Also written and produced by Kubrick, this historical drama is based on the 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray. Our story starts in the mid 18th Century rural Ireland. After his father has recently died in a shooting duel, young Redmond Barry, played by the American Ryan O'Neill, has become infatuated with his flirty cousin Nora Brady (Gay Hamilton). However, the English Army are in town and a very impressive officer, Captain John Quinn (Leonard Rossiter), has also caught Nora's eye. Against the wishes of his extended family, Redmond, only just out of short trousers himself, challenges the Captain to a duel for Nora's affections. Quinn accepts as he really wants Nora's hand and feels he can easily dispatch the youth.
Later at the flintlock pistol duel, Barry appears to shoot the Captain dead. In the aftermath, his family encourages him that it's best to leave town as not to get into trouble with the Army authorities. But he later finds out that unbeknownst to him, his pistol was loaded with a blank by the Seconds and the Captain's death was faked in a ploy to get Barry away to Dublin and allow the noble Captain Quinn to marry Nora and reward the family with much needed cash to settle old debts.
On his way to Dublin, Barry is robbed of his horse, weapons and the bag full of gold coins given to him by his Uncle to start a new life in the city, by highwaymen. Penniless and homeless, Redmond feels his only option is to join the English Army and after some basic training, heads off with his regiment to the current war, waging on the continent with France.
Basically, this is a story of a young Irish man who, with his boyish good looks, charm and opportunity, gains advantages over his army superiors. Then, later, after meeting the gorgeous Lady Honoria Lyndon (Marisa Berenson), also near-aristocratic status - as he always seems to be at the right place at the right time to reap the benefits of situations that seem to fall in his lap.
The cinematography is stunning! As well as the atmospheric outdoor scenes, with the use of NASA grade lenses on the extensive candlelit interiors, Kubrick brings the distinctive look of Hogarth paintings of the era to the big screen. As a result, this film won four Oscars at the 1976 Academy Awards.
O'Neill, who is in virtually every scene, is quietly commanding the viewers' attention throughout in an extensive cast of mostly British character actors of varied ages - with superb noses that suit well, the wig and powdered look of the 18th Century. No suspense is employed here, so the script felt a little simple at times. However, all the cast, not forgetting some very stylish ladies in their lavish period costumes, fill the various roles admirably.
Although not written as a comedy, some of the situations reminded me of scenes I've subsequently seen on 1970's & 80's TV sketch shows, so had me quietly chuckling. Especially when Mr Rossiter was on screen, as I cannot unsee Rigsby! For the pace of the story told, it felt a bit longer than was necessary - but I'm glad I finally got to see this legendary film on the big screen.
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