Chariots of the Gods

Rating: 9/10 (30 March 2008)

Charlton Heston (as Judah Ben-Hur) grows up in Judea, around the same time as Jesus Christ. A wealthy Jew, Mr. Heston maintains his princely lifestyle, despite the Roman occupation of his land. After a number of years, Heston encounters old friend Stephen Boyd (as Messala), a Roman. Heston soon discovers that politics does not, in every case, make strange bedfellows; as Mr. Boyd is the steadfast leader of the occupying Roman forces. Soon, the political upheaval threatens Heston's freedom, and life
"State-of-the-art" epic, from William Wyler and the outstanding MGM cast and crew. Relatively speaking, this film is not as "original" as the 1925 version; still, it's a very worthy update, with superlative production values. With a few exceptions, the film looks very natural, unlike the increasingly tired animated "look" used for big productions some decades later. The film's lighting, scenes, and direction are very aesthetically appealing. The supporting characterizations are better than those in the older version. Christianity remains respectfully restrained; arguably, the amount of Christian faith demonstrated by Heston is unnecessarily subdued.
Heston takes some getting used to, as the young Jewish hero; in fact, he looks more convincing as a Roman, especially after his "adoption" by Jack Hawkins (as Quintus Arrius). An interesting, but unacceptable-at-the-time, idea might have been for Heston and Boyd to switch roles; Boyd appears capable of handling either "Judah" or "Messala". Still, Heston wins you over; his scenes in the "slave boat", and the reunification with his leper mother are outstandingly played.
Boyd's characterization is extraordinary; watching the way his eyes dart over Heston, in their first scenes together, lends credence to co-writer Gore Vidal assertion there was a homosexual subtext planned for the characters. Realistically, homosexual relations were not all that uncommon among the ancient Romans. Although, this was not likely to be found in the Lew Wallace novel, it does help explain the otherwise inexplicable love/hate relationship between the "Judah" and "Messala" characters.
The entire supporting cast does very well, it must have been difficult for award nominators to single anyone out. But, in addition to those mentioned above, Haya Harareet's "Esther" and Hugh Griffith's "Sheik Ilderim" most definitely make an impression. The film's weakest moments occur during the very fake looking "sea battle" sequence; surprisingly, the old 1925 version is much more consistently exciting. Both films' "chariot races" are essential thrill rides.
********* Ben-Hur (11/18/59) William Wyler ~ Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith