Rating of
3/4
An Enigmatic Main Character
Franz Patrick - wrote on 08/24/08
This is the first epic film I’ve seen that showcases a main character that I did not understand. Granted, epic films are rich in complexity and sometimes they use ambiguity as a tool to enhance movie-going experience. Still, I personally found it hard to care for a character that one minute is sane and the next the complete opposite. I could tell there was inner turmoil going on regarding his thoughts and courses of action. However, it gets sickening after watching one decision that does not make sense on top of another. That lack of connection put me off so I can’t exactly call it a masterpiece. But perhaps I’m dwelling too much on characterization. I’ve read from a few articles that T.E. Lawrence is an enigmatic man so maybe it was not the filmmakers’ intention to explain everything about him. However, everything else is grand: from the majestic desert to the number of people (and animals!) involved, from the unforgettable score to the insightful silences. There’s many things for the senses… except the heart. Lastly, I must commend everyone’s acting, especially Peter O’Toole’s. Like the film, his acting was both elegant yet flawed, but undoubtedly fascinating in scope and timelessness.
