An enjoyable period adaptation

Milo 2021-11-13 08:01:24

This film falls under the category of what Pauline Kael called "Good Trash". A lot of the techniques employed by Kubrick here are demanding, yet readily pleasing: although the film is very long, the editing is so disciplined that one feels not one dull moment. And the soft lighting is very hard to do well without: (1) ruining the right contrast and in-situ fidelity, and (2) seeming cloy as caramel; but Kubrick pulls it off!

On the other hand, the theme material lacks depth, and we feel out of touch with the characters, who are not really fully devloped and plausible. However, one only recognizes these shortcomings upon reflection after the viewing, and the viewing itself is thoroughly agreeable . Come to think of it, the spirit of the film is very well aligned to the style of the Baroque novels themselves, which is more about mannerism and a wry sense of humor than realism and psychological depth. A very nice period adaptation.

Tips: the recurring theme music, a motif of delicate beauty, at times sweet, and at times haunting, is from Schubert's Piano Trio in E-Flat. A good rendition is by the Beaux Art quartet. Otherwise the set performance with Grimaux is also excellent.

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Extended Reading

Barry Lyndon quotes

  • [Barry has just been arrested by the Prussians for impersonating a British officer]

    Redmond Barry: I'm under arrest? Captain Potzdorf, sir! I'm a British officer.

    Captain Potzdorf: You are a liar! You are an impostor. You are a deserter. I suspected you this morning, and your lies and folly have confirmed this to me. You pretend to carry dispatches to a British general who has been dead these ten months. You say your uncle is the British Ambassador in Berlin, with the ridiculous name of O'Grady. Now, will you join and take the bounty that is on your head sir, or will you be given up?

    Redmond Barry: [beat] I volunteer.

  • Narrator: [voice Over Scene of Sir Charles Lyndon suffering an attack after quarreling with Barry] From a report in The Saint James' Chronicle: "Died at Spa in the Kingdom of Belgium: The Right Honorable Sir Charles Reginald Lyndon; Knight of the Bath; Member of Parliament; and for many years, His Majesty's Representative at various European Courts. He has left behind him a name which is endeared to all his friends..."