Epic of epics

Rating: 8/10 (29 August 2008)

The epic of epics, "Ben-Hur" is quite a treat at the cinema (especially the Astor with its new super-screen and Dolby Digital Sound). In three hours "Ben-Hur" only lapses a couple of times into rather wishy-washy melodrama. Otherwise director William Wyler has presented a forceful, strikingly visual film about a Jewish man's quest for vengeance, and the way in which he gains that recompense.
"Ben-Hur" opens by telling us it is a "tale of the Christ". Misleading really, considering only a handful of references are made to Jesus. Why the story of our Lord was tied in is a mystery, and seemingly not necessary. Perhaps Karl Turnberg (screenwriter) was trying hard to be true to the original novel. Certainly the focus is not on forgiveness, though love having the power to set you free and love being stronger than hate are central themes.
As I have said, the film looks awesome. The enormous sets are lavish, contributing to an overall production design that is second to none. Cinematography goes one better, with several knockout scenes culminating in the legendary chariot race, which lives up to its billing as the most spectacular chase of all time.
The cast are strong too, with the forceful presence of Charlton Heston a big factor. Support from Stephen Boyd (as Messala) and Jack Hawkins (as adoptive father Quitus Arrius) is good too. An excitable turn from an Arabian horse owner is a special highlight.
Definitely the stuff of which legends are made. Eleven academy awards speak for themselves (a record only equalled thirty-eight years later by "Titanic").
Sunday, May 3, 1998 - Astor Theatre
Bigger than big, "Ben Hur" is the sort of film one must see on the big screen (Melbourne's Astor Theatre comes highly recommended). Viewing this epic on video means losing out on the grand scale of the production. The enormous sets, the costumes, the larger than life characters, and that chariot race. "Ben Hur" may be the greatest film of all time (open to debate), but whatever the case may be, it must be seen at the movies.
Thursday, April 29, 1999 - Video