Review of Doctor Zhivago (1965) by Marie-Louise K — 05 Jun 2008

I also love historical epics and I don't think anyone does them, better than Lean. This film is one of the most beautifully filmed movie I can remember. Russia is so beautiful in the winter. I agree with Atoddr that the love story isn't quite fleshed out enough. And this shouldn't be in a 3 hour movie. I think the film makers got too caught up in showing us the beauty of Russia. The acting though is superb. Sharif gives us another excellent performance almost matching his one in Lawrence of Arabia. Julie Christie is also great. Guinness, a Lean regular, gives a more subdued performance, but offers the audience a familiar face. Rod Steiger though is has probably the meatiest role and he is wonderful and menacing. You don't like him from the first, but your not sure why.

Of course as always in a David Lean film the music is the highlight.Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia) makes another sweeping and beautiul score.