Memoirs of the Celebrated Mrs Woffington: Kubrick's Barry Lyndon

Thursday 5 February 2009

Kubrick's Barry Lyndon

One thing we didn't manage to catch on our visit to the capital was a screening of Barry Lyndon, currently showing at the BFI as part of a Stanley Kubrick season. His 1975 version of Thackeray's novel is considered to have been one of his finest achievements (he insisted on shooting it using authentic period lighting), and came after an abortive attempt to film a life of Napoleon. The good news is that it's available on DVD (I feel a purchase coming on...) The Guardian's review is here.

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4 comments:

Emily Kugler said...: It is such a beautiful film. It would've been wonderful to see it on a big screen. Thank you for the shopping link. I think I'm might be making a purchase soon.; 6 February 2009 at 03:37
Mrs Woffington said...: Thanks for your comment Merinitta, I can't wait to see this film, I hear that the cinematography is beautiful.; 6 February 2009 at 15:15
Jennifer J. said...: This is one of the most stunning films ever made. While never as popular as his other films, those of us who appreciate the past will savor Kubrik's attention to detail. Indeed his signature cinematography allows the viewer to drink in the visual splendor. Oh I envy your ability to see this on the big screen!; 6 February 2009 at 16:00
Mrs Woffington said...: Hello Jennifer P. Alas, unless I go back to London soon, I think I'll miss the chance to see it on the big screen, though in my defence, it was because I chose to visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum instead (I'm going to put up a post on that very soon!) There's always so much to see in London, so little time. But you and Merinitta have convinced me to get the film on DVD.; 6 February 2009 at 16:09

Who was Mrs Woffington?

Virtually forgotten today, Margaret Woffington (also known as Peg or Peggy) would rise from humble origins to become one of Georgian London’s most famous actresses, sharing the stage with the likes of David Garrick and excelling in so-called ‘breeches roles’. Born around the year 1720 in Dublin, her childhood years were marred by the death of her father, which plunged her family into poverty. Having reputedly sold watercress barefoot in the streets of the Irish capital, she was soon talent-spotted by a tumbler known as Violante, who staged populist entertainments in booths around the city. Violante had a troupe of child actors called the Liliputians, and before long Woffington was making her debut as Polly Peachum in their version of The Beggar’s Opera. Moving to London, she gained plaudits for both her outstanding beauty and her talent – particularly in comedy – appearing at both Covent Garden and Drury Lane. Known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, she had high-profile affairs with Garrick, Lord Darnley and Charles Hanbury Williams; she was also a generous benefactor, supporting her elderly mother and may even have endowed some almshouses in Teddington, where she had settled at the height of her success. She died, unmarried, in 1760, having suffered a long wasting illness, and is buried in Teddington's parish church of St Mary’s.