Rating of
4/4
Lawrence of Arabia review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/10/11
I feel there will be mixed reviews based on its length and premise; nevertheless it would depend on the taste of the viewer. Repeated viewing will definitely convince your thoughts about this film. The story of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) where he invades Aqaba and Damascus while being involved in the Arab National Council. He gets promoted by General Murray (Donald Wolfit) because of his strategic take overs. Jackson Bentley (Arthur Kennedy) tries to cover the mind and soul of Lawrence. Some memorable line – “When we told lies you told half-lies. And a man who tells lies, like me, merely hides the truth. But a man who tells half-lies has forgotten where he put it.” Lawrence – “The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts.” “They hope to gain their freedom. Freedom.” Bently – “You answered without saying anything. That's politics.”
The picturesque movie had astounding performances all around by one of the main characters in Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness), Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) and of course O’Toole in the lead role. It also displayed one of the best cinematography on film with an appealing soundtrack and engaging screenplay. Themes of friendship (Lawrence and Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif), politics (Prince Faisal), individuality, loyalty, morality (Lawrence’ transformation of gaining popularity and thirst for bloodshed) and survival (the battles, enduring the weather and obstacles of the dessert) were well depicted. The film may not be for everyone since it will test your patience and capacity to enjoy the characters involved, much like his journey in the dessert. So many well-known directors have been influenced by its visual style. Speilberg admits this as his favorite film. Every shot was not wasted from the cut scenes, to the battles and close-ups of regret and agony. T.E. Lawrence' personality changed due to his situation and location, something we experience sometimes in life. Lawrence of Arabia is an epic that will always be part of anybody’s list, this reviewer included.
