Every day, Allociné recommends a film to (re) see on TV. Tonight: Who would have thought that this great classic of Stanley Kubrick could be badly received when it was released?
Among the five best films by Stanley Kubrick, we obviously think of Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Orange Mécanique and the trails of glory. In the first position, you will probably have guessed it, it is the unforgettable Barry Lyndon.
Released in theaters in 1975, this film, which was part of the Cannes Classics 2025 selection, takes place in the 18th century, in Ireland. On the death of his father, the young Redmond Barry aims to get into the social scale. He eliminates his rival in duel, a British officer in love with his cousin, but is then forced to exile.
This is how he joined the British army and goes to fight on the European continent, before joining the Prussian army of the soldiers of Frédéric II. Sent on a mission, he faces a major issue: spy on a noble player who pushes him to lead a double game …
In the casting, we find the actor Ryan O'Neal (appointed to the Oscars and the Golden Globes for his performance in Love Story), masterful in the skin of Barry Lindon. He is accompanied by Marisa Berenson (Cabaret), Hardy Krüger (The Flight of the Phoenix), as well as Steven Berkoff (Mechanical orange).
The incredible fate of a film shunned by critics
Do you know that Barry Lyndon was considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Stanley Kubrickand even cinema in general? However, it was not always the case. Indeed, when it was released in 1976, he received a wave of disastrous criticism.
Stanley Kubrick had invested so much time (300 days spread over two years) and energy in this film that his commercial failure in the United States, the worst of his career, affected it strongly. The film, whose well -kept secret was revealed by Tom Cruise, reported only $ 9.5 million on the American market, on an estimated budget at $ 11 million.
But very quickly, the trend was reversed. Barry Lyndon was appointed seven times to the Oscars and won four prizes (best photograph, best sets, best costumes and best music). In addition, there are two Golden Globes (best director and once again better photograph), as well as a appointment to César.
Today, the film noted 4.4 out of 5 by Internet users, and 5 out of 5 by the national press, is on the podium of the best films of the talented filmmaker (just before Shining And Full Metal Jacket which occupy the second and third place in the ranking). An admirable destiny!
Tonight on Arte at 9:00 p.m.
Stanley Kubrick exhibition report:
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