Review of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) by Jukka H — 24 Nov 2012

Well it did set 2 records for me - Longest movie by runtime and av featuring no female characters. I didn't realize both these traits until I crossed halfway. What goes right for it is the solid base material, extravagant production design and a start-of-art output from all its technical departments, but a big letdown from the acting front.

Follows a brief but an influential episode of British Army personnel T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) based on his exploits during WWI to negotiate and lay a pathway between British and Arab interests. Also takes on his relationship with the feuding tribal leaders Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) and Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn). His wavering loyalties between British and Arabs and how he becomes a pawn in a bigger political game played by Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness) and General Allenby (Jack Hawkins) where they use him to take over Damascus thus dissolving the tricky Arab revolt.

Peter O'Toole has the best lines in the movie and he delivers them with the requisite wickedness but his awkward poise and body language makes it hard to digest him as a war hero in the making. Occasionally Omar Sharif and most other small time Arab characters have given a horrendous performance diluting the epic scale production to a B-grade ripoff. The set pieces, number of personnel used combined with equal number of camels and horses would have made it a very complex project to produce but the final product has come out in flying colors. The cinematography and the desert locations were exotic and exquisite while the battle sequences which are neither gory nor inspires awe are saved by sweeping background score that perfectly compliments and elevates the drama. Though adapted from Lawrence's own writing, his fears and dilemma could have been more realistic than dramatic - it looked like what's referred metaphorically were shown literally.

While its a visual marvel telling a complex and celebrated story, performances left a lot to be desired.