How Kubrick Achieved the Beautiful Cinematography of Barry Lyndon

Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon is often lauded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinematography. And in a decade or even a year with some of the toughest competition you can think of, Barry Lyndon always seems to stick out just a little bit more. But what sets the cinematography of Barry Lyndon apart from other movies? And how was it done?

This video essay was written, edited, and narrated by Tyler Knudsen.

Sources:

Time Magazine [Dec 15, 1975]
Stanley Kubrick Archives [Barry Lyndon by Rodney Hill]
How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love 'Barry Lyndon’ By JOHN HOFSESS
Kubrick on Barry Lyndon An interview with Michel Ciment
American Cinematographer interview with John Alcott
Stanley Kubrick Exhibition Book - Interview with Ken Adam

[DavidMorley]

I was extremely lucky to be cast as Bryan in the film. I remember being there for many of the scenes (even scenes I wasn't in) simply because you had to be there, which makes watching the film again like revisiting a past life. Thanks for your fascinating insight into the cinematography.

[venturarodriguezvallejo]

Martin Scorsese commented about this masterpiece: "Barry Lyndon is the most beautifully filmed movie ever made in History".
All said.

[daveygivens]

This movie is the closest experience you'll ever have of walking through an art gallery without leaving your home.

[LouisODwyer]

I was in this movie, as an extra in the battle scenes, which were shot just outside Waterford. I saw Stanley Kubrick and Ryan O'Neil one evening in the Ardree Hotel in Waterford, where they were staying. The family of a friend of mine owned the land where these battle scenes were shot and he got a job re-priming the muskets with gunpowder in between takes. Great times!

[nolanb]

Definitely my favorite Kubrick film. However, can't get very many people to sit through this one with me, even though the pace is faster than 2001 which most people adore. I think the fantastical themes and mystery to 2001 are more universal to audiences, but Barry Lyndon is undeniably the top drama set in this period of all time.

[Alexander-tjdn]

It´s not boring, it´s bretchian, slow, profound, melancholic, disatached, like a sage recalling an old and moving story. One of Kubrick´s best films.

[biglittlefilms]

As a cinematographer, this was the best breakdown of the filming and lighting style Kubrick used in this groundbreaking film that I have seen. Excellent work. Subscribed.

[wlhardy]

I must admit I'm not a Kubrick fan; thought I'd die of boredom during "2001" and couldn't get into "Dr. Strangelove" (I need to give those movies another chance after 45 years), nor have I ever cared for Ryan O'Neal, BUT "Barry Lyndon" is one of my all-time favorite movies. I saw it when I was a senior in HS in 1976 and was blown away. Everything about it was perfect: the narration--which was originally going to be by O'Neal--the story, cinematography, costumes, acting, scenery, it all works. Sheer perfection. Each scene is almost like a painting. And I thought Marissa Berenson was so beautiful, she was on the cover of TIME right before the movie was released because critics felt Kubrick was taking a big chance w/a top model in a starring role, but she did a wonderful job. A very underrated movie!

[mmmoroi]

The first time I saw Barry Lyndon, I slipped into a coma. On the second occasion I was fascinated by Kubrick's accomplished (actually unparalleled) cinematography. On the third occasion I was entertained by his dry sense of humour. Thereafter I saw this film more than a dozen times, each involving new discovery about his transcendent genius, far above all his peers.

[zonesquestiloveunderworld]

An often overlooked masterpiece of Kubrick's, amongst a career of masterpieces. These films were nowhere near as expensive as those of nowadays... but they're far superior not only aesthetically, but narratively and more importantly, dialectically.

[vilentman]

i was blown away by this film. couldnt really have cared less about the story or characters, but every single shot was just so masterfully composed and edited that it could bring a tear to your eye. i think the reason why it was so emotional was because of the brilliant score.

[zetetick]

This is often overlooked by Kubrick fans as they're going after the more (online) popular features, but this flick is GORGEOUS in every way.

I feel that the core of Kubrick is his photographers mind, just as with David Lynch with his painters mind, are the keys to understanding these mens' work.

[AntonioGazzaneo]

Barry Lyndon is an eternal Masterpiece, period.

[nzapa]

your channel is grossly underrated compared to other film analysis channels. Thank you for these videos, keep up the amazing work

[gregorybaker]

"I have not received satisfaction..." Great touch! Fantastically informative video

[aeromundos]

Among the many gems of the 70's Barry Lyndon is a diamond. Timeless art.

[shakinsherlock]

I was actually in this movie, along with my younger brother an my dad. My brother and I only did a couple of days on a couple of sets, as peasant children. My dad was on it for months, playing various roles as a redcoat, and gambling gent.. Infact he had a fight scene with Ryan O'Neil. Great doc btw, , and loved the Alien ones too. Keep up the sterling work

[thedativecase]

I wasn't old enough to go and see "Barry Lyndon" when it was first released- but I do remember that the reviews - in Britain at least - were almost uniformly terrible( "too slow" "boring" etc.) When I finally saw it for myself as an adult I was mesmerised by its beauty, It's still one of my favourite Kubrick movies.I'm glad it's now recognised as the masterpiece it always was.
The character played by Ryan O'Neal is far more sympathetic than Thackeray's original Redmond Barry in the novel - who was apparently based on a real life 18th century chancer.

[Sophie-dtck]

It truly is incredible how almost every scene in the movie looks like a beautiful and dramatic painting.

[Zentagon]

Pretty quality video on Kubrick and the techniques he used, especially with lighting. Not knowing a lot about film, I never really took into account lighting as a whole and it's importance but this really helped me. Keep up the good work.