Review of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) by Adrian B — 18 Dec 2011
David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" is an epic chronicling the life of a World War I hero, T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole). The film begins with his death in a motorcycle accident, and then it flashes back to him being sent to the Middle East to fight against the Arab revolt.
There, he makes enemies and befriends others, including a guide (Omar Sharif), whose life is cut short when he drinks from a private well. The film, which on Best Picture of 1962 along with six other Oscars, has been deemed as one of the greatest films ever made.
For me, it is good, not great. I think the movie is fairly overrated and unnecessarily overshadows a number of other great films from 1962 that have now gained the recognition they deserve (this especially includes "The Manchurian Candidate" and "Jules and Jim").
One problem I have is the length. It is too long and there are not enough memorable scenes to support the 220 or so minutes it takes to watch the film. The other problem is O'Toole. He indeed looks like Lawrence, but his acting does not fit the role.
New York Times critic Bosley Crowther was one of the few wrote a negative review on the film, just on the basis of his performance and I agree with him. It is not all that great, or for that matter, that good.
The Best Actor Academy Award of 1962 went to Gregory Peck for "To Kill a Mockingbird," which also for me is not one of the best films of the year. However, the film does have great cinematography and very well staged battle scenes.
Watchable but given way to much hype.
This review of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) was written by Adrian B on 18 Dec 2011.
Lawrence of Arabia has generally received very positive reviews.
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