barry lyndon

[Kveto from Prague]

this is my favourite film. i know people love it or hate it. for me this is what a historical fiction novel should look like on screen. its ridiculously long but thats because ever little neuance of detail is included. kubrik invented a new type of camera that could film by candlelight so he could film indoors. it also makes his characters look like the paintings of the period (which were painted by candlelight)

so many fantastic scenes. the protagonist is so human, neither lovable nor despisable. the seduction scene is brilliant. five minutes of no dialouge. just barry staring across the table at lady lyndon with a brilliant piano piece (schubert im guessing) in the background. so much is said without words.

a link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fWiOinTzOs

this to me is what happens when you put a novel on film (i know the novel differs, but the feeling is that of a novel)

i cannot sing its praises enough.

[Leo62]

I must see this film again. I was taken to see it in my early teens and needless to say was bored rigid. It was a big flop at the time, but probably one of those movies that's ripe for reassessment.

[princess garnet]

This movie was discussed on a Marie-Antoinette forum that I belong. Seemed to get good reviews.

[annis]

Thackeray is one of my favourite nineteenth century authors. i haven't seen the film version of "Barry Lyndon", but loved the book. "Vanity Fair" is an all-time favourite. I didn't much care for the 2004 film starring Reese Witherspoon.For me the best take on the novel was the 1987 TV series adaptation.

[Kveto from Prague]

[quote=""annis""]Thackeray is one of my favourite nineteenth century authors. i haven't seen the film version of "Barry Lyndon", but loved the book. "Vanity Fair" is an all-time favourite. I didn't much care for the 2004 film starring Reese Witherspoon.For me the best take on the novel was the 1987 TV series adaptation.[/quote]


i havent read the book "barry lyndon" although i might one day. im afraid it might affect my appreciation of the film in one way of another. (the same reason i wont see a film about a book ive enjoyed)

i think you might like barry lyndon the film. it has the slow leasurely pace of a good HF novel. no real trace of hollywood in there (which is probably why it bombed in the theatres/cinema)

[parthianbow]

I have to agree with you there, Keny - an absolutely fantastic film. I got it out when backpacking in NZ in 2000 because I like the director, Kubrick (I'd never heard of the film before). It's also a time period which isn't hugely represented in modern film, but which is terribly appealing. I must get it out again!

[Kveto from Prague]

[quote=""parthianbow""]I have to agree with you there, Keny - an absolutely fantastic film. I got it out when backpacking in NZ in 2000 because I like the director, Kubrick (I'd never heard of the film before). It's also a time period which isn't hugely represented in modern film, but which is terribly appealing. I must get it out again![/quote]

When my local dvd shop went out of business, I bought their copy.

heres one of my favourite scences. its amazing what can be done without dialouge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FE1Y8Tw ... re=related

and heres a longer version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUQ4bmNu1dA

Perfect for HF fans.

[Jemidar]

Looks wonderful! I've now added it to my watch list...I mean how could you go wrong with both Thackery and Kubrick together.

Thanks Keny .

[rex icelingas]

I think Kubrick is terrific what a legacy of film making

Certainly I think Barry Lyndon is well worthy of rediscovery as its one of the most sumptuous looking Historical dramas ever.Not really my period but I really loved it and was like most Kubrick work very easy to get absorbed into, great music also.

[chuck]

I agree "Barry Lyndon" is a handsome film ....with the exception.... That Ryan O'Neil was miscast......