Barry Lyndon (1975)

Last updated:
April 18, 2025

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 period drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon. The film stars Ryan O’Neal as Redmond Barry, an Irish rogue who seeks to climb the social ladder in 18th-century Europe. The film is renowned for its meticulous attention to historical detail and its use of natural lighting.

The Story Unfolds

Early Life and Exile

The film begins with Redmond Barry (Ryan O’Neal) growing up in rural Ireland. After a duel with an English officer over his cousin Nora (Gay Hamilton), Redmond flees to Dublin, believing he has killed the officer. In reality, the duel was rigged by his family to protect him from repercussions.

Military and Desertion

Barry enlists in the British Army to escape arrest. He participates in the Seven Years’ War but soon deserts, joining the Prussian Army under duress. Barry distinguishes himself in battle but becomes disillusioned with military life. He eventually becomes an informer for the Prussians, leading to his meeting with the Chevalier de Balibari (Patrick Magee), a professional gambler.

The Climax and Resolution

Rise in Society

Barry assists the Chevalier in cheating at cards and becomes his protégé. They travel through Europe, exploiting the nobility’s gambling habits. Barry eventually seduces and marries the wealthy Lady Lyndon (Marisa Berenson) after the death of her elderly husband, securing his place in high society.

Downfall

Barry’s ambition and extravagance lead to his downfall. His stepson, Lord Bullingdon (Leon Vitali), despises him and eventually challenges him to a duel. Barry is severely wounded and loses his leg. Lady Lyndon, under the influence of Bullingdon, arranges for Barry to receive an annuity in exchange for leaving England. Barry returns to Ireland, where he lives in relative obscurity.

The Conclusion

Barry’s Fate

The film concludes with a title card stating that all characters are equal now, having lived and died in the 18th century, highlighting the transient nature of wealth and power.

Movie Ending

Barry Lyndon ends with Barry’s return to Ireland after losing his leg in a duel with his stepson. The closing title card emphasizes the impermanence of social status and the inevitability of death, leaving a poignant message about the fleeting nature of ambition and success.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Barry Lyndon.

Type of Movie

Barry Lyndon is a period drama that combines elements of historical epic, tragicomedy, and social satire, focusing on themes of ambition, vanity, and the ephemeral nature of fortune and power.

Cast

Ryan O’Neal as Redmond Barry
Marisa Berenson as Lady Lyndon
Patrick Magee as Chevalier de Balibari
Hardy Krüger as Captain Potzdorf
Steven Berkoff as Lord Ludd
Gay Hamilton as Nora Brady
Leon Vitali as Lord Bullingdon

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score features classical music pieces by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Franz Schubert. The most notable piece is Handel’s “Sarabande,” which serves as a recurring theme throughout the film.

Filming Locations

Barry Lyndon was filmed in various locations across Ireland, England, and Germany, including:

Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow, Ireland
Castle Howard, North Yorkshire, England
Wilton House, Wiltshire, England
Waterford Castle, County Waterford, Ireland

Awards and Nominations

Barry Lyndon received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Music, Scoring Original Song Score and/or Adaptation. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Stanley Kubrick), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Ryan O’Neal), and Best Actress (Marisa Berenson).
Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Ryan O’Neal).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Stanley Kubrick used natural lighting for many interior scenes, famously employing candlelight for authenticity. Special lenses developed by NASA were used to achieve this.
The film’s meticulous production design included period-accurate costumes and sets, contributing to its immersive historical atmosphere.
The film’s slow pacing and visual style were initially met with mixed reviews but have since been widely acclaimed for their artistry and innovation.

Inspirations and References

Barry Lyndon is based on Thackeray’s novel, reflecting the author’s critique of 18th-century European society. Kubrick’s adaptation focuses on the cyclical nature of ambition and the inevitable decline of those who seek power and status.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Barry Lyndon closely follows Kubrick’s vision, with no significant alternate endings or deleted scenes known to the public. Various special editions and DVD releases provide additional behind-the-scenes content and interviews.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is adapted from Thackeray’s The Luck of Barry Lyndon. While Kubrick’s adaptation remains faithful to the novel’s themes and characters, it condenses and dramatizes certain aspects to fit the cinematic format. The novel’s satirical tone is preserved, but Kubrick adds a more somber and reflective mood.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Barry’s duel with Captain Quin and subsequent flight from Ireland.
Barry’s experiences as a soldier in the Seven Years’ War.
The iconic candlelit scenes in Lady Lyndon’s estate.
The chariot race at the Chevalier’s estate.
The climactic duel between Barry and Lord Bullingdon.

Iconic Quotes

“It was in the reign of George III that the aforesaid personages lived and quarreled; good or bad, handsome or ugly, rich or poor, they are all equal now.”
“I have done the noblest action but one in my life, and that is to pay the debt of gratitude I owe to my friend the Chevalier.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of natural lighting and period-accurate details create a deeply immersive experience, reflecting Kubrick’s commitment to authenticity.
The film’s visual style, influenced by 18th-century paintings, adds to its aesthetic and thematic depth.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $11 million, and it grossed over $31 million worldwide.
The film’s use of natural lighting and specially developed lenses set new standards for cinematography and visual storytelling.
Barry Lyndon has been re-evaluated over time and is now considered one of Kubrick’s masterpieces, praised for its visual beauty and thematic complexity.

Why Watch?

Barry Lyndon offers a visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of ambition, vanity, and the transient nature of success, featuring standout performances, particularly by Ryan O’Neal, and masterful direction by Stanley Kubrick. Its blend of historical detail, tragicomedy, and social satire makes it a must-watch for fans of period dramas and cinematic artistry.

Director’s Other Movies

Stanley Kubrick also directed:

Recommended Films for Fans

A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Duellists (1977)
The Age of Innocence (1993)
The Leopard (1963)
The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982)