Seeing this in first release on the big screen was amazing, it was like watching a series of moving images captured in oils on canvas, there was so little dialogue compared to most films, but my buddy and I were still shushed by a woman I the next row as we critiqued inaccuracies in the depiction of the tactics of the period (we felt they fired too soon and should have been closer).
A superb film! everything about it was good form the acting, the clothes, interiors and music! I understand that it was filmed without artificial light. On a similar plane The Go Between is one of my favourites and of course Un Homme et une Femme though that is set in contemporary times.
Can I add a much more recent film to the list of pieces that are beautiful works of art? The 2021 version of Cyrano is one of the most visually stunning films I've seen. Quite gorgeous.
So beautiful and so long, lol! I saw it in the theater and yes, it's walking to the portrait gallery at the national. The beginning is stirring, then there are moments about 2/3 down where I politely yawned (I think people yawned on screen too). Ryan O'Neal started getting on my nerves... but yes, Marisa saves the game. I saw it again recently... with maybe more forgiveness, but I was home, I could go get a glass of wine!
Really? Watched it a few days and ago and found it gripping. And I quite (in the British sense) liked Ryan O' Neal in it... but I think you are the second person who has said something along those lines...
It’s a great if flawed film which I never tire of rewatching, mainly let down by the casting of Ryan O’Neal. I think he was forced on Kubrick by the studio. The score is superb. I cannot recommend the book highly enough and it only makes you appreciate the genius of the adaptation more. Berenson is such a beauty and perfect for the role as you say.
It’s funny, I’ve um’ed and ah’ed over the years as to whether his casting is brilliant or terrible. He just lacks the cunning and skill of Lyndon who is such a machieval in the book. Re The Duellists, I think Keitel could have played a brilliant Lyndon.
It's not self-imposed! There is a definitive word limit on Substack. And I had many things to cover. Re the music, the anachronistic Schubert piano trio has always slightly bothered me. When was it written? 1827?
Oh, that's odd about a definitive word limit - are you sure? I ask because I've never had an issue and I've seen some posts on Substack that are very long (i.e. 10k+ plus).
I was under the assumption that there was a limit to the file size sent by email; although that can be got around by using low-res images or alternatively just asking subscribers to click the link to view the whole post (which is what I do in my header). And as far as I know, the limit doesn't come into play at all for anyone reading through the app.
Good question about Schubert's piano trio; I didn't know but online has 1827. So, as you say, anachronistic.
Yes, definitely. As in the file size sent by email. But I tend to use high res images, and I suppose I could ask my subscribers to click a link to view the whole post. But not sure if that is a good idea...?
I love the movie. And, like you, I think Berenson is captivating in it. By the way, she remains captivating…I caught her relatively recently as Lady Capulet on stage.
And I really dig the whole design scene Kubrick’s got going down.
It also captured the wonderful interiors of Powerscourt (Co Wicklow, Ireland) where it was filmed just before they all went up in smoke in an (accidental) fire.
I don't know the film version but as a book, it's practically a pair with Vanity Fair and sits alongside early Dickens. That's as far as I go because early Victorian literature is far too long-winded for me. Unlike eighteenth-century authors such as Lord Chesterfield and Fanny Burney whose writings are spot on. But turgid Victoriana does tend to form the basis of a good film and in the hands of Kubrick I can see that getting interesting. So thanks for the tip: I'll look it up.
Seriously. Right up your street. If you're into Palladianism, 18th century landscape gardening and Whig Society. Which I suspect you are. Marisa B's stunning. Fabulous costume design. A visual triumph.
Luke, I think yours is the best tribute to BL I've come across. Beautiful to watch ( partly because Marissa Berenson shines so bright in this film) but as you state, it portrays one character's fluid movement - a rise and fall - throughout a series of cinematic tableau.
I wonder whether Kubrick envisioned a cinematic version of one of Hogsth's "series" of scenes ( " The Rajes's Progress"?)
Talking of a rise and fall, Leonard Rossiter has a star turn!
Thank you. Really appreciate that. re Hogarth. Yes. Very much so. The Rake's Progress. There's that scene in a club (White's?, The Cocoa Tree?) which is clearly taken from Hogarth.
Seeing this in first release on the big screen was amazing, it was like watching a series of moving images captured in oils on canvas, there was so little dialogue compared to most films, but my buddy and I were still shushed by a woman I the next row as we critiqued inaccuracies in the depiction of the tactics of the period (we felt they fired too soon and should have been closer).
But at least they got the Union Flag right.
That is an accomplishment worthy of note!
Yes. 'The Crown' please take note. They don't know the difference between a Pre 1801 flag, and the modern equivalent. Shame on them!
To share the blame a bit, numerous films set in the US of the 1800s, especially during the Civil War, get the flags wrong.
A superb film! everything about it was good form the acting, the clothes, interiors and music! I understand that it was filmed without artificial light. On a similar plane The Go Between is one of my favourites and of course Un Homme et une Femme though that is set in contemporary times.
A Man and a Woman. With Valentine's Day looming, watch this space!
Can I add a much more recent film to the list of pieces that are beautiful works of art? The 2021 version of Cyrano is one of the most visually stunning films I've seen. Quite gorgeous.
https://open.substack.com/pub/clubland?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=grkq1
Seth Alexander Thevoz wrote about this film also
So beautiful and so long, lol! I saw it in the theater and yes, it's walking to the portrait gallery at the national. The beginning is stirring, then there are moments about 2/3 down where I politely yawned (I think people yawned on screen too). Ryan O'Neal started getting on my nerves... but yes, Marisa saves the game. I saw it again recently... with maybe more forgiveness, but I was home, I could go get a glass of wine!
Really? Watched it a few days and ago and found it gripping. And I quite (in the British sense) liked Ryan O' Neal in it... but I think you are the second person who has said something along those lines...
One of my fave films of all time!
It’s a great if flawed film which I never tire of rewatching, mainly let down by the casting of Ryan O’Neal. I think he was forced on Kubrick by the studio. The score is superb. I cannot recommend the book highly enough and it only makes you appreciate the genius of the adaptation more. Berenson is such a beauty and perfect for the role as you say.
Interesting. I like Ryan O N in it. Any special reason why you don't think he's quite right?
Brigadier Gerard stuff
Caradine is such a booby in that film sadly. Another cracking book though.
https://lukehoney.substack.com/p/the-duellists-1977
But I LOVE The Duellists!
Ohh me too. Brilliant. Cristina Raines, Edward Fox, the sneeze during the duel. One of my faves.
It’s funny, I’ve um’ed and ah’ed over the years as to whether his casting is brilliant or terrible. He just lacks the cunning and skill of Lyndon who is such a machieval in the book. Re The Duellists, I think Keitel could have played a brilliant Lyndon.
As in The Duellists…
Thanks for this Luke; makes me want to rewatch it!
Appreciate you'd hit your self-imposed word limit but perhaps a few words about the music & Handel's 'Sarabande'?
It's not self-imposed! There is a definitive word limit on Substack. And I had many things to cover. Re the music, the anachronistic Schubert piano trio has always slightly bothered me. When was it written? 1827?
Oh, that's odd about a definitive word limit - are you sure? I ask because I've never had an issue and I've seen some posts on Substack that are very long (i.e. 10k+ plus).
I was under the assumption that there was a limit to the file size sent by email; although that can be got around by using low-res images or alternatively just asking subscribers to click the link to view the whole post (which is what I do in my header). And as far as I know, the limit doesn't come into play at all for anyone reading through the app.
Good question about Schubert's piano trio; I didn't know but online has 1827. So, as you say, anachronistic.
Yes, definitely. As in the file size sent by email. But I tend to use high res images, and I suppose I could ask my subscribers to click a link to view the whole post. But not sure if that is a good idea...?
Depends what you're after. I've found that if people are interested they'll read it all.
Hey, this was a fab piece, Luke.
I love the movie. And, like you, I think Berenson is captivating in it. By the way, she remains captivating…I caught her relatively recently as Lady Capulet on stage.
And I really dig the whole design scene Kubrick’s got going down.
Thank you. Really appreciate that.
I vote for Draughtsman's Contract, and not just because I live just a mile or two from it's location.
It also captured the wonderful interiors of Powerscourt (Co Wicklow, Ireland) where it was filmed just before they all went up in smoke in an (accidental) fire.
I don't know the film version but as a book, it's practically a pair with Vanity Fair and sits alongside early Dickens. That's as far as I go because early Victorian literature is far too long-winded for me. Unlike eighteenth-century authors such as Lord Chesterfield and Fanny Burney whose writings are spot on. But turgid Victoriana does tend to form the basis of a good film and in the hands of Kubrick I can see that getting interesting. So thanks for the tip: I'll look it up.
You've never seen Barry Lyndon! I'm amazed. A real treat in store for you. You'll love it.
Well I probably have. But it would have been 30-odd years ago in a cut down for TV version - so I don't think that can count!
Seriously. Right up your street. If you're into Palladianism, 18th century landscape gardening and Whig Society. Which I suspect you are. Marisa B's stunning. Fabulous costume design. A visual triumph.
Luke, I think yours is the best tribute to BL I've come across. Beautiful to watch ( partly because Marissa Berenson shines so bright in this film) but as you state, it portrays one character's fluid movement - a rise and fall - throughout a series of cinematic tableau.
I wonder whether Kubrick envisioned a cinematic version of one of Hogsth's "series" of scenes ( " The Rajes's Progress"?)
Talking of a rise and fall, Leonard Rossiter has a star turn!
Thank you. Really appreciate that. re Hogarth. Yes. Very much so. The Rake's Progress. There's that scene in a club (White's?, The Cocoa Tree?) which is clearly taken from Hogarth.
A beautifully crafted review of another alltime favourite, Luke.