Review of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) by Ayrton C — 15 Mar 2018
The difficulty with watching 'Lawrence of Arabia' is that it it hard to view almost any other film afterwards without feeling disappointed. Few films can bear comparison to David Lean's masterpiece. Steven Spielberg called it a 'miracle of a film'. Many highbrow French critics hated the film because Lean's artistic vision was so stunningly realised and yet it was so commercially successful. Noted French critic Andrew Sarris referred to it disdainfully as 'intimidating'. Yes, the film is intimidating to other film makers because Lean raised the bar so high, but it is also inspiring. It is an Art film that appeals to the masses.
'Lawrence of Arabia' is a four hour film that feels too short and it grips the viewer throughout.
What makes Lean's work even more impressive is that he made a populist movie about a man we never get to know. At one point, a soldier, on seeing Lawrence on the other side of the Suez canal, shouts across to him 'Who are you?' Lawrence stares blankly into space because he cannot answer the question. Almost every line of dialogue is dripping with sub-text. Every shot tells a story and every cut moves the story forward. A masterclass in film making.
Brilliant and awe inspiring.
This review of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) was written by Ayrton C on 15 Mar 2018.
Lawrence of Arabia has generally received very positive reviews.
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