Lawrence of Arabia

Writing about the classics can be tricky because their reputation precedes them and, chances are, you may now that Lawrence of Arabia is one of the greatest epics of all time. It's the David Lean 1962 epic with almighty visuals, a top-tier cast and a highly memorable score so what more needs to be said? I last saw this well over 10 years ago and remembered thinking it was very good but now, as a more mature viewer (or so I like to think), I was curious to see how I'd react to it today. Some movie buffs keep this in regular rotation so was I missing out? This isn't exactly a crowd pleasing comedy or highly entertaining action flick. What keeps people returning to this 222 minute epic of gargantuan proportion? 

Based on T. E. Lawrence's book detailing his experiences in the First World War, the story begins with the tragic end of his life before going back to his exploits as a young British lieutenant. Here he is ordered to meet with a fellow British colonel who is struggling to forge a relationship with the Arab people by working with the local Prince Faisal I. The colonel isn't having much success easing the ongoing tensions but Lawrence manages to win favour with the Prince and so begins his adventure to unite the Arab tribes in an effort to crush the Ottoman enemies. 

The story of Lawrence of Arabia has been highly influential in media ever since its release and it remains a compelling story today. The outsider immersing themselves in a vastly different world and inadvertently creating conflict with regards to where their loyalty lies has been seen before in the likes of Dune and Avatar to name but a few and yet it doesn't do anything to diminish the story here. This film is over 60 years old but Lean's directing has aged perfectly and this remains a highly engrossing epic adventure, maybe even more so for me today. I found a lot to like on my first viewing but it's just... perfect really.

So much goes to this not being blighted by rear projection, overt studio sets or CGI if it were made today; Lean makes excellent use of his locations and it brings life to this excellent screenplay which is then perfectly captured in camera before a fantastic cast. I can only offer praise and I'm sure when I watch this again, I'll only have more to give. 

I really hope we never see a remake of Lawrence of Arabia because it would be pointless when this is such a thrilling experience that more than earns its running time through and through. Sure, the length of it all might deter some but it's well worth sitting through for what is a great experience. Just like Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai, this gets a very high recommendation from me and you've seen it before, watch it again because this is worth it.