Barry Lyndon

By Jonathan Shih

"Barry Lyndon" is a 1975 masterpiece directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. The film tells the story of Redmond Barry, a young Irishman who, through a series of adventures and misadventures, climbs the 18th-century social ladder to become Barry Lyndon. Kubrick employs his signature visual style, using natural light and candles to create a pictorial aesthetic reminiscent of the time frames, which gives the film an unparalleled visual authenticity. The narrative, divided into two acts, reflects Barry's evolution from a humble adventurer to arrogant noble, and ultimately, his downfall.

Kubrick’s direction is meticulous and detailed, with innovative use of the camera, especially in interior and landscape scenes, achieving an immersive atmosphere. Classical music, with compositions by Handel, Bach, and Schubert, perfectly complements the ambience and tone of the film, reinforcing the sense of timeliness and majesty. Ryan O'Neal's performance as Barry is remarkable, capturing both the character's initial charm and his subsequent moral and emotional decline.

"Barry Lyndon" received four Oscars in 1976: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Best Adapted Soundtrack. A curious fact about the production is that Kubrick used special lenses developed by NASA to film indoor scenes solely by candlelight, a revolutionary technique that contributed significantly to the unique atmosphere of the film.