Barry Lyndon

The third time’s the charm. While it's a nice chapter in the history of film on the subject of lighting, and I'd love to read William Makepeace Thackeray's novel someday, if the scene of finding the bow in the cleavage doesn't work, there's something wrong with the film. That something is called Kubrick. Hooray! And we clap and we high-five. While we do not enjoy the realities of the 18th century, for which of course we have no understanding, we do enjoy the compositions and the anti-hero, and like monkeys, we adopt the lessons of the divine auteur who is so familiar to us. (03/22/2013)

A slowly unfolding, utterly unpredictable, and almost intimate story of one man who greatly influenced the fates of many people. Stanley Kubrick presents his most magnificent work cautiously, perhaps somewhat unevenly, but every scene, even the smallest, has its justification in the final outcome. What's more, he chose the perfect actor, Ryan O'Neal, for the main role, who showcases his acting skills the most in gradually escalating scenes of a card game or an interrupted concert. The narrator, however, remains a flaw, for while he fills in the gaps nicely, his guiding speeches hinder the tension of the events that unfold. (04/21/2006)

It will be all praise, but what else can be said about a film that, despite its three-hour runtime, I devoured like a raspberry? The composition of the images, the thoughtful use of colour and contrast, the perfect choice of interiors and exteriors, the magnificent cinematography, the well-chosen period music; even the costume designers did their best. All this for the pleasure of the eye, which grazes heartily for three hours. And on top of that, a slightly sarcastic story that draws the viewer in and doesn't let go until the closing credits. There’s no risk of boredom... After Dr Strangelove, my second favourite Kubrick film. (10/05/2004)

An epic tale that follows the life of Redmond Barry, who became Barry Lyndon, I loved it in every way, but I'd highlight the engaging cinematography, the great period music, and the impeccable costumes and hairstyles. But the actors didn't slack off either. Ryan O'Neal's performance in particular is stunning. It's incredible how a long and, above all, stable and sensible story can be told in a three-hour running time. And master Stanley Kubrick managed to do it with panache. In short, a film with everything, offering the audience a whole range of genres. (03/19/2011)

Even though one might think this would be incredibly dull, something Kubrick couldn't even accidentally direct, the Master once again proves that even this is a film that captivates. Even though it's not action-packed, you'll still be tense, whether because it's entertaining, dark, intimate, or sometimes just sexy, in its own way. Those three hours gonna fly by fast. (03/02/2015)