Posted by Rose of Sharons Dead Baby at spider-wg071.proxy.aol.com on June 24, 2001 at 07:13:24:
In Reply to: Kubrick did *MANY* comedies actually posted by Vincent on June 24, 2001 at 01:13:26:
If Barry Lyndon isn't three hours of satire...then I'm not quite sure what else it's supposed to be.
Consider the dialogue between Feeney and Barry during the hold-up (particularly Feeney's dialogue), the pacing of the scene in which Barry's cousin totally manipulates him, the sincerity of the Chevalier despite the fact that he lies constantly (something Barry learns quite well), the amazing fact that Captain John Quinn predates any significant Gilliam film (though references to this very character seem present any time Gilliam casts Jonathan Pryce, particularly in 'Munchausen) and most importantly, the God of England narrator who's detached pompousity defuses any desire you might have to get all sentimental on Barry (or anyone else in this film for that matter...weeelll, it's hard not to still feel a little sad for Barry's mother and Jack Grogan).
Ryan O'Neal, rather like Slim Pickens before him, gave a perfectly good comic performance without realizing that's what he was doing.
C'mon? The two gay officers in the lake ("Don't be such a silly ass!")?
That's not supposed to be funny?
And the fact that a number of high-profile film critics who present themselves as intellectuals don't get this film? Now, THAT'S funny.