A portrait of an "opportunist"

Tiffany 2022-03-20 09:01:34

I'll admit, before "Barry Lyndon," director Kubrick just made me feel bad. This Irish youth Barry's personal struggle history has to be reminiscent of Julien in "Red and Black". The film-like photography, the elegant and soothing soundtrack, and the narration of the attic storytelling-style other, these are things that even today's Hollywood directors can't match. But none of this is at the heart of Kubrick's style, including the two-stage sharp turn between good fortune and bad luck. It is worth mentioning that it was adapted from Thackeray's novel called "the luck of barry lyndon". The protagonist has successfully entered the upper class with his ingenuity. If it hadn't replicated the failure of the juvenile duel farce, it might have been another outstanding Fouche. His legendary career started with a duel and ended with a duel, but he was never the victor of the duel.
Barry is an excellent "opportunist" who is good at capturing opportunities and succeeding. From the British army to the Prussian army, from the commander of the Prussian army to the Irish knights, "defection" has become a natural thing. Of course, Kubrick is not an "art opportunist", he believes that his films are all repeating a theme: how evil in human nature leads people to depravity. Barry's possessive and controlling desires are on display in the conflict with Blington, which is quite restrained compared to Kubrick's other films. Look at "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Shining" and you'll see how Kubrick is into the evil show.
Perhaps, there is no good or evil in human nature, and good and evil only exist in the moment of behavior choice. Compared with evil, good needs more responsibility and more control, but evil can bring more physical pleasure to people. In other words, is good a repressed state of evil, the repression of eroticism over death (Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents)? It is more valuable to discover the evil of human nature than to discover the goodness of human nature, because evil is closer to human nature than good. It is true that Kubrick, the Jew, is more concerned with this profound subject than those vulgar Hollywood directors, and it is a pity that he cannot go any further on this subject. Even more regrettable, Kubrick's entire film career has not really escaped the shackles of Hollywood.

PS : may be it should be named as "a portrait of the opportunist", and it's not an epic film cause it's not about heroes.

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Extended Reading
  • Garret 2021-11-13 08:01:24

    Water is soft but firm. Although gentle and slow, it is very full. Not fierce, but reveals rich and profound society and emotions in the light.

  • Pauline 2021-11-13 08:01:24

    Does anyone think this is a work of God? ? ? ? ? Why do you behave so well in every aspect? ? War, love, depravity, from heaven to hell, and even to the end I would cry. Watched the whole night and went back three times

Barry Lyndon quotes

  • Narrator: Lady Lyndon was soon destined to occupy a place in Barry's life, not very much more important than the elegant carpets and pictures which would form the pleasant background of his existence.

  • Barry's Mother: Reverend Runt, I need not tell you that the recent tragedy to this family has made the services of a tutor no longer required at Castle Hackton. And as we are in some considerable difficulty about money, I'm afraid I must ask you, with the greatest reluctance, to resign your post.

    Rev. Samuel Runt: Madam, I'm sensible of your predicament, and you need have no concern about my wages, with which I can willingly do without, but it is out of the question for me to consider leaving Her Ladyship in her present state.

    Barry's Mother: I'm very sorry to say this to you, but I truly believe you are largely responsible for the state of mind she is in, and the sooner you leave, the better she will be.

    Rev. Samuel Runt: Madam, with the greatest respect, I take my instructions only from Her Ladyship.

    Barry's Mother: Reverend Runt, Her Ladyship is in no fit mind to give instructions to anyone. My son has charged me with managing the affairs at Castle Hackton until he recovers from his grief and resumes his interest in worldly matters. And while I am in charge, you will take your instructions from me. My only concern is for Lady Lyndon.

    Rev. Samuel Runt: Madam! Your only concern is for Her Ladyship's signature! You and your son have almost succeeded in destroying a fine family fortune! And what little remains for you depends on keeping Her Ladyship prisoner in her own house!

    Barry's Mother: Reverend Runt! This matter bears no further discussion! You will pack your bags and leave by tomorrow morning!