Historical and biographical films are based on the fate of some famous figure, hero, or extraordinary personality. This film, however, tells a long and detailed story of mediocrity, of a man who adapts to reality, wavers, easily changes his beliefs, and arranges his life. In the end, Raymond Barry, a simple country boy, manages to become the nobleman Barry Lyndon.
The film accurately recreates the atmosphere of mid-18th century Europe with the help of unique costumes, makeup, and interiors. The film’s satirical line is remarkable and bitter—it mocks unprincipledness, cowardice, human selfishness, and baseness. People like Barry Lyndon have always existed and always will, which means that the film will never lose its relevance.