In a vibrant and revealing Letterboxd Four Favorites Interview in 2022, Aubrey Plaza named Stanley Kubrick’s visually striking drama Barry Lyndon as her top film, cementing her reputation as a cinephile with distinctive taste. With Barry Lyndon about to celebrate its 50th anniversary and still often overlooked among Kubrick’s body of work, Plaza’s devotion highlights exactly why this film is essential viewing for fans and newcomers alike, making
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Aubrey Plaza’s Eclectic Top Movie Picks
Letterboxd, a beloved community platform for movie enthusiasts, is famous for its Four Favorites Interview series. When asked to list her all-time favorite films, Plaza selected Scenes from a Marriage, A Woman Under the Influence, Serial Mom, and, notably, Barry Lyndon. While Kubrick’s more mainstream works like The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey routinely make these lists, it’s Barry Lyndon—a period piece underserved by mass popularity—that profoundly shaped Plaza’s appreciation for cinema. According to Plaza, this is the film that truly sparked her passion for movies, despite not being the first Kubrick title that comes to mind for many.
Barry Lyndon, adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1844 novel, follows Redmond Barry, an Irishman played by Ryan O’Neal. Starting from modest origins, Barry ascends the rigid British class system, largely through cunning, deception, and a restless ambition that place him in the lap of aristocracy. The film’s epic narrative arc is divided into two sections: Barry’s time in the British and Prussian armies and his eventual rise within the elite ranks by marrying Lady Lyndon, portrayed by Marisa Berenson. While Barry Lyndon enjoyed critical acclaim and earned several Academy Award nominations upon release, Kubrick’s impressive catalogue often leaves it as a hidden treasure for even the most devoted cinephiles.
The Film’s Visual Mastery: Why Barry Lyndon Stands Apart
One of Barry Lyndon’s greatest triumphs lies in its groundbreaking cinematography, led by Kubrick and director of photography John Alcott. From the outset, the film immerses viewers in the aesthetics of 18th-century England, drawing mesmerizing inspiration from painters like Thomas Gainsborough, William Hogarth, and Joshua Reynolds. Uniquely, Kubrick insisted on using almost exclusively natural sources—sometimes relying solely on candlelight for interior scenes—which created practical challenges for the crew but resulted in an unprecedented level of authenticity and visual beauty. Nearly every shot, suffused with soft natural hues, mirrors the carefully rendered details of classic English portraiture, creating a film that looks as if it lives between the frames of a museum exhibit.
What might deter some viewers—a length approaching three hours and a measured, almost meditative pacing—is precisely what allowed Kubrick to explore both the world of Barry Lyndon and the psyche of its protagonist in exquisite detail. Instead of hurried plot beats, the film lingers, letting audiences absorb the lush scenery and the unspoken turmoil roiling beneath Barry’s outward composure. The result is a cinematic experience that is as emotionally involving as it is visually spellbinding.
Exploring Complex Characters and Dark Themes
Barry Lyndon’s strength also lies in its complex, morally ambiguous characters. Barry himself is neither traditional hero nor outright villain, instead residing in a morally grey territory shaped by jealousy, opportunism, and circumstance. Ryan O’Neal delivers a layered performance, capturing Barry’s charm, self-pity, and moments of vulnerability. Michael Hordern serves as the narrator, warning viewers early on that Barry’s journey is destined for heartache and misfortune. Barry’s penchant for rash decisions—whether out of love, envy, or longing for acceptance—propels him into situations where he often finds trouble beyond his control. Despite his questionable choices, the film evokes sympathy for Barry, challenging audiences to consider the forces at work in a person’s downfall.
Much of the film’s emotional charge comes from the protagonist’s relationships, especially the ones he forges, loses, and sabotages in pursuit of meaning and connection. The absence of Barry’s father from a young age sends him searching for mentors and father figures, often with disappointing or destructive outcomes. His marriage to Lady Lyndon is a peak of material success but lacks genuine love, illustrating the emptiness of ambition untempered by emotion. The only true affection Barry seems capable of is reserved for his son, Bryan, played by David Morley. In sharp contrast, his treatment of his stepson, Lord Bullingdon (portrayed by Leon Vitali), is tinged with cruelty and resentment, a dynamic that ultimately triggers Barry’s downfall. As the story unfolds, these nuanced interactions elevate Barry Lyndon above the simple morality tales typical of many period dramas, offering instead a sardonic meditation on fate, ambition, and the hollowness of glory.
Barry Lyndon’s Humor, Satire, and Tragic Brilliance
While the film is often noted for its bleakness and sense of inevitable tragedy, Kubrick imbues the narrative with an unexpected dose of satire and dark humor. The script, the wry narration, and the absurdities of aristocratic life render certain scenes surprisingly funny, even as they maintain a somber undertone. The lush cinematography isn’t just a visual treat; it magnifies the contrast between the beauty of Barry’s surroundings and his own inner turmoil. Each moment of opulence is underscored by a sense of isolation and an almost cruel indifference of fate, amplifying the tragic irony that defines Barry’s journey.
As Barry’s fortunes rise and fall, the film unpacks deeper themes around the futility of chasing social standing or material wealth without genuine connection. Through Barry’s pursuit of stability, both personal and familial, and the repeated pattern of loss and ambition, Kubrick offers a sharp commentary on the sometimes fruitless cycles that define human aspiration and downfall.
Lasting Legacy and Rediscovery Through Restoration
The lasting significance of Barry Lyndon is further underscored by its upcoming restoration. The Criterion Collection will debut a 4K digital restoration in July, reintroducing the majesty of Kubrick and John Alcott’s visuals to a new generation. For lovers of cinema, including actors and filmmakers inspired by Letterboxd’s Four Favorites series, this provides the perfect occasion to revisit—or discover for the first time—one of Kubrick’s richest cinematic tapestries.
All of Aubrey Plaza’s personal picks offer bold, essential perspectives on film, but Barry Lyndon stands out for its unique artistry, emotional complexity, and enduring relevance. In shining a new light on this cinematic gem, Plaza inspires audiences to venture beyond the expected, reminding everyone why Barry Lyndon, now more than ever, deserves a place on every movie lover’s must-watch list.
Ryan O’Neal and Marisa Berenson anchor a cast that brings 18th-century English society to vivid life, helping secure Barry Lyndon’s reputation as a masterful blend of visual splendor and biting social satire. Alongside contributions from artists like Thomas Gainsborough, William Hogarth, and Joshua Reynolds referenced in the film’s visual style, and with memorable performances including Leon Vitali and David Morley, Barry Lyndon remains a testament to Stanley Kubrick’s extraordinary versatility and influence on generations of viewers—including actors like Aubrey Plaza who recognize its unique power.
