I Can’t Stop Thinking About The Housemaid’s Barry Lyndon Joke

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Be warned, this review contains minor spoilers for the movie The Housemaid. The Housemaid is a smart and engaging thriller that starts with a young woman realizing something is very wrong, even if she can’t quite put her finger on it. Director Paul Feig, known for his comedic work, tells the story with a playful attitude, adding humor throughout. This makes the film’s dramatic moments entertaining, but it also cleverly contributes to the story’s overall impact.

Right from the start, the movie creates a sense that a big surprise is coming, and its serious tone makes you even more anxious. You’re not just wondering what will be revealed, but also what kind of movie you’re watching – will it be genuinely frightening or surprisingly funny? It keeps you guessing until the very end. Sometimes a line seems like a casual joke, and other times it feels like an important piece of the puzzle, making it difficult to know what’s really going on.

So, here’s how I got completely fixated on one particular joke. It involved a reference to Barry Lyndon, and honestly, when I first heard it, I thought it was hilarious – I was one of only two people in the theater who actually laughed out loud! And when it came around again later, I was still cracking up. But the thing is, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about why that specific movie was used for the joke. The more I ponder it, the more I realize it’s a really clever, brilliant little touch.

With One Joke, The Housemaid Tells You Who Andrew Really Is

This scene is similar to a memorable moment from the Barbie movie, where all the Kens deliver passionate speeches to their Barbies about what they love. As a way to represent this very masculine behavior in a movie, director Greta Gerwig chose The Godfather, which is a fitting choice. The film is widely popular, making it both a typical choice for movie buffs and a reference that most viewers will understand – even if they haven’t seen it, they’re likely familiar with its reputation.

Barry Lyndon stands out as a film that’s highly respected by movie lovers and often ranked among the all-time greats. However, it isn’t as widely known as some of Stanley Kubrick’s other work. While films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining have become part of popular culture, Barry Lyndon generally appeals to those who appreciate film as an art form and actively seek out more challenging or less mainstream movies.

Although it doesn’t get talked about as much as some films, it’s definitely a masterpiece – despite what Nina says Andrew sometimes calls it. It may not have always been seen that way; like many of Kubrick’s films, it received mixed reviews initially and took time to gain recognition. However, it’s now firmly established as a classic, and has been for quite some time.

What does Andrew’s obsession with this specific, polished period drama reveal about him? It seems he’s leaning into a perceived English heritage and is drawn to the film’s perfect visual style. Ultimately, though, he’s seeking to seem sophisticated. Like others who try to project a certain image, he wants his opinions to be accepted without question, but in a way that feels more refined than simply liking a popular classic like The Godfather. Despite the film’s genuine quality, his enthusiastic praise actually shows a lack of true originality or depth.

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The joke about the film Barry Lyndon is a key moment that suggests Andrew isn’t as naive as he appears – if you look beyond the surface. But it also sets up something later in the movie. When Nina returns, feeling guilty, to help Millie escape the situation she created, she hears Barry Lyndon playing and assumes her husband is watching it. However, it’s actually Millie, likely trying to understand why everyone considers it a masterpiece. You can’t really tell from her expression if she actually enjoys it, though.

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2025-12-20 16:02