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The return of Barry Lyndon – Kubrick’s Irish masterpiece turns 50

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“Before Private Barry Lyndon there came Commander Napoleon Bonaparte. For a director who sets his heart upon a lad in uniform must prepare to change lovers pretty quickly, or his life will be but a sad one.”

Waterloo wasn’t just Napoleon’s; it was also to be Stanley Kubrick’s. A great epic on the life of the French commander, head of state and European influencer, was Kubrick’s passion project for much of his early filmmaking career. Kubrick was such a fanboy, having read every book going about Napoleon, that he created a filing system in his office consisting of hundreds of cards. The director had documented, and had at the tip of his fingers, exactly where Napoleon was and what he was doing on every day of his life from cradle to grave. (This legendary filing chest was finally shown to all us Kubrick fanboys as part of an exhibition of the director’s stash in 2019).

Alas it was not to be. Kubrick’s post-2001: A Space Odyssey plans for Bonaparte were blown apart in 1970 by the release of Sergi Bonderchuk’s Waterloo, starring Rod Steiger as Napoleon (Kubrick had a pre-Chinatown Jack Nicholson in his sights for the role. Not only did the Russian director beat Kubrick to the cinema, Waterloo was a washout at the box office, giving Warner Brothers cold feet. The studio withdrew their financing, and the director, his ambition foiled, channelled his frustration into A Clockwork Orange Instead. Bringing this controversial adaption in on time and under budget, the director was looking ahead. Napoleon’ may have been defeated, but Kubrick wasn’t about to waste a decade of research.

“Ireland, 1973. It was in the reign of president Erskine Hamilton Childers that the personages involved below lived and quarrelled; good or bad, handsome or ugly, rich or poor, they all experienced something unique: pure cinema.”

Ireland was no stranger to hosting Hollywood productions. Just when we saw the back of David Lean (Ryan’s Daughter), John Huston (Mackintosh Man) and Robert Altman (Images) did Barry Lyndon strut into town. Based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, recounting “the early exploits and later unravelling of an 18th-century Irish rogue and gold digger who marries a rich widow to climb the social ladder and assume her late husband’s aristocratic position”. Sounds a bit soapy; not much mise-en-scene meat on those bones for a master filmmaker like Kubrick, it might seem. But if ever you were seeking a cinematic example of ‘It’s all in the execution’, Redmond Barry is yer man. And when I say Redmond Barry, I mean Ryan O’ Neal, for that’s who Kubrick cast in the title role – to much bemusement by many (but to Warner Brothers’ delight), ‘That Hollywood glamour boy, an eighteenth century Irish rogue?’ Yes. That’s kind of the point.

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Listen: RTÉ Arena on Barry Lyndon at 50

O’Neal is the protagonist in the most realistically-shot period film ever attempted, before or since. So unprecedented was this movie, that the IRA threatened the director’s family. Though that has less to do with Kubrick’s filming methods and more with the political vibe of the time. Still, though: candles! Boxes and boxes of them were used to light scenes without any artificial light. These were no ordinary skinny church types; these were three-wick candles, which produce a larger flame, allowing such light to be captured by the camera. Especially manufactured for the production, these types of candles are impractical for any other purpose.

Also impractical for this purpose: any camera lens known to cinema. Thinking outside the box as he does, Kubrick turned to NASA for a solution, and shot all of these scenes using a lens designed for use by the Apollo moon missions. With only the one single such lens in existence – no back ups or replacements – cinematographer John Alcott and his camera crew sweated bullets for months in the dim candle light of Ireland’s grandest country houses. The focus puller reportedly resorted to sleeping with the lens for fear something would happen to it.

Stanley Kubrick

If the Provisionals had realised how much this piece of glass was worth, we would probably now have a spin-off true crime doc covering an unlikely kidnapping involving the moon landings, a Hollywood director in exile, and the adventures of a fictional Irish rogue in 18th century Ireland.

Of course, Kubrick being Kubrick, secrecy was paramount. Other than the odd cryptic second-hand story regarding his direction of the actors, there were no real clues regarding these unconventional working methods. Filming progressed around locations such as Carlton House in Maynooth; Kells in Co. Meath; Cahir Castle in Tipperary; Huntington Castle, Carlow; Templemichael Castle, Waterford; Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow; and Dublin Castle. With drama, for the most part, restricted to in front of the camera.

My search through the Irish Newspaper Archive of the period results in a few nuggets. There’s a lovely piece in the Nationalist & Munster Advertiser in September ‘73, describing a scene at 3 am on a gloomy wet Monday at Cahir Castle, “Mr. Stanley Kubrick, whose name is often seen of TV films (sic) was pointed out sheltering under a large sky-blue umbrella, coffee mug in hand.” The Advertiser also managed to ferret out the fact that the Prussian Army were “mostly recruited from the Waterford area”.

Watch a scene from Barry Lyndon

“Kubrick Is Coming”, the Sunday Independent announced in July. Following it up a few months later with, “Stanley Kubrick is working among us”, as if he was a newly arrived messiah. (To be honest, to cinema he kind of was). The Indo also begrudgingly admired how Kubrick and his unit had managed to keep their filming mostly secret. They do mention the cohort of Irish actors working on the picture took some time to get used to the director’s “sheer personality and approach” to filming, but had settled in after a few weeks. Except one well known Irish actor, it says, who “walked out on the film in mutual agreement with the director.” Not named at the time, Ray McAnally was later revealed to be the actor Kubrick had crossed swords with. (Kubrick may never have gotten to make his AI film, but Google’s AI rhapsodies about McAnally’s performance, despite him not ever having shot a foot of film).

One actor who is most definitely in the picture is a then twenty-five year old Leon Vitali, a jobbing performer from the British stage and television. Vitali was cast in the memorable role of Barry’s affronted nemesis, Lord Bullingdon (“I have not received satisfaction.”) But his legacy and career in cinema would be long-lasting. So impressed was he by the experience of working with his director, Vitali gave up acting and became Kubrick’s personal assistant. Leon devoted the rest of his working life and beyond to Kubrick’s legacy. His full story is told in the fascinating documentary by Tony Zierra, Filmworker. (Vitalli did return to the screen for the small but pivotal role of Red Cloak in Kubrick’s final opus, Eyes Wide Shut. A film that is the subject of another upcoming Zierra documentary, SK13).

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Barry Lydon returns to Irish cinemas this month

The result of all this attention to detail and bespoke shooting produced a truly magnificent piece of cinema; This picture, composed of candlelit interiors coupled with Hogarth paintings come to life for exteriors, went on to win four Oscars (one for its memorable score, featuring Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains). Alas, there was a major downside to all this artistry: it was a difficult movie to truly appreciate outside of a pitch-black cinema and proper projection standards. As a result, Barry Lyndon didn’t have as extensive an afterlife on TV and home video as the rest of Kubrick’s filmography. Such was this reflected in my own attempts to see this film back in the late 1980s at the Dublin Film Festival. Ticket burning a hole in my teenaged pocket, it was suddenly announced the scheduled Barry Lyndon screening had been pulled. The reason: Leon Vitali – Lord Bullington himself – in Kubrick’s stead, deemed the DFF’s print, well, unsatisfactory, sir! I had to settle for a French print of 2001:A Space Odyssey. It was at the Savoy 1 on O’Connell Street, and the first time I’d see 2001 in a cinema; any affair with Barry may have been thwarted, but, as a result, I fell madly in love with Stanley instead.

To experience Napoleon: The Greatest Movie Never Made, check out the huge Taschen tome published in 2011, which compiles Kubrick’s research and screenplay. In the meantime, allow yourself to be courted by Barry and Stanley at a cinema this month, as Barry Lyndon returns to his homeland for a fiftieth anniversary release, complete with the best sound, 4K projection standards and merciful interval. You will be most satisfied.

The re-release of Barry Lyndon is at selected cinemas natiowide from July 18th

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Giorgio Armani creations interplay with Italian masterpieces at new Milan exhibition

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24 September 2025

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“Giorgio Armani, Milano, for love’’ at the Brera Art Gallery opens today, mere weeks after the celebrated designer’s death at the age of 91.

Featuring 129 Armani looks from the 1980s through the present day, the exhibition places his creations among celebrated Italian masterpieces by such luminaries as Raphael and Caravaggio.

It is one of a series of Milan Fashion Week events that were planned before Armani’s death, to highlight his transformative influence on the world of fashion.

“From the start, Armani showed absolute rigor but also humility not common to great fashion figures,’’ said the gallery’s director Angelo Crespi. “He always said that he did not want to enter into close dialogue with great masterpieces, like Raphael, Mantegna, Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca.’’ 

Instead, the exhibition aims to create a symbiosis with the artworks, with the chosen looks reflecting the mood of each room without interrupting the flow of the museum experience – much the way Armani always intended his apparel to enhance and never overwhelm the individual.

A long blue asymmetrical skirt and bodysuit ensemble worn by Juliette Binoche at Cannes in 2016 neatly reflects the blue in Giovanni Bellini’s 1510 portrait “Madonna and Child”; a trio of underlit dresses glow on a wall opposite Raphael’s “The Marriage of the Virgin”; the famed soft-shouldered suit worn by Richard Gere in American Gigolo, arguably the garment that launched Armani to global fame, is set among detached frescoes by Donato Bramante. Every choice in the exhibition underscores the timelessness of Armani’s fashion. 

Armani himself makes a cameo, on a t-shirt in the final room, opposite the Brera’s emblematic painting “Il Bacio” by Francesco Hayez. 

“When I walk around, I think he would be super proud,’’ said Anoushka Borghesi, Armani’s global communications director. 

Armani’s fashion house confirmed a series of events this week that Armani himself had planned to celebrate his 50th anniversary. They include the announcement of an initiative to support education for children in six Southeast Asian, African and South American countries. The project, in conjunction with the Catholic charity Caritas, is named “Mariu’,’’ an affectionate nickname for Armani’s mother.

In a final farewell, the last Giorgio Armani collection signed by the designer will be shown in the Brera Gallery on Sunday, among looks he personally chose to represent his 50-year legacy.

“Giorgio Armani – 50 Years” opened to the public today at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, Italy. The exhibition lasts until 11 January 2026.

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The last day of doomsday: What is the viral ‘RaptureTok’ trend?

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24 September 2025

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If you’re reading this today, Wednesday 24 September 2025 could be the last day before the end of the world as you know it.

If you’re reading this tomorrow, you weren’t blipped out of existence and good luck with all the rebuilding. Please do better.

Confused? We’ve got you covered.

According to the more holy corners of TikTok, it has been prophesized that yesterday – or today, they couldn’t make their minds up on which one, so just go with it – is the day of the Rapture.

For the filthy heathens among you, that’s the long-awaited end-time event when Jesus Christ returns to Earth, resurrects all dead Christian disciples and brings all believers “to meet the Lord in the air.”

It wasn’t yesterday, clearly, so today’s the day… And turn off that R.E.M. song, this is serious.

This all stems from South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who claimed that the Rapture will occur on 23 or 24 September 2025. Mhlakela said that this knowledge came directly from a dream he had in 2018, in which Jesus appeared to him. Mhlakela reiterated all of this on 9 September in an interview with CettwinzTV and since then, the prophecy has become a viral sensation on TikTok.

Many individuals on the social media platform have taken this literally and very seriously, with more than 350,000 videos appearing under the hashtag #rapturenow – leading to the trend / popular subsection dubbed ‘RaptureTok’. 

Some videos mock the prophecy, but you don’t have to scroll for too long to find those who are completely convinced that it’s happening today.

There’s advice on how to prepare; tips on what to remove from your house should certain objects contain “demonic energy”; and testimonies of people selling their possessions. One man, who goes by the name Tilahun on TikTok, shared a video last month, in which he said he was selling his car in preparation for the big day. “Car is gone just like the Brides of Christ will be in September,” he said.

One woman in North Carolina was live recording yesterday from the Blue Ridge Mountains, fervently keeping an eye on any holy activity in the sky. Another claimed that her 3-year-old started speaking in Hebrew, thereby confirming that it’s all legit. 

Some more distressing videos include American evangelicals saying goodbye to their children for the last time… We won’t share those, as they’re actually quite depressing.

It’s hard to completely blame TikTok users for wanting the final curtain to drop, as things aren’t going too great down here on Earth. That being said, it’s worth noting that the Bible never actually mentions the Rapture; it’s a relatively recent doctrine that originates from the early 1800s, one which has gained traction among fundamentalist theologians – specifically in the US, where everything is fine, civil conversation is alive and well, no one’s worried, and they’re all enjoying their “God-given freedoms”.

So, if the Rapture does come to pass, we here at Euronews Culture will be eating a whole concrete mixer full of humble pie. If it doesn’t, see you tomorrow, and do spare a thought for those who are going to be very disappointed on Thursday 25 September. 

And if extra-terrestrial beings followed Tara Rule’s advice (see below), thank you alien visitors for joining in on the fun. And if you could provide some much-needed guidance on how to do better, that would be grand.

Only a few more hours left to find out…

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‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion sees James Van Der Beek make surprise appearance amid cancer battle

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24 September 2025

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The cast of the hit TV show Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, came together earlier this week for a reunion charity event in New York City.  

The cast, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, took the stage at the Richard Rodgers Theater on Monday evening to read the 1998 pilot episode.  

The evening was to raise money for F Cancer and James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson in the show. Van Der Beek, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, and was unable to attend.

However, he shared that he had an understudy for the evening…

“I DO have an understudy. A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available),” he wrote. “Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me… Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So that’s convenient. The role of ‘Dawson,’ usually played by James Van Der Beek, will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can’t believe I just got to type that.” 

Additionally, a visibly moved Van Der Beek did appear on screen via video message. 

“I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates,” he said. “I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.” 

During the event, Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly and the couple’s children joined the cast onstage to sing Paula Cole’s ‘I Don’t Want To Wait’, which served as the show’s theme song. 

Another surprise during the event was when Steven Spielberg – Dawson’s hero throughout the series – appeared on screen. Check out the director’s message below:

Van Der Beek has undergone chemotherapy and has continued to engage publicly, advocating for cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. He has promoted new screening options and teamed up with Guardant Health to raise awareness about colorectal cancer screening for people under 50.

The video message during the reunion show has sparked concern after fans noticed that the actor appeared visibly thinner compared to earlier public appearances.  

Messages of support flooded social media, with fans praising Van Der Beek’s resilience.

Elsewhere, Holmes and Jackson, who played Joey and Pacey respectively in Dawson’s Creek, are currently working together on a new project, Happy Hours. 

According to Deadline, the forthcoming trilogy is “a story about two people (played by Holmes and Jackson) navigating their relationship within the challenges of careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite life’s inevitable obstacles. It’s a character-driven dramedy that explores the emotional journey of young loves who reconnect as adults, with the connective thread of shared joys, loss, and hope.” 

Holmes is directing, writing and starring in the movie – and the reunion between the two has sparked rumours about a possible romantic rekindling.  

Holmes and Jackson met in the 90s. They were an item and appeared close during the reunion evening. However, multiple sources clarified that Homes and Jackson aren’t back together and enjoy a longlasting and continuing friendship. 

Reflecting on the event, Holmes wrote on Instagram: “I will never find the words for what these three beautiful humans mean to me. For our shared journey. For our everlasting bond. James, Josh, Michelle… from April 1997 – I love you.” 

He added: “James, you got this. We got you. To everyone who supported us from the beginning and who continue to support James and his beautiful family, we thank you. Thank you for last night.”

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