Absolutely phenomenal and in my top three favorite Kubrick films (along with The Shining and Eyes Wide Shut) so far. The direction in this film was absolutely flawless and every shot was perfectly framed and gorgeous to look at. In addition, I loved the costume design, production design, musical score, and almost everything production-wise with this film. I thought the story was fascinating and compelling, and it definitely didn't feel like a three-hour long film. My only qualm with the film, which prevents it from getting a perfect rating, was Ryan O'Neal's lead performance. I actually thought he was incredibly weak, especially in the opening scenes and the more emotional moments his character experienced. But, like most Kubrick films, this project is largely based on visuals and other aspects aside from performance. Anyways, I'd highly recommend this, and I can't wait to watch it again. A

Coming soon!

Barry Lyndon

I finally saw it, and while I'm not enamoured by it, the film wasn't a tedious bore as I might have expected. The story is rather captivating despite my dislike of the formal attire and language of the era (and films alike). Kubrick seems to improve throughout his career, from awful experimentist with 2001: A Space Odyssey, to rebellious moron with A Clockwork Orange, to decent but unrefined director with Barry Lyndon and The Shining, to accomplished director with Full Metal Jacket, and topping his patchy career off with his masterpiece, Eyes Wide Shut. It's quite a clear path from shit to good.

2001: A Space Odyssey F
A Clockwork Orange F
Barry Lyndon C+
The Shining B-
Full Metal Jacket B
Eyes Wide Shut A

Ryan O'Neal was pretty good as Barry, and it was cool to see a young Steven Berkoff, but ultimately the film is too uneventful, and could have been completed in 2hr 20min. But the pacing was actually quite and didn't bother me. The lack of significant imagery was disappointing, but I liked watching the dysfunctional domestic life of an English aristocratic family which is now all so familiar, and the uprising and downfall of an Irish nobody. The score was masterful (or at least the opening/main theme is), but the direction was mediocre. I could never watch this film again. Overall, nothing special, but I'm glad I've now watched what is regarded as a masterpiece by so many (those fools).

C+

masterpiece