Lawrence of Arabia Review

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Truly epic in scope, Lawrence of Arabia is the type of film that may never be made again due to the lack of money for vast location projects such as this was. Lawrence of Arabia is big in every area, big story, big characters, big music, and big locations.  

Set in the trackless expanses of the Middle East in World War I, the film shows T E Lawrence’s attempt to make a nation of the Arabs, something quite different from the continued exploitation intended by the British crown. These conflicts make for a gripping story that will keep you spellbound.

Peter O’Toole made his acting debut in the title role of director David Lean’s epic tale as the title character, TE Lawrence.

Lawrence begins as a mapmaker in the Cairo intelligence section of the British army. The film emphasizes character development, teaching us that Lawrence is an uncommon man, right in the first few frames. He is oblivious to pain, subjecting himself to burns from lit matches, apparently to temper his will. His associate tries to do the same and is surprised it hurts. "What’s the trick", he wants to know. "The trick is not to mind that it hurts", says Lawrence.

He is posted to spy on King Feisal, and report back to the Arab Bureau, part of the diplomatic corps. But Lawrence is a two-edged sword, who ends up identifying more with the Arabs than his British countrymen. King Feisal, brought to life by Alec Guiness, is monarch of a host of petty tribes with little idea of unity.

Lawrence’s harrowing journey by camel from Cairo to King Feisal’s encampment must be seen to be appreciated, with the vast distances across the trackless desert under the glaring sun. The journey culminates in the death of his guide at the hands of Arab chieftain Sherif Ali, played by Omar Sharif.

Acting without orders, Lawrence takes on the responsibility of leading the Arabs against the Turks at Aqaba. With a ragtag army of 50 men on camels, he crosses the burning desert and surprises Aqaba with the help of Bedouins under Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn). With that victory under his belt, his immortality is assured when U.S. newspaper reporter Jackson Bentley (Arthur Kennedy) brings the story to the American newspapers.

Many adventures later, the story ends with Lawrence going back to old England. His untimely death is shown during the opening credits, as a prologue to the story, which is told as a long flashback from the newspaper reporter, Jackson Bentley (Arthur Kennedy).

Lawrence of Arabia is a film which celebrates the silence and emptiness of the vast Arabian Desert. The film was produced in a time when only the best would do. Director David Lean only used the finest snippets of film to make his epic. The vast shots across the shimmering desert showing a miniscule rider approaching, the glorious sunsets, the Arab encampments, the battles, all combine to make this film a must-see masterpiece. The film has been restored to the absolutely glorious color of the original 70 mm print.

The Columbia DVD gives a 216 minute version of the color film which is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen format.  There is also a limited two disc edition that includes numerous special features.