utterly epic and resplendant. utterly heartwrenching. breathtaking cinematography, an unforgettable score, acting at it's best, and a cast of characters that seize you and weave you into their story.
I saw this on the big screen in a revival. To see it any other way would be heresy, truly. Peter O'Toole breaks your heart with his eyes. You've never seen eyes like that, forget Liz Taylor. That intensity, that impossible Technicolor blue, glowing like they're on fire, or have neon behind them. I remember one scene in particular, in the movie theater when one look O'Toole gave made me cry inexplicably. I've read this is one of the last films to be shot in 70mm, (whereas many others were shot in 35mm and increased to 70mm to fit the screen), and it shows on each sparse, gorgeous frame. I once gave my former film teacher a L of A poster I'd found somewhere. It was an old one advertising the release on video. It was mostly made up of a long shot from the film, a battle of of horses and desert and blazing orange sky. It was the most curious advertisement for a video release ever - the poster itself was longer than it was tall, sort of recreating the ratio you'd get in a theater. It stood as proof watching the film on video was a terrible idea. It was an irony not lost on Ms. Carrick. I'm sure there are some who will find it antiquated, (somewhat excusable since it was a historical epic) but I defy anyone to call it less than beautiful, to call it anything less than the definition of "epic."
In the opening sequence, we witness a fatal motorcycle accident. There is not explanation, no character development or even a face shot for us to remember the character by. As it turns out, this sequence is a little out of order, but it proves to be a very appropriate beginning.
After the rather disorienting opening, we are introduced to the main character T.E. Lawrence. He is a rather unique individual from what background we learn. He does not seem to be a staunch British patriot. This is exemplified by his continual disregard for orders once he is in the desert. He causes his superior officer to exclaim, ?Damn it, Lawrence! Who do you take your orders from?? Interestingly enough, at the beginning it is hard to picture Lawrence as a leader. With his seemingly timid ways his initially shy and reserved image is radically changed during his journey.
Peter O?Toole, with his strikingly blue eyes, is perfect embodiment of T.E. Lawrence. I have heard that this is his feature debut as the star. Well this is on gosh darn fantastic way to start your career as a star. I still do not understand how he lost for Best Actor at the Oscars that year.
O?Toole is surrounded by a typical David Lean, all-star cast. The standouts include Sir Alec Guinness as the Prince Feisal, Anthony Quinn as Auda abu Tayi, and, of course, Omar Sharif as Sherif Ali. Lawrence has a different appeal to each of these characters through out the film. Some you would be surprised to discover their actual interest in the young lieutenant.
The next key component, perhaps the best part of the film all together is the cinematography. Freddie Young, the photographer, does a fantastic job at capturing the sheer size, beauty, and horror of the desert. Probably the most talked about shot or sequence in the whole film is incredible mirage like appearance of Sherif Ali. Lawrence is staring out into the desert following what seems to be a dot on the horizon. Slowly through the waves of heat which appear to be ripples of water in the distance, a figure forms. It is truly a great sight to watch. I also love that sequence because at the end of it Lawrence delivers to Ali one of my favorite lines of the film: ?So long as the Arabs fight tribe against tribe, so long will they be a little people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel, as you are.? This he exclaims because Ali kills Lawrence?s Arabs guide as soon as he is range. The reason for the death was the fact that the well is by rights Ali?s. This would also prove to be another key point for the film.
The final component of the film which I would like to highlight is the score. I have heard some say it is underrated. Far be it. Just last year at the Hollywood Bowl, AFI released its top 25 original film scores of all-time, and this film came in 2nd only to Gone With the Wind and Star Wars. I agree it is that good. The score is majestic, and memorable. You could close your eyes while listen to it, and all you would see would be desert, desert, and more desert.
In conclusion, the film is outstanding in most every respect for me, the only minus coming from a depressing story, and at times a wandering plot. These to points are probably are very big for some, but if you can become involved in Lawrence?s adventure and come to care for him. You will be taken on a journey you won?t forget.
This is so far from history that it could technically be considered a fantasy, but an excellent epic movie nonetheless. Peter O'Toole is superb...too bad he never won an Oscar.
What makes this movie pretty unique is its lack of love story (and women!). Peter O'Toole gives here an impressive perfomance that makes it a classic epic adventure.
I am the same age as Lawrence, and I have officially accomplished NOTHING in comparison to this guy.
An experience like no other, and a story worthy of it's glorious 70mm presentation. You haven't seen this film, until you've seen it on the big screen.
a monumentally captivating epic. breathtaking cinematography, top-notch acting, and multifaceted writing that goes deeper than just a surface plot. Lawrence is revealed as a troubled, often enigmatic hero whose motives and heroics are frequently questioned by himself, those around him, and the audience. a terrific story of identity, both personal and national. a truly massive accomplishment in cinematic history.
Epic tale of one man's journey in to uncharted territory, were he transforms himself into to one of the locals and gloriously leads them into battle to gain their indepences.
It's marvelous. One of the best epic movie I've ever seen . Great great great. The funny thing is, there is no even 1 woman in this movie. For me, Lawrence is one of the best movie characters of all-time. The pain that he feels,his wish to join all the groups in Arabic to become one nation. The decision which he makes that sometimes people don't understand. Anyway,it's one of movie miracle...
An epic in every sense of the word. Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif and Alec Guinness are superb in director David Lean's superb telling of the story of T.E. Lawrence.
What a classic and phenomenal film. It is probably the best film of the 1960s. the story is very powerful. I really felt for Lawrence because he is white and really isnt Arab. Also, that he was forced to go to Arabia. When I heard that this was a true story I looked on the real T.E. Lawrences life biography before he died and I was fascinated by his biography. So I decided to watch this film. Peter O Toole is perfect for T.E. Lawrence because his boss sent him to Arabia and that the Arabs felt confused that a white man was there to join them and/or help them defeat the Turks. The cinematography is absolutely fantastic and so is the art within the film. The costumes are probably the best. There is a zoom out view during the film when you see the desert, it looks absolutely beautiful and also the sunset image like on the front cover of the DVD. I love the fact that the Arabs use camels instead of horses. I bet it must be hard to direct a film like this and to still make the film when there are sandstorms on the desert. There are some scenes of racism in this film (not really against the Arabs but against Lawrence). I could watch this film repeatedly. It is a very, very long film. I think it is longer than Gone With The Wind. It is a classic masterpiece that everyone would enjoy.
Although this film is not without flaws it still deserves full marks simply for the imagery that is placed before our senses. The film does what is so often lacking in movies - it gives its characters (which here includes the scenery) space to breathe. The composition of shots and the cinematography are second to none, even when the crew were working in temperatures that melted the celluloid. O'Toole almost literally shines in the role of T.E. Lawrence depicted here, with searing, unforgettable expressions that speak a 1000 words.
But, yes, there are flaws. The film is historically questionable: some of the characters (including Lawrence) are fictionalised to various degrees to favour movie story telling. Worse, I can't help feeling that while well intentioned, the Arab casting is flawed (Anthony Quinn, Alec Guiness). Also while Maurice Jarre's score is full of fantastic themes there are a number of occasions where it is too intrusive. Sometimes this give the images a newsreel feeling to them, but other times - such as when it comments comically on a scene, it is like a bad laugh track. There are occasions where it simply needed more subtlety that we are given.
Nevertheless the story remains gripping throughout and as many have said, remains one of the greats in cinema.
It took 2 sitting but it was worth the time. The effort put into this film resulted to a really good film. The story was truly epic, the scenary were dreamy and clean WITHOUT CG mind you. And the actors were brilliant. It is no wonder Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole became famous because of this film. They generated many convincing arguments and justified each side. Of course Alec Guinness was also brilliant. He played the prince perfectly. He acted like a wise man with greed written on his face but dared not express it. The second last scene of the film was a great example. He bargained with the English to have an English waterpump station under an Arab flag and he told Lawrence that young men conquered places but old men kept peace and made stability.
''So long as the Arabs fight tribe against tribe, so long will they be a little people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel, as you are.''
A grand classic from bygone days. Sweeping epic about the real life adventures of T.E. Lawrence, a British major who unified Arab tribes and led them in the fight for independence from the Ottoman Turks in the 1920s. Epic rumination on a flamboyant and controversial British military figure and his conflicted loyalties during wartime service.
Peter O'Toole: T.E. Lawrence
Alec Guinness: Prince Feisal
David lean had a lot to live up to after making Kwai, a candidate for best film of all time, and does he not disappoint,instead he creates one of the finest movies in motion picture history.
Not wanting to give much away about the story, I will state this. Lawrence is a film of such unimaginable beauty, that one really has to see it more than once before they can fully grasp it all. Suddenly every other film pales slightly against the pure detail.
Steven Spielberg states it as one of his great favourite films of all time, he says ''A Miracle of a film!'' and you can easily see and hear why. The life of T.E. Lawrence is brought to us in such a mind-blowingly spectacular way that defies and fulfills expectations.
This is where it all sprang, all those epic areas that are the birth and beginning of all these modern Blockbusters, owe almost everything to this. There are scenes in this movie that wouldn't look out of place in Lord of the Rings, Alexander or The Mummy. Considering Arabia was done 1962 it makes you wonder why rubbish films are still being churned out when we have the pinnacle right here.
This is before we even get to the wonderful performances of its principle cast, the sweeping score and the never equaled unrivaled cinematography. Peter O'Toole shines as T.E. Lawrence who with his piercing blue eyes and blonde hair accompanied with that English voice equals the perfect English Gentleman hero with morals and a standing of good. Alec Guinness as Prince Feisal seems abit English still than Arab in his disposition. Still no doubting his acting talents. Omar Sharif as Sherif Ali whom Lawrence gets off on the wrong foot with then becomes respected shows some beautiful performing.
Visually perfect and the score spine tinglingly delicious. Even more impact where David Lean decides to have the music on its own with no picture where you can just close your eyes and immerse yourself within the melodies and haunting soothing tunes that embody the spirit of the film.
Lawrence of Arabia is the milestone piece of film ever to grace the screen. It borrows some structural elements from Kane and perfects the art of the biographical film.
Probaly the best adventure movie ever made, very wonderful story and message in this movie, and the directing is really amazing. This is a great classic that I could watch over and over again
A perfect beginning for Peter O'Toole's career. For too many people, David Lean's definitive masterpiece.
Everything's perfect about the film: the plot, the pacing, the direction, thecinematography, the acting, the costumes, the music (classic!), the characters and the adaptation of this biographical drama.
Lawrence of Arabia makes an enormous transition from an English officer to an Arabian citizen, once he adapts to their culture.
All in all, a masterpiece for all ages, and among the deepest and most complex films of all time. Thank you very much for this, David Lean.
Briloliant epic. fantasticly well shot. Great suppourting cast and a great performance from O'Toole. The epic running time just flies by like you wouldn't believe.
Be sure to watch it projected in the proper aspect ratio.
It's long, kind of boring, and overrated, but I still enjoyed it. There were some parts where I really got into it, like when Lawrence goes back into the desert to save those two guys. Peter O'Toole's performance in this movie is said to be one of the best ever, but I found his character to be kind of annoying and weird. But I think that's how it was supposed to be. It's a kind of character that has never been seen before. The music in this movie is awesome. I'm still humming it. If you watch this movie, don't expect it to be one of the best ever (like everyone says it is), but expect to be entertained.
One of the greatest, most epic films in cinematic history. Peter O' Toole gives a performance that is one of the most remembered and legendary, and David Lean's direction really shows itself in the large gaping desert sequences.
Eh, I don't know. O'Toole, yet a plot that seems undeniably boring. I'm not into that whole "leading the people to freedom" scence. I don't know, I may watch it, though I may not.
One of the 20 greatest movies of all time and maybe the greatest epic ever filmed. Sweeping, powerful and magnificently done. The movie that also made Peter O'Toole one of history's greatest actors. His talent may only be rivaled by the late, great Laurence Olivier.
MCT:August 19, 2008
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MCT:July 23, 2008
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MCT:June 12, 2008
