Oh Stanley. 57 takes!?

Murray Melvin, who played reverend Samuel Runt's role in Barry Lyndon, confirm the legend about the exorbitant number of takes realised by Stanley Kubrick.

[@kitten375]

When I first saw this movie in 1975 I was amazed at how this actor looked like he had stepped out of an oil painting from the 18th century.

[@chadvonswan]

Haha had the same exact damn thought.

[@greglapointe1311]

I agree, this guy struck me as perfect for that time period. I thought that his face was perfect, like indeed he had stepped out of an oil painting.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

He was REALLY weird in _The Fixer_

[@roy_for_real2674]

He has that face

[@AnaphoraNigh]

He reminds me of the man in the 15th century painting "The Arnolfini Portrait" by Jan van Eyck.

[@thecinematicmind]

Rest In Peace Murray Melvin 1932-2023 Phenomenal Actor

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Damn, he actually talks like that! Seems like Reverend Runt incarnate, 30 years older and two centuries later.

[@Catinkontti]

he is vampire

[@Richard_is_cool]

It's him! It's him! It is literally him!

[@sonnykingcomposer]

He's so perfect to play Billis

[@riverotter68]

I LOVE the way Melvin can look back on that with such fondness and humor. He just lights up talking about it.

[@yer_old_pal_Jerky]

What a beautiful soul this man is.

[@jesuish6109]

I agree - it's really great how alive he is, and how richly he lives every moment!

[@jpb7875]

It's funny how this small video illustrates how difficult it is to film outside in movies like Barry Lyndon. It gets brighter and darker over these four minutes as the sun moves in and out of the clouds. Imagine trying to choreograph continuity on a day like this.

[@bearmare9710]

The great thing about Barry Lyndon is that whenever a character was present on the screen, they had your complete attention without distraction. Kubrick chose his actors very well for this movie.

[@apostalote]

Even Ryan O Neal was perfect. Even though the role was very different from how he had been cast previously, his rough mannerisms perfectly articulated the character of Barry Lyndon

[@gregorylapointe4157]

@@apostalote I thought Ryan was terrific in the role, which Stanley had originally wanted Robert Redford for, but was not available. It worked out well.

[@johannesbols57]

What an extraordinary observation. I never occurred to me. You're absolutely correct.

[@JH-lo9ut]

I love this man. He is such an oddball and such a perfect gentleman. I wish there were more people like him.

[@YokozunaNumber1]

Murray Melvin is pushing 90 years old. The cinematography in "Barry Lyndon" looks so fresh and new, it's easy to forget that it was made almost half a century ago.

[@edward311]

RIP Mr Melvyn you were an extroadinary and unique actor who's work i'd admired for years. It was an honour to meet and chat with you.

[@louwoods9278]

Such a gentleman. Elegant and talented. I loved his work. RIP ❤

[@robs5369]

This man was absolutely brilliant in the film. Loved his scenes

[@Casarzino]

this man really acts and talks like he stepped out of a different century. I suppose that's why Kubrick chose him for his role in Barry Lyndon.

[@AntPDC]

I think not. It's not a question of era - rather, personality. His speech and comportment entirely consonant with an actor born in the 1930's. You should look at what he did in "A Taste of Honey".

[@AudieHolland]

Why yes, the man stepped out of the century of the stage plays. When he says "I remember the scene well." He uses a different voice. He then continues in the voice of Reverend Runt. I do hope that is not his usual voice. Look up "Murray Melvin in conversation with Michael Billington."

[@sherrymay3495]

So true! What a elegant gentleman.

[@fauxmanchu8094]

El Duderino Love his Georgian, Elizabethan, Victorian, Renaissance face.

[@successsystem2468]

Watch him with Michael Caine in 1960s ALFIE

[@Cybjon]

His performance in Barry Lyndon is extraordinary. He manages to convey so much repressed passion and unrequited love for Lady Lyndon in the subtlest of glances. I love how Kubrick trusted his actors enough to deliver stuff like that, and trusted his audience enough to get it. In fact, I think Melvin might deliver the best performance in the film.

[@1qwasz12]

He's great. But best acting goes to O'Neal.

[@mkphotofilm]

Leon Vitali was great IMO

[@TomthatiscalledTom]

That scene where he is staring at Barry and Lady Lyndon at the wedding altar, turning the prayer book pages and reciting their words without looking at the pages is both beautiful and agonizingly sad....

[@ulfingvar1]

@@mkphotofilm They all were perfect!!!!

[@ulfingvar1]

@@TomthatiscalledTom And also very funny, as if he KNEW what Redmond Barry was up to..

[@Richard-hv5hh]

Sorry about his passing. Seems a delightful man. His contribution to Barry Lyndon is wonderful in his nuances combined with his unique out of time look. A fine British character actor. He will live on as part of the ensemble in probably the most beautiful period piece ever filmed.

[@GodBlessGnrlPatton]

Beautiful man. Cultured, handsome and a great actor. Loved his performance in this film a true classic.

[@PaulRietvoorn]

What an extraordinary character this man is! I don't believe I've seen more of him, but it isn't surprising he became an actor. So interesting to watch and listen to him.

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

He kind of sets off my gaydar

[@viborgvee8399]

Yeah just a mild blip there 📡

[@AntPDC]

Murray Melvin, much respect sir. You are a great exponent of your art.

[@coliestellar917]

He seems like an absolutely lovely person that you could listen to all day long.

[@ulfingvar1]

RIP, wonderful man!

[@buffalopatriot]

Getting Murray Melvin to portray the Reverend Runt was a casting coup. Genius. As a kid I was enthralled by his performance in "A Taste of Honey".

[@secondme209]

The most elegant man in the world...

[@l.emiliobotana5595]

I'm agree!

[@Themanwhocameback2]

God bless Murray Melvin! He was superb as Reverend Runt.

[@nelsonwalker7105]

They could not have cast a better actor for the role of Rev Samuel Runt. He was perfect. I love his voice and mannerisms.

[@Orsley]

Only exorbitant until you watch the scene, in which the acting by Mr. Melvin and Marie Kean, as with the acting throughout this magnificent film, is utterly impeccable.

[@michaelterence1662]

When contemplating what is possibly the greatest film ever made, the artist's methods should not be criticized.

[@unclealand]

In 1961 I had to lie about my age in order to get in to see the movie "A Taste of Honey." I wish I could tell Murray Melvin what it meant, how it felt for a 13-year-old gay boy in Ohio, to see on screen a gay character who was not miserable about being that way, who was not predatory, who didn't have to die at the end to make up for being homosexual. I must have gone back six times to see that excellent movie.

[@clockworktim]

I love watching this segment! For some reason, I play it over and over, being such a huge Kubrick fan and all. It's simply charming, and I happen to LOVE the piano music underscoring it all. Murray Melvin did crush that role.

[@54jeanmarie]

Barry Lyndon is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Perfect period piece.

[@largefries123]

What a fantastic story! Love hearing about Kubrick... RIP both.

[@nudnikjeff]

I associate MM with Stanley Kubrick and Ken Russell, having appeared in both directors films. He is an extraordinary actor and I loved him telling this story.

[@tiffsaver]

Watching this movie was like one long meditation, like watching a living oil painting of incredible beauty. It wove a continuous web of intrigue that just never stopped, from beginning to end. I've watched so many videos by actors who've worked with Kubrick, and it seems that most of them were worked nearly to exhaustion, even injury, but in every case once the movie was done, they would have all done it over again. They all simply trusted Stanley implicitly, and he got the job done in spectacular fashion. A true genius of cinema.

[@jeffwatkins352]

Dear Murray is now sadly also no longer with us. He and his dear Marie are treading the boards together at that Old Vic in the sky. I knew Melvin from his work with Ken Russell and was delighted to see him in Barry Lyndon, an inspired bit of casting by Kubrick. What a delightful anecdote! And what a good Kubrick impression he gives.

[@3751642]

Thank you Murray Melvin. You are a joy in every way. A gentleman and a fine actor. Your portrayal of the Rev. Runt was brilliant. God bless you!

[@vladtheimpaler8995]

Wonderful oily character in the movie. A lizard with a collar . A joy to watch and him and the entire film . A masterpiece.

[@ghostlightx9005]

My darling, Murray. Gone now. What an amazing actor he was.

[@elsuperbrain]

If anyone wants to really know why Stanley Kubrick insisted in such a large number of takes you just need to look at that sequence in "Barry Lyndon" where the Prince walks to the door and tips Redmond before leaving. The beauty of the way he walks out and tips Redmond (who just helped to cheat him) is absolutely delightfull. Had it taken one hundred trys/takes to produce it it would had worth it... Murray Melvin is one of the perfect components of that incredible experience that is "Barry Lyndon". Had I not seen him in this website, I would have thought he was not real, that he was an invention of Stanley Kubrick's mind. I love to see him being himself after some 39 years enjoying his character in the film. (Please excuse my english.)

[@michaelterence1662]

Your English is excellent.

[@johannesbols57]

The village dancing scene at the beginning was many takes. Kubrick wanted the actors to revolve like automatons to give the impression that they did this all the time. It was a grueling day. No need to apologize for your English; it's better than most native English speakers.

[@wakeupuk3860]

Murray Melvin was one of those British actors my generation grew up with who appeared in so many films and TV series that he was recognizable just as many famous actors were, but we never remembered his name. A shame really because he was a very good actor and often in scenes with the leading actor our eyes were on him, that he never got the recognition I feel he deserved. He also, as with other actors like him back then, he was head and shoulders above the motley bunch of supporting actors we now have. It was good though that Stanley Kubrick chose him, to play quite an important part in Barry Lyndon and I am sure knowing how fussy and particular about the actors he chose, Murray must have been very proud and I expect on seeing it he knew what a masterpiece it was and his place in film history would be remembered.

[@mkphotofilm]

So eccentric! What a character.

[@fjalbright]

One of my favorite characters of all time.

[@michaelwittmann8720]

what a fine Gent, so elegant, and dapper !! no wonder he was part of such an amazing film ,

[@wordscapes5690]

Rest in peace, sweet, sweet man.

[@aquaescapeartist4915]

Kubrick knew casting was key. And he mastered it.

[@SongJLikes]

There are one choices across his films that are a bit odd and haven’t aged well…. BUT, I absolutely appreciate the degree Kubrick went beyond the norm to cast his films… he never fell victim to the ‘actor-du-jour’ like so many directors do

[@thedude4795]

what choice do you think it was @@SongJLikes

[@SongJLikes]

@@thedude4795 - hyper-opinionated here, but I think Shelly Duvall in The Shining and Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut were odd, but Shelly Duvall’s performance has always grown on me, but some people still hate her in it… All in all, Kubrick was one of the best at casting his works though, and getting the best out of them for his vision.

[@MondoBeno]

He did the role perfectly in Barry Lyndon. It was like he'd never gotten laid in his whole life, and his being a hanger-on to Lady Lyndon was his pathetic replacement for his non-existent sex life.

[@vilhelmhammershoi3871]

Bravo Mr. Murray. You were brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@ginigang]

Thank you for posting this delightful clip of a most delightful actor and personality. I adored his immaculate performance as Rev Runt

[@blipblip88]

wonderfully prissy as ever....

[@Clint7777]

Legendary actor! If you loved him in Barry Lyndon you would love him even more in A Taste of Honey

[@Ch9-7708]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@tuanjim799]

Such an interesting actor and person. He was one of many things about Barry Lyndon that really stood out to me and jumped off the screen, his performance so measured and flawless, with almost a strange, cold, otherworldly quality to it. I see that quality in this interview somewhat as well. He has a certain look and personality that is, for lack of a better descriptor, very old-world. He seems like someone who really could have stepped right out of the 18th or 19th century. Probably why Kubrick wanted him for the role.

[@sidneyfrederickson3941]

Reverend Runt was most likely a younger son of an aristocrat or gentry. The normal career choices for younger sons was military or clergy. Working in business AKA "Trade" was frowned upon. Hence Runt's genteel behavior and well educated demeanor.

[@NihilsineDeo1866.]

Rest in Peace , the good Murray Melvin.

[@Jcushing5]

I think Kubrick used a lot of takes in the way a photographer will take many dozens of photos in the one spot. To then choose from among the many shots, the one that 'sings'. It certainly works well in photography.

[@motman52]

Murray is quite the Lad! Indescribable! Very versatile Actor. I recall him in "Damn the Defiant" and as a greasy Spiv in "Alfie" with Michael Caine. Unique Guy!

[@stanleyandus]

Absolutely!

[@saulorocha3755]

What a perfect casting Barry Lyndon was. Murray seems to be a character out of a painting and he is also a great actor. I love A Taste of Honey but here what we have a Kubrick film and it has layers that no other has.

[@v6200man]

Murray at his best - so evocative

[@cajsheen2594]

I remember Murray in a TV screening of Angel Pavement, as the slimes character Turgiss! Brilliant! XXX

[@jsXanatos]

he really sells the story, awesome

[@johnr.7906]

Reverend Runt's marriage ceremony scene in Barry Lyndon is just amazing.

[@benrosn8154]

Such a brilliant actor

[@stanleyandus]

The best.

[@brachema]

"A great movie is a moment in time".

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Whatever take Kubrick used it was the exactly perfect one. One came away admiring him, and detesting Mrs. Barry.

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Yes! When she lowered her tone, and said "Reverend Runt"! , one hated her.

[@arricammarques1955]

Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, Murray was also brilliant.

[@jassonsw]

I was waiting for something like that at the end. I thought Stanley might say "I think I liked the first one".

[@pabloandersonbye1069]

Murry Melvin.. as an artist myself..I thank you.. you dot my favourite films, with that english eccentric beautiful soul ,we always loved..and for generations on..we. always will :) As english as tea on the garden and Byron by candlelight.. you covered it all so well. regards to you Sir.

[@lanceforrest3634]

Beautiful... the legend only grows with time... We Love You, Stanley...

[@sskoog]

Melvin has made very small appearances in kitschy arthaus cinema over the years -- his most frequent collaborator seemed to be director Ken Russell, for whom he did four or five bit parts, but he also poked in for Schumacher's Phantom of the Opera (2004) and a strangely sinister futuristic villain role (Bilis) in Russell Davies' Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood (2007). Wish we'd gotten to see more of that guy on-screen.

[@TheLoyalOfficer]

Great vid! Thank you so much for finding this! Any recollections of the great master are appreciated.

[@user-oe9qi3ot5w]

The English accent of Murray in 1940~ is good.

[@BloodOfYeshuaMessiah]

*DO THIS* Pick ANY point of the film Barry Lyndon and FREEZE FRAME. What you will see is an 18th century painters master piece that would not look out of place in the Tate Museum in London. That is the cinematography of Kubrick....pure genius!

[@Johnconno]

Incredible perception! Wow! Are you...like...A Cinematographer or something? I've never heard anyone suggest that about Barry Lyndon. Gee!

[@sidneyfrederickson3941]

John Alcott and designer Ken Adam researched the art of Constable, Watteau, Hogarth, and De La Tour, learning how 18th century landscape, portrait, and genre painters colored and composed their paintings. Sadly, many of those places shown can no longer be seen. Powerscourt House, where many of the interiors were filmed, burned to the ground 2 months after shooting wrapped, and many of the country vistas are marred by development.

[@JohnDouille]

@@Johnconno This is actually super famous. You should do research on the subject. Many of this takes are like Thomas Gainsborough's paintingd

[@Johnconno]

@Obi-Wan. Oh dear, I was being sarcastic.

[@benrosn8154]

Such a great director

[@stanleyandus]

The BEST!

[@danoslehoy]

Adoro a este actor, su máscara es increíble !!

[@arsomnis]

been watching all videos from the project, wonderful work, many thanks, this interview is just beautiful, please keep them coming, all best!

[@johannesbols57]

I can still hear Marie Kean shouting "RUNT!" with a snarl.

[@tomfoolery342]

His character in this movie intrigued and frightened me. I was impressed, afraid, and (oddly) attracted to him (I consider myself straight). I sat up straight in my chair whenever he was on screen, the way he spoke was fascinating and eloquent. His character had the most lasting impression on me after the movie was over.

[@stanleyandus]

We had the opportunity to spend some time with him after the interview. He was a very charming person.

[@saifonlawrence2044]

An absolutely brilliant scene it was !

[@trouper206]

2:50 I have so much respect for Stanley just based on other people’s stories. That’s how you know the man was a legend.

[@chopin65]

The price of genius is incalculable.

[@embossed64]

Murray was amazing as Reverend Runt.

[@TheStockwell]

In theater, there's this odd thing called "rehearsing." You try various ways of saying a line, moving from one point to another, until something seems as perfect as it will ever get. A scene might be "rehearsed" endlessly, hour after hour - until the actors and director feel they've got it perfected. An actor or director who does the same thing on film is considered an obsessive perfectionist who is never satisfied.

[@mysterysurf4554]

Perhaps the substantial financial cost difference between those two things plays into it. Rehearsals, whether for stage or film, can be more easily budgeted for. Film costs, along with the cost of keeping a crew together for all those takes -- that can play havoc with a film's budget. And even with lots of rehearsals, stage performances can still vary from night to night. A film, once put together, is forever, so a director's obsessive attempts to "get it right" might take an exponential leap.

[@quentinambrose8226]

He reminds me ever so much of my cat Andy.

[@thorn262]

Why, I was just thinking the same thing!

[@ulfingvar1]

Two wonderful artists, Melvin and Kubrick, and what a film they made together!!! Barry Lyndon is, perhaps, my favourite film of all time, with 2001 and Blade Runner competing. Three extremely different films, all brilliant and stunning achievements (thank God Barry Lyndon seems to finally be finding the wider appreciation it deserves) and to choose between them is like choosing between one's three favourite sexual experiences (hm, that suddenly sounds like an inappropriate comparison) but Barry Lyndon has not a single superfluous second in it, whereas even a groundbreaking gamechanger like 2001 does contain a handful of scenes that could have been slightly shortened, and its sense of futility is truly moving. I dunno, to choose or not to choose.. Suffice it to say, I wish we hade more film artists of Kubrick's calibre around. However, in Chris Nolan and Denis Villeneuve, and particularly early Ridley Scott, we have/had people approaching that level.

[@realinohio]

A wonderful artist! Thank you for posting

[@romeo9017]

A totally underestimated Actor....

[@JohnWesleyDowney]

This guy is a true actor. How can ya tell? Because he has this high, elegant, British manner of speaking. But when he starts saying what Stanley said that day, he switches to a different voice, which by the way, is a pretty good impression of the way Kubrick talked. That's a real actor. They love to imitate people. Murray has a good ear for voices and accents.

[@richardscally694]

Great actor Murray Melvin, a man of such elegance. Barry Lydon another Kubrick Masterpiece. Could listen to his story's for hours, want to hear more.

[@stanleyandus]

Hi Richard! Totally agree, Murray is a great actor and a great person. Follow us on Facebook if you want to know more about the documentary series Stanleyandus.

[@richardscally694]

@@stanleyandus Oh! thank you.

[@LondonfetishfairCoUk]

He's just so interesting to listen to. All the stories!

[@natalias2372]

I love Murrey Melvin!

[@marcmichel9394]

Magnifique interprétation dans Barry Lindon . Mon respect monsieur.

[@BeedingWimmington]

Best movie ever

[@brachema]

Barry lyndon is such an amazingly beautiful film, this is a good example why!!

[@mediterraneandiet2483]

Kubrick was fishing. Each take was like casting a line and seeing if something special appears.

[@WeeGrahamsaccount]

He is a delightful person

[@ptalove]

I like his accent. so clear.

Yes. Great for those who don't have English as their first linguage understand, because people from the US speak too fast and slurred...

[@andrewsmactips]

And that's why it's a perfect film.

[@nelsonwalker7105]

love Mr. Murray Melvin as the Rev Samuel Runt

[@szilvavirag]

I love Murray Melvin! Thanks for posting this clip :)

[@samtheking25]

RIP

[@jacobtb1]

great actor

[@alevine1951]

God that's beautiful, and a moving work of art was created.

[@lebroy1196]

Now, this man knows how to tell a story!

[@ozielich]

Murray Melvin, what a brilliant performance!!! Bravo! You made a masterpiece out of reverend Runt!

[@Andrei_Suckoffsky]

Bizarre, captivating appearance