I Love A Great Film, This Isn't One of Them

Rating: 5/10 (29 January 2019)

I get it, folks, David Lean has always been considered an icon of the film industry. His "Lawrence of Arabia" was superior filmmaking. I happen to agree with the critics who wrote of this film upon its release -- it's not a great film.
Beautifully photographed? Absolutely stunning. Professionally edited? Indeed. So, what didn't I like about this film? Omar Sharif gave us a performance without dimension, allowing the powerfully gifted Rod Steiger to run away with the acting honors. Julie Christie provided nice eye candy, but just about anyone else could've pulled off the role as well as she. But my main problem was the story. Zhivago, presented as a man of exceptionally high morals, sets them aside for the love of Lara, while the director would have us believe his morality is left intact.
After well over 3 hours in length, one would want to leave their viewing chair stunned by a flawless film. One doesn't. Perhaps it's the little things that spoil movies for me, such as Sharif getting off, after many days, a packed cattle car looking as though he just left the barber shop and picked up his dry cleaning. The same is true throughout with Christie.
I wanted to see a classic, superior film by a director who was considered to be an icon. What I got was Peyton Place with a Russian backdrop.