Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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I've seen this film before but I just recently bought the Criterion Collection bluray release and I started watching it yesterday and was quickly reminded why I think this film is so brilliant.
If you have any interest at all in 18th century European politics and warfare, I highly recommend you see this. In addition, this is one of the most beautifully shot films I've ever seen and the performances by the actors are first rate across the board.
For me, there are three films which perfectly capture the look and feel of 18th century Europe: Amadeus, Barry Lyndon and Danton.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Originally Posted by Chucky
I've added it to my watch list,I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks. I'll be very curious to read your review!
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
It’s truly remarkable. Kubrick, being Kubrick, wanted an authentic 18th Century look. So he commissioned Zeiss to build him custom-designed fast lenses that allowed him to shoot night scenes lit by candles with no other illumination. There nothing else that quite looks like it.
Last edited by Alan_A; 08/03/1806:58 PM. Reason: Typo
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Originally Posted by Alan_A
It’s truly remarkable. Kubrick, being Kubrick, wanted an authentic 18th Century look. So he commissioned Zeiss to build him custom-designed fast lenses that allowed him to shoot night scenes lit by candles with not other illumination. There nothing else that quite looks like it.
Absolutely. The card game scene where Barry meets Lady Lyndon for the first time is so visually striking that it draws you into that world.
Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 08/03/1807:00 PM.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Firstly, I have never seen this film until tonight. I'd seen snippets of it on Youtube,the early battle mostly so I assumed the film was about Barry Lyndon's rise through the army. I imagined a 3 hour war film.How wrong I was.
Secondly,the film is 3 hours long so I decided to split it up into three one hour sessions but that idea soon went out the window. I was so engrossed in it that I just had to finish it in one sitting.
Thirdly,a fine smattering of English actors appeared throughout. My biggest surprise was Leonard Rossiter (Capt John Quin) who I don't think I've ever seen in a serious role. To me he will always be Rigsby,the penny-pinching landlord from 'Rising Damp'. Patrick Magee (not English,but Irish) who I recently saw in 'Clockwork Orange',a brief appearance by George Sewell ( Col. Alec Freeman from the UFO series) and ably narrated by the great Michael Hordern. I noticed that quite a few were also in Clockwork Orange.
As to the film,it was as has already been pointed out,beautifully filmed. I thought I recognised one of the locations they filmed at (the Lyndon house) but it wasn't,I checked afterwards. Handel's Sarabande is one of my favourite pieces of classical music so I was pleased to find it used throughout the movie.
A good,solid film then, pity it took me 43 years to finally appreciate it!
Good recommendation Panzer
I'm not sure about Amadeus, but I may have to follow up with Danton.
Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds interesting and something that I'll keep in mind. I do love period pieces. Honestly I'm finding it a tedious venture to get through 2001 though the visuals are impressive. I definitely recommend Amadeus Chucky!
Just finished Amadeus! Wow,I liked that too. I didn't realise he died so young. I was rather surprised at the funeral,however having looked it up,that was the custom at the time.
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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King Crimson - SimHQ's Top Poster
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Miami, FL USA
I'm very glad to hear that you liked both "Barry Lyndon" and "Amadeus" Chucky.
I still get chills every time I watch F. Murray Abraham's performance in "Amadeus". If there is such a thing, he was truly born for the part.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Originally Posted by Chucky
My biggest surprise was Leonard Rossiter (Capt John Quin) who I don't think I've ever seen in a serious role.
He also had a small part in 2001: A Space Odyssey. He is one of the Russian scientists who meets with Heywood Floyd on the international space station.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Originally Posted by Chucky
Just finished Amadeus! Wow,I liked that too. I didn't realise he died so young. I was rather surprised at the funeral,however having looked it up,that was the custom at the time.
The most accepted theory among historians is that he died from either pneumonia or tuberculosis. He was only 35.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
My biggest surprise was Leonard Rossiter (Capt John Quin) who I don't think I've ever seen in a serious role.
He also had a small part in 2001: A Space Odyssey. He is one of the Russian scientists who meets with Heywood Floyd on the international space station.
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Originally Posted by letterboy1
Now please shut the "ef" up, Panzermeyer!
If I ever win the lotto, I will finally be able to quit my marketable job and become a full time film blogger.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 121,486PanzerMeyer
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PanzerMeyer
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Miami, FL USA
One more comment about why I love this film so much:
I love the fact that the story does not end on a happy note. In fact, the somber and poignant ending for Barry seemed rather appropriate after all of the swindling and deception he wrought on others.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
I have this on DVD, always knew it was a masterpeice but it took the critics a while to get onboard. Just proves they know #%&*$#.
That is silly. there is a large range of opinions among film critics. Just because some of them don't agree with your particular opinion doesn't mean they "know #%&*$#". The trick is to learn which critics tend to agree with you and which disagree with you. Helps to reduce the chance that you will end up watching a movie you hate.
Barry Lyndon is a great movie. I was fortunate enough to see it during its theatrical run. Amadeus not so much. Other than the references to Mozart's crass humor, the movie got too much wrong historically.
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