Barry Lyndon - Renegade Cut

Kubrick Month continues with an analysis of Barry Lyndon. Support Renegade Cut Media through Patreon. / renegadecut
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[@safespacebear]

Finally saw this film two days ago and haven't stopped thinking of it since. It's beautiful, like watching a moving painting but the story is so depressing. Barry lives his life, somewhat devoid of honor, class, and often kindness and for the most part, gets ahead. The moment when he finally shows compassion, honor and nobility, it costs him dearly. So haunting. I will watch again soon and probably many times in my life but goodness....so much emotion in that final duel.

[@TylerYogaTV]

Same!

[@apostalote]

Like all humans would, when inflicted with the blows of betrayal and deception, he adapts to a world that is built on corruption and deceit

[@davidegaruti2582]

Kinda rapresentative of that time period : everyone got ahead by backstabbing everyone else basically . No wonder the 1800 had the least amount of countries worldwide

[@ABannerSoftly]

Easily the most underrated Kubrick movie

[@CaptainMorganThe3rd]

I’m sure many others have already said this, but Barry Lyndon is without a doubt the most beautiful film I have ever seen. Simply breathtaking.

[@jackhackett80]

this film is certainly recognized and applauded in certain circles of people, but overall I think this film is terribly underrated

[@franciscoquintas8985]

Underrated? It has a rate of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.1 on IMDB.

[@BrorealeK]

It also attracted much negative attention on release.

[@Lukkern]

Francisco Quintas 8.1 on imdb is terribly underrated for this movie. This is in my opinion one of the absolute best movies of all time

[@eligrivrerref]

Lukkern Indeed it is. A timeless masterpiece, even more than a clockwork orange in my opinion

[@thorn262]

@@franciscoquintas8985 Yes, that's so, but take the film out of the realm of Cinematic Afficionadoes, and one is likely to end up with, at best, one of three answers, all of which I’ve heard stated, directly, upon mention of BL, and never once have I heard, 'THAT is a Great Film!': 1) ‘Oh, God! THE most boring film I’ve ever seen!,’ 2) ‘I hate costume dramas,’ 3) 'Barry Lyndon'? I think I've heard of it.’

[@snowmystique2308]

Sometimes not having a good adult figure in your life can leave you being a child, permanently.

[@MrFTW733]

I really think this deserves close to an hour-long analysis. Great job nonetheless! I'm currently obsessed w this movie!

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Same thought

[@docchicken245]

Yeah there's so much to discuss on the movie

[@styxrakash4639]

there is a 50 minute video up on another channel that came out a few months ago if ya'll are interested

[@quantum_immortal69]

One things that stands out to me is every character is truly a human being. They all have their faults, strengths and weaknesses, strong reasons for doing what they do. And they are all just human. Not good, not evil. Each one of them could be the protagonist of their own story, as we are all the protagonist in our own heads. That's one reason among many this film is certainly one of the greatest of all time.

[@Ravidovicius]

In addition, 1789 is also considered the start of the French Revolution, in keeping with the anti-aristocracy theme.

[@AvatarYoda]

There's also the irony in that Barry is allowed to beat his grown son in private, but when he does it in public, he's shunned and his attempt to get a title is finished.

[@Uranusfog]

Don't forget that Barry didn't have a problem disciplining his step son by flogging even though he was young. Yet he spoiled his own son with the highest degree of permissiveness which led to his son's death. He didn't show young Bullingdon an iota of the the fatherly love he showered his son with until it was too late and his life was on the line.

[@eacy7deacy]

Kubrick at his most sentimental.

[@kosmaraisanen482]

Hm, interesting. I thought it was almost misanthropic.

[@davidgray2805]

The Mitchell BNC Camera and Zeiss Lense made this a beautiful and dreamy film, Kubrick was a masterful photographer and film director.

[@ALszaro]

Lad...Lad!!! Can I get a new beaker? This one's all full of grease!

[@Muskot]

Hi Leon! This was a great episode as always, and I've been curious about Barry Lyndon for a long time. :) I wanted to point out or expand on one thing though - 1789 was also the year of the French Revolution, which was a more direct people vs aristocracy conflict than the American revolution and would be a real concern to the aristocracy as the film is set in Europe. Put together with the US consitution it would certainly reinforce the point of the aristocracy outlasting popular revolution. (I listened to Word Funk just yesterday so I don't want to come off as "you forgot" but I felt it might be relevant to the reading of the film!)

[@MrPinbert]

This video has given me an all new appreciation for one of my favorite movies, thank you.

[@falas8072]

That was a revealing essay about the movie. I can even comprehend the meaning and the structure of it more, now. Good movie choice.

[@Flysouthfilms]

It's pretty weird how in combination with the lighting and clothing and framing of the shots, every shot looks like a painting.

[@MrPinbert]

+Flysouthfilms Well that's not "weird", it was the intention. Mr Turner is a stylistically similar movie in that regard, also a really good movie.

[@robertcorbell1006]

Probably my favorite period piece of all time. The 18th century is to me personally a very interesting and somewhat enigmatic era. Seldom do films give it justice. Anyone can mention "Amadeus" or "Dangerous Liaisons", but those give Hollywood's idea of the time and not a very realistic one. This, Rob Roy (the 1995 version with Liam Neeson), Last of the Mohicans (1992 version with Daniel Day Lewis), and the new TV version of Outlander by Laura MacDoon are far more realistic and suck you into the period and story.

[@declanm6887]

While it may not be as engaging as either Last of the Mohicans or Outlander, Poldark also does a good job at engaging you into the setting.

[@robertcorbell1006]

Declan m Agreed. While dry and less action-packed, it manages to catch the more mundane aspects of the period quite well.

[@declanm6887]

I mean the 2015 version if you were wondering.

[@omahabibblemaddox2181]

a masterpiece of film.

[@barrycohen311]

Very astute observations and commentary.

[@TheLipmannToy]

A must watch (often forgotten, full of emotions, detail oriented, technologically groundbreaking) masterpiece by Stanley Kubrick (and one of my favorites). Yet another superb analysis from Renegade Cut, good job!

[@MrPinbert]

+TheLipmannToy It's my second favorite to 2001, indeed a shame that it gets so little recognition.

[@Onmysheet]

Barry Lyndon is my favourite, the it's Eyes Wide Shut.

[@amarevanhook7453]

One of the best movies period

[@Geep615]

The woman Barry marries for her estate has got to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen on film

[@fightsports66]

Her name is Marisa Berenson. She was a big fashion model in the 1970s.

[@lutzderlurch7877]

Aye!

[@lucienfantke]

1789 French Revolution. Prussia has its most famous ruler with Friedrich II.

[@michaelterence1662]

Good job, lots of interesting and useful points! I would suggest, however, that the first duel is not about something of little importance, as the video states. Rather, it "arose over the purchase of some horses," the narrator tells us -- in other words, it is about money. Money is, in fact, the cause of all three duels (Nora's family wants money from Quin, Bullingdon wants control of his family's estate), and money (its pursuit, its acquisition and its loss) brings about almost all of the misfortunes and disasters which befall Barry. It is pretty unlikely, after all, that Kubrick would begin this story with a fatal duel which is about nothing important or meaningful. Everything in "Barry Lyndon" is important and meaningful!

[@notabot835]

Great job here Leon! Just watched this last night and was kinda blown away. Kubrick is truly a master

[@TheBroadwayscar]

Another insightful, interesting and well made analysis, you're great Leon!

[@jz4373]

Brilliant movie. This one always seems to be overlooked as a great Kubrick film

[@jacobharris4838]

Kubrick's masterwork. Among plenty others, of course. Love to see attention being drawn to it.

[@brianlea2853]

In the final duel between Redmond Barry & Lord Lyndon, the lord misfires and Redmond Barry forgoes his turn by firing into the ground Just to point out through that action he retained a piece of his own humanity, recognising in his enemy a memory of himself Also by doing so throwing his life to chance much like the card games The card games being an obvious metaphor for the class and sectarian attitudes of the time

[@JWMmartin]

After a marathon of Renegade Cut videos I've had enough - I'm subscribing. This is the epitome of film analysis.

[@docchicken245]

This is one of the only decent analysis of the movie i've found in this platform

[@pamdemonia]

So beautiful! And the bit of music at the end! Thanks.

[@franciscoquintas8985]

You are simply one of the best film analyzers of youtube today! How the hell don't you have a million subscribers? HOW??? I've just watched your entire Stanley Kubrick playlist, since I've watched every of his movies. I might not agree on every thing you say, but I can understand much more briefly those movies. I love your analyzes. You've gain a subscriber, a fan! Keep doing these videos!

[@muhannadalnabulsi4266]

Impressive & Informative

[@Tgogators]

Love your vids! well spoken and straight to the point!

[@larryhagemann5548]

Excellent commentary.

[@ClearAutumnFestival]

Excellent analysis, sir.

[@1badjesus401]

great analysis for an underrated gem. i can't believe kubrick didnt get best director for this let alone ever! if I'm not mistaken the cinematographer for lyndon did receive the oscar however, deservedly so.

[@keikurono6571]

I miss the Intro from the old Renegade Cuts, i liked it a lot. It had set me in the right mood for some haevy analysis. Good episode though, as always.

[@keikurono6571]

Oh, that's sad. I think an intro of one sort or another would benefit your show. But than again, it's just me. Just keep up the good work and people will tune in anyway. I sure do :)

[@internebbish]

Probably the best analysis of a Kubrick film I've ever read or seen. Thank you! Also for painterly references at 2:22, you may wish to check out William Hogarth's, "The Rake's Progress."

[@dr.strangelove9815]

All monarch and noble families were once commoners. The tension between the "haves" and "have nots" illustrates the desire to retain and attain power. Both sides have the potential to be positive or negative, it's more of moral inclination rather than social status as either noble or commoner can be truly "noble", in the word's original meaning.

[@therwfer]

This movie is so great! Very much enjoyed watching your thoughts on it, thanks!

[@JustinVisser1]

Great film. Nice analysis.

[@healthymix5742]

Great video!

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

I need to watch more Kubrick movies.

[@sevengoals]

Thank you for that.

[@hairymiddleeasternman]

Great vid.

[@winstonchurchill8974]

I always considered that Kubrick, like Thackeray before him and Voltaire before Thackeray, was attacking the optimistic and naive, self imposed social, intellectual, and moral impositions that make an individual fall into an abyss of their own doing. Barry Lyndon, when I first saw it, reminded me a lot of the novel, Candide, especially the first half of the film. Quite a lovely and masterfully done film, perhaps Kubrick's best.

[@marichristian1072]

And who was the Dr Pangloss in this film? "Candide" is certainly a vicious satire. Ironically, Voltaire cheated in the new French lottery with a mathematician friend. Then he went on the run from the authorities and holed up in Champagne with his mistress while writing anti government pamphlets.

[@marilynmalone1381]

just watched the film. Very interesting analysis

[@liamjay6844]

Do you also think setting the end at 1789 is a reference to the French Revolution? An even more radical revolution that changed people's attitudes towards the establishment and aristocracy?

[@KorKhan89]

Precisely my thoughts. I'm more on the side of it being an allusion to the French Revolution.

[@liamjay6844]

It's something that certainly rattled the aristocracy!

[@dekubaner]

my favorite movie!

[@jacobtb1]

excellent

[@bropous4265]

My favorite movie of all time.

[@whoaitstiger]

1789 was not only the year of the United States Constitution. It was also the year of the Tennis Court Oath. Ominously forshadowing indeed.

[@Dylan-id7mn]

you desverve so many more subscibers!!

[@alexbensen2821]

Funny, this video came out on my birthday

[@successsystem2468]

Kubrick's finest 👌

[@isaiahtrofimenko1739]

Does anyone know where to get such high quality copy of this film? I think it's the best I ever saw. It's one of my favorite films. I have a DVD, but the quality on it is quite low. Thanks!

[@renegadecut9875]

It's on Blu Ray. The Criterion Collection has it.

[@CGoody564]

Slightly mistaken about natural lighting. There is one indoor scene that they did in fact use lights coming through a large central window that was covered in plastic. (The dinner scene where the light shines directly on the middle of the table)

[@jonanjello]

3:50 Ludovico and, like the Ludovico Technique in A Clockwork Orange?

[@daniellecarlson5242]

Hello and thank you for this analysis. I was wondering if you or anyone else in the comments might be able to direct me on how to reference your work?

[@pst4ppl]

good very good

[@mmelloe]

read kubrick's interview with michel ciment about barry lyndon. should be fairly enlightening. his rolling stone interview too

[@Henners1991]

You say there were three duels; but what about the fencing duel against the aristocrat who wouldn't pay up?

[@leviadragon99]

Hmm, I wonder who the narrator was if they were both omniscient and yet unreliable. I doubt it was the stepson, it seems he was only privy to the lattermost part of Barry's story, unless he heard rumours of Barry's past and put together an imperfect picture of the man he was coloured by his own projected bias. If there were no other characters in the story who could have had such a broad overview, then having the narrator be entirely separate from those events and still unreliable becomes a doubly interesting choice even beyond the reasoning for it you covered.

[@lightningbolt3585]

I always theorized that Lord Bullingdon was the narrator. Although I really don't have any evidence of that.

[@72Yonatan]

In the novel by Thackeray, Redmond is himself the first person narrator, and is unreliable. The film narrator is omniscient third person, anonymous.

[@marichristian1072]

@@72Yonatan I agree.

[@msxmurda2385]

Killarney. Now. What shall it be?

[@AlaXastar009]

Is that "Sarabandae" by Haendel playing in the background?

[@jacobharris4838]

Yep

[@AlaXastar009]

Jacob Ryan Harris Can that song still be found on KZbin? I was looking for it--the version that appeared in "The Raid: Berandal" and couldn't find it.

[@jacobharris4838]

AlaXastar009 the version from Barry Lyndon is definitely on KZbin. Idk about that one tho

[@AlaXastar009]

Jacob Ryan Harris I know that its the same song,but like the added harpsichord that emphasizes every other note. I found it, the title is "Handel vs Kubrick Levi's & The Raid..." You can see for yourself what I mean.

[@robertcorbell1006]

Yes. It's the main theme to the film.

[@krunchielloyd]

Love the score in Barry Lyndon

[@YgorRodri]

Have you ever watched 'If....' from 1968? I think it deserves an analysis. Great video by the way. It's my favorite kubrick film.

[@joeldunn2285]

if.... isn't a Kubrick film. It was however a strong influence for the portrayal of McDowell's character in A Clockwork Orange.

[@YgorRodri]

Joel Dunn Oh really? Thanks sherlock.

[@joeldunn2285]

You said it was your favorite Kubrick film.... I said it wasn't even a Kubrick film. How am I in the wrong?

[@joeldunn2285]

Renegade Cut OH CRAP!! Totally misread that oops sorry!

[@MeBeTheDB]

10-4 ... that's the danger of typing and not hearing the words. Peace, amigo. D.A.

[@ianbauer4703]

Nice movie review.

[@MajorRobertRogersRanger]

Excellent commentary and analysis I would always say that this movie is a semi satirical look at the world of the super rich during perhaps Western society's most hierarchical era. Social climbers, gold diggers, a condescending view by old money towards the nouveau riche, the gauche attempts by the nouveau riche to buy acceptance into the heirarchy. The hangers on that the super rich attract hoping for some crumbs from the table, those who attempt to pass themselves as part of the super rich and of course, the servants who jealously guard their minor positions of power and influence. A fascinating look at social history and social interactions which is as applicable, pertinent and relevant today as it was back then. I loved this movie from the first moment watched it. Barry starts as a likeable and spirited underdog character who you root for, but becomes a nasty and self destructive one, for me personally I still rooted for him but with some reservations. A key phrase is spoken by the narrator at the intermission - "The same energies that drive a man to a fortune are often the same ones which cause him to lose it". Interestingly, Thackeray's other more famous book Vanity Fair features a female protagonist very much like Barry - innocent underdog who becomes a social climber, breaking moral boundaries and coming to an obscure end. A great comparison with Barry Lyndon is the 1979 TV Movie called The Bastard (based on John Jakes book). Both are 3 hour long epics set in same time period, with the two protagonists being born with tenious aristocratic links of determined women with no father figures. Both characters are burdened and pushed by their mother's dreams and both are presented with simmilar choices and scenarios. Difference being that the protagonist in The Bastard makes more morally correct choices and does not succumb to the same temptations as Barry. That being said, The Bastard is somewhat plodding by comparrison and despite a fine cast of stars of the day is a lot more wooden in terms of acting etc. Thanks for the magnificent breakdown and analysis, however, I think it is a movie best watched from a detached and objective standpoint with a large pinch of salt about the society it portrays. The final message just mocks all within that circle for all their duplicity, treachery and maneuverings for in the end despite what they all try to do to outshine each other, it is all in vain, for all are dead, forgotten and equal now

[@billyleroy2465]

Bravo Kubrick is God.

[@jeremyseymour7905]

Really great RC! This is the #1 of my top 10 films, and I dogmatically insist that BL is the best film in history. Sorry if you disagree. Might help if you watch it.

[@irishman6414]

Watching this movie is a bit like visiting a museum about the period of history it takes place in. It's beautiful, but not very exciting and hard to be engaged in if you don't really care about history that much. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep watching it half way through and never went back to finish it.

[@stukaman1162]

My comment is not designed to question your analysis by any means. But another YT presenter makes an equally interesting observation about the characters in this movie. He maintains it is about the hatred they may have experienced in life, and also the urge to inflict it on others when the opportunity arises. Barry's own family lies to him about the outcome of his duel, hating him for potentially ruining their economic windfall when their daughter marries the captain. The father and son highway robbers despise Barry, commandeering his wealth and horse. Barry joins the military to make his mark in life, something that has been denied him. He hates his fellow soldiers to the point of engaging in a boxing match He masquerades as an officer, showing contempt for the hierarchy. The Prussian officer exposes his fraud and manipulates him to be a spy. Barry betrays this trust and confides to the Chevallier. Both men then condescendingly swindle wealthy aristocrats at the gaming tables. Barry further shows veiled contempt for the old codger whose young wife he seduces for her wealth, which he squanders rather than maintains or builds upon. The list of hating or being hated, holding others in contempt and being themselves held in contempt (the scene when Barry inquires about the artwork he'd like to buy comes to mind) is almost limitless, and stands as yet another reason for why this movie is one of the best of all time.

[@Bobdylan12121]

anyone else not gonna mention where someone else finishes the sentence at 1:07 to 1:09? I know this video is like 4 years old now but people still watching it and not one person has ever said anything about that....

[@renegadecut9875]

Nobody has ever mentioned it because that's not true. lol Nobody else has ever narrated my show. The audio at the time stamp was just, tragically, a bit of bad audio editing on an old video.

[@au9parsec]

Lord bulington

[@daveygivens735]

What do you think the number of people today could cite this movie or the filmmaker? I think in order, The Shining dominates mainstream thought; perhaps FMJ, then 2001. 2nd tier, Strangelove, Eyes Wide Shut. A shame, because I think Barry Lyndon is Kubrick's best.

[@rezervoardogs]

i cannot believe that you only have 12000 subscribers, i am going to mention your channel on every comment that i will write in future whether you like it or not

[@Andrei_Suckoffsky]

Barry is low nobility

[@yokoreia]

Miscast film, main actor was a mannequin

[@rhk0327]

i agree with and learned a lot from your insight, but imo dont' think the movie had that much emphasis on being a father. also i have a different interpretation of the last duel. I think it was, like many of kubrick's films, about the innate goodness of us apes, and the corruption of our humanity as society molds us... a naive boy, uncorrupted just like your cards analogy, fights a duel for the woman he loves. He refuses escape, and a nice some of money to fight for love. Unlike all the other fights and wars i the movie, this was the only fight worth risking his life. (look at the way it the narrator sneers at the wars). In this moment, the boy so sincere and true to his heart, wins over even the the colleague of his adversary. Society sneers at his foolishness, and illogic of desiring woman on love instead of her choosing someone else because of money. Then again, in a moment of honesty, he confesses to the ambassador (i think), and together they form a real bond. The 2nd duel/cards is for intentions of becoming rich. Both of his first 2 relationships were from the heart, while his 3rd was chasing the money. A tragic irony between two people. she had everything he wanted, and he had nothing, but he was all she wanted. the 3rd duel, barry has become the established, but his stepson is now a young berry. He comes to risk his life against barry from his heart, rightfully furious at the way barry has treated his mother and him. Barry admires the courage in the young lad, being reminded if his youth, and can't bring himself to pull the trigger despite how much of a bastard he's become. He couldn't let go of his last string of humanity in this moment. I wonder about barry's life, and how it might have changed if barry kept following heart instead of chasing they money. Maybe his first heartbreak scorched in him, to inspire him to acquire wealth, so that it would never happen again. In irony, he sacrifices choosing a partner for love for money, and became rather miserable for it.

[@R3dp055um]

I like the film, but my enjoyment of it is hampered by my extreme distaste for Ryan O'Neal. I would have enjoyed it far more with a different, less obnoxious actor in the title role.

[@artlover4668]

I thought O'Neal was very good. A cad playing a cad lol!

[@vilhelmhammershoi4631]

Why do you call the narrator unreliable? It is O'Neal's unreliable acting that does not match in so many places the narrator's perfect delivery!