Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Barry Lyndon’: A Masterpiece Rediscovered and the Director’s Vulnerability
Stanley Kubrick, a director renowned for his meticulous vision and cinematic innovation, created only thirteen films. While most are now considered masterpieces, not all were immediately embraced. Kubrick himself considered Barry Lyndon (1975) his most underrated work, a film that initially left him deeply disheartened.
Initial Disappointment and the Weight of Expectations
Despite growing appreciation over the years, Barry Lyndon didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim during Kubrick’s lifetime. Shortly after his unexpected death in 1999, screenwriter and director John Milius revealed to The New York Times that Kubrick was “very vulnerable to criticism” and deeply affected by the film’s reception. Milius stated Kubrick felt audiences simply “didn’t understand” Barry Lyndon.
Milius further explained that Kubrick was particularly stung by the film’s commercial failure. “People were bored by it,” he said. “I think after that film he felt like nobody was going to let him make another film. The only thing that really bothered him was the commercial failure of Barry Lyndon.” This disappointment directly influenced his next project, The Shining.
From Historical Epic to Psychological Horror: A Pivotal Shift
The underperformance of Barry Lyndon prompted Kubrick to seek a project with guaranteed success. He immersed himself in horror novels, eventually settling on Stephen King’s The Shining. This shift in genre is often attributed to his desire for a commercially viable hit after the perceived artistic, but financially underwhelming, reception of his historical epic. Interestingly, Kubrick had previously rejected William Friedkin’s The Exorcist before choosing Barry Lyndon, suggesting a complex relationship with the horror genre.
The Shining, in contrast to Barry Lyndon, was a box office success, grossing $49 million in the US against a $19 million budget. This financial triumph likely offered Kubrick a degree of relief and creative freedom.
The Enduring Legacy of ‘Barry Lyndon’ and Kubrick’s Artistic Risk-Taking
Today, Barry Lyndon is widely celebrated for its stunning cinematography, meticulous historical detail, and deliberate pacing. Its innovative use of natural light, achieved through the use of specially modified Zeiss lenses developed for NASA, remains a landmark achievement in filmmaking. The film’s influence can be seen in numerous subsequent period dramas and visual storytelling techniques.
Kubrick’s willingness to take risks, even when facing potential commercial setbacks, is a defining characteristic of his career. Barry Lyndon, while initially a source of frustration, stands as a testament to his artistic integrity and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.
Why Directors Still Wrestle with Critical and Commercial Reception
Kubrick’s experience with Barry Lyndon isn’t unique. Many directors grapple with the tension between artistic vision and commercial viability. Christopher Nolan, for example, has spoken about the challenges of balancing creative ambition with studio expectations. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023) faced similar pre-release anxieties, with some questioning its potential for broad appeal, ultimately becoming a massive success. The story highlights the unpredictable nature of audience reception and the emotional toll it can take on filmmakers.
The Evolution of Film Criticism and Re-Evaluation of Classics
Film criticism has evolved significantly since the 1970s. The rise of online film communities, podcasts, and video essays has created a more diverse and accessible platform for discussing and analyzing films. This has led to a re-evaluation of many previously overlooked or misunderstood works, including Barry Lyndon. The film’s slow burn narrative and visual richness, initially perceived as drawbacks by some, are now recognized as key strengths.
FAQ: ‘Barry Lyndon’ and Stanley Kubrick
- Why did Kubrick consider ‘Barry Lyndon’ underrated? He felt audiences didn’t understand the film and was disappointed by its commercial performance.
- What influenced Kubrick to make ‘The Shining’ after ‘Barry Lyndon’? The commercial failure of ‘Barry Lyndon’ led him to seek a project with more guaranteed success, leading him to horror.
- What is ‘Barry Lyndon’ known for? Its stunning cinematography, historical accuracy, and deliberate pacing.
- Is ‘Barry Lyndon’ a financial success now? While not initially, it has gained a strong following and is now considered a classic.
Did you know? Ryan O’Neal, the star of Barry Lyndon, reportedly disliked the film’s slow pace and the extensive use of long takes. He felt it hindered his performance.
Explore more about Stanley Kubrick’s filmography here, or delve into the making of The Shining here.
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