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Promotional Line:"After five years...
the first motion picture from the creators of "The Bridge
On The River Kwai."
The basic plot line involves a British officer
who travels to the Middle East and becomes intimately involved
in Arab affairs. The marvelous screenplay, by Robert Bolt and
Michael Wilson is based on the true story, of T.E. Lawrence's
adventures in the Arabian dessert, leading the Arabian tribes
in their battles with the Germans, etc.
The talented David Lean, well known for his
sweeping epics, did a fabulous job directing this mammoth film.
He skillfully intertwines action, storyline, and keeps the pacing
at a good clip, so it never seems long at all, though it is
222 minutes in length. He knew how to get the best performances
out of his talented cast as well.
The film is a classic because of its epic story,
stirring acting, (particularly O'Toole, Quinn, Sharif, Guinness
and Ferrer), sweeping photography and stirring musical score,
by Maurice Jarre. "Lawrence of Arabia" won seven Oscars,
including Best Picture, Director, Musical Score, Editing, and
Art Direction.
During the original casting process, the lead
role was offered to Marlon Brando, Anthony Perkins, and Albert
Finney. Peter O'Toole wound up with this plum role, which showcases
his considerable talent and ability to do so.
"Lawrence of Arabia", O'Toole's first
starring role, turned him into a star, a role that he truly
made his own, giving us a terrific portrayal of British lieutenant
T.E. Lawrence, an ordinary man who rises to the occasion of
organizer and leader of the Arabian tribes as he seems to have
a gift of understanding the problems, involved, what needs to
be done, and the courage to make it happen as well . Lawrence:
"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."
My favorite scene takes place following a train
derailment by Lawrence and his Arab allies. Full of joy, Lawrence
dances on top of the train. The scene really captures the nature
of the flamboyant Britisher.
Great supporting performances from Omar Sharif,who
plays Sherif Ali Ibn El Kharish and Anthony Quinn who plays
Auda abu Tayi.
Cinematographer, Freddie Young, beautifully conveys the Middle
East locations. Young's cinematography won an Oscar. Talk at the
time said soda sales went way up during, "Lawrence"
screenings, due to the many, dry, arid desert scenes.
The wonderful music is from international famous
composer, Maurice Jarre, who has created fabulous music scores
for both small and epic-size films. He has won Oscars for his
efforts for such films as "Doctor Zhivago," "A
Passage to India," as well as for "Lawrence of Arabia."
If you enjoyed LAWRENCE OF ARABIA you may like
THE WIND AND THE LION, THE
ENGLISH PATIENT, BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI,
GANDHI, THE LAST EMPEROR, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS,
ZULU, RYAN'S DAUGHTER, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO,
and STARGATE.
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