor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Denver, Colorado	I genreally had the same feeling about the film. It was great, better than a lot of people give it credit for. But oh my god, ryan ONiel is one of the most untalented actors I have ever seen! Why did Kubrick cast him?! Maybe Warner made him, considering the success of "Love Story", who knows? All I know is that O'Niel sucked, and nearly destroyed the entire picture with his lifeless and boring acting. For me, the best performances in any Kubrick film can be found in "Lolita". Peter Sellers, Shelley Winters, and James Mason are all spectacular! Thanx, Brook ------------------ If you're a film fan in Colorado, be sure not to miss BLOODFEST!, my horror film festival benefiting Bonfils Blood Center. There are great films showing, so you should come! Get all the info here! Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films! or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun! Also, see my ever-so-wonderful DVD collection!

09-08-2001, 08:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Filmmaker Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite	Prospero, told you you'd dig it! I was the same way--I put it off for a long time, but when I finally gave it a chance, I was extremely impressed and walked away kicking myself for not viewing it sooner. Though I agree Ryan O'Neal easily ranks as one of the five worst high-profile actors in history, I was stunned at how well Kubrick was able to get O'Neal to play to his (limited) strengths. Overall, BARRY LYNDON is a staggering achievement (though I still love many of Kubrick's films more than this one)... ------------------ Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." I agree with the second part... A curious mix of the best and worst in motion picture entertainment--that's right, it's Filmmaker's DVDTracker list! ...and the fun doesn't stop there--check out how the madness all began with Filmmaker's Laserdisc Tracker list!

09-08-2001, 09:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Laughing Gravy Actor Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Sacramento, California USA	Wow, look at this wallpaper. Isn't it interesting. Hey, let's stare at it for 2 or 3 hours. Makes some popcorn to snack on while watching the wallpaper for 2 or 3 hours Wow. Anybody who created this wonderful, wonderful wallpaper must be a genius or something.

09-08-2001, 11:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chunkblower Banned Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: 612 Wharf Avenue	I have to agree with Laughing Gravy. While I can appreciate Barry Lyndon for all it's technical achivements, the film itself leaves me cold. No bad, per se, but it just failed to engage me in any way other than visually. ------------------ I am the eater of worlds, and of children. And YOU are next!

09-13-2001, 08:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
KikuchiyoCM Actor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: United Kingdom	Mise-en-scene reveals great depth to the film that a lot of people deny because it's not easily accessible to them, you have to think rather than have everything placed on a plate and handed to you. I see no problem with Ryan O Neil, its one of those cases that says to me that the director has the power of influence, with this in mind, surely anybody can act... ...even J.C.V.Damme, Adam Sandler and Tom Hanks?? Well, maybe not everyone.