The young, impoverished squire Redmond Barry joins the British army after a duel with an English officer. He fights in the Seven Years’ War in Germany, where, after deserting, he is blackmailed into joining the Prussian army. In Berlin, he is tasked by the police to spy on an Irish gambler, but Barry soon joins forces with the card shark instead. At a gambling table, he meets the lovely and wealthy Lady Lyndon, whom he marries after the death of her husband. But his enjoyment of the high life is short as his fortunes take a turn for the worse ... “This coat is made of the finest velvet. No finer velvet has ever been woven. You will see none better anywhere.” Barry’s clothing reflects his ascent to feudal dandy in much the same way that the pale, almost colourless rococo costumes of Lady Lyndon reflect the character of the wearer, whose personality is virtually extinguished by her despotic husband. Although not exactly prêt-a-porter, they did have a lasting influence. In 2015, film historian Daniela Sannwald wrote, “Lady Lyndon’s wardrobe might have influenced Vivienne Westwood’s collections – the cold nude shades, as well as the high-rococo tailoring”.
by Stanley Kubrick
with Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, Diana Körner, Leon Vitali, Marie Kean, Leonard Rossiter
United Kingdom / USA 1975 English 185’ Colour Rating R12

With

  • Ryan O'Neal
  • Marisa Berenson
  • Patrick Magee
  • Hardy Krüger
  • Diana Körner
  • Leon Vitali
  • Marie Kean
  • Leonard Rossiter

Crew

Written and Directed by Stanley Kubrick adapted from the novel “The Lucky of Barry Lyndon, Esq.” (1844) by William Makepeace Thackeray
Cinematography John Alcott
Editing Tony Lawson
Music Leonard Rosenman
Sound Rodney Holland
Production Design Ken Adam
Art Director Roy Walker
Costumes Milena Canonero, Ulla-Britt Soderlund
Wardrobe Supervision Ron Beck
Make-Up Ann Brodie, Alan Boyle, Barbara Daly, Jill Carpenter, Yvonne Coppard
Producer Stanley Kubrick

Produced by

Hawk Films Ltd.

Additional information

DCP: Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, Hamburg