The first paragraph, Barry's struggle.
During the Seven Years War in Europe at the end of the 18th century, social turmoil and class solidification, the best way for people at the bottom to ascend is probably to "marry into a wealthy family" like their cousin Nora. The duel to challenge Captain Quin was no longer about love, Barry knew Nora would marry Quin no matter what the outcome, this duel was his life for the privileged. Barry was lucky to win the duel, but it also started the first half of his life. In order to avoid the retaliation of Quin's forces, Barry began to flee. Unexpectedly, he was robbed on the way, and he had no choice but to join the army. "Fearless of power", Barry dared to challenge his tyrannical comrades in the military camp, but he was unable to resist the fear of death. By chance, Barry stole the intelligence officer's clothes and successfully escaped from the English army. However, there is no peace in the war-torn world, and he encounters a Prussian officer on the way.
Barry was also not free at the end of the war, and he was asked by the secret police to approach and monitor a knight suspected of coming from his native Scotland. Perhaps missing his hometown, Barry can't help revealing the secrets of the surveillance, and it's a blessing in disguise that he and the knights manage to escape from Prussia. In the years that followed, Barry became increasingly depressed and gambled for a living, looking forward to hooking up with a noble lady in order to enter the upper class. The appearance of Mrs. Lyndon made all these dreams come true.
The second paragraph, Barry's victory and defeat.
Mrs. Lyndon's love life is not satisfactory, her husband is much older than her, and it is obviously a "political" marriage. She fell in love with Barry when she first met him. And years of hardships have already made Barry lose his expectations for love, and only survive and care about gains and losses. After getting what he wanted and marrying Mrs. Lyndon, his fate seems to have been conquered. Barry, who has been suppressed for many years, needs to enjoy his life.
However, the high wall of class could not be easily climbed, Barry could not get the title even after spending all his money, and Aiko died unexpectedly while riding a horse. The disparity between gain and loss completely destroyed Barry's spirit. When he was dueling with his stepson, Barry had long lost the confidence and fighting spirit he had in the past. He gave up fighting back, and gave up what he had struggled/struggled for all his life, and finally returned to his hometown and his original life peacefully.
Kubrick should thank the author of the novel for his insight into human nature and destiny. By understanding the ups and downs of Barry's life, he also understood human nature. And Kubrick's masterful cinematography allows the audience to finish watching a three-hour feature film, with picturesque scenes and light, heart-moving music, as well as Kubrick's iconic lens close-up and perspective. Combined with the extremely subtle changes in the expressions and movements of the characters, everything can be seen without words and in the aftertaste.
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