Lean's masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (22 September 2001)

A masterpiece of cinematography and screenplay, Lawrence of Arabia will always be an all-time classic. Although movies preceding the early 60s could sometimes bring out some negative qualities in a looked-up-to historical figure, this one was fairly unique at the time in bringing out specifically the disturbing side, as well as the heroic stature. The latter is not deemphasized either, even as Lawrence's more ordinary moral conflicts become apparent. Anyway, the overall screenplay, so well-written, is in itself as worthy a focus as the individual character of Lawrence. The film serves as a bit of a "Ball Four" (yes, I emphasize "a bit") to later negative movie commentaries on war and political intrigues. And as to visuals, the desert becomes as beautiful a place as the sea, the mountains, the forests, and the sky. As one who considers "Lawrence" an all-time favorite, I will nevertheless acknowledge that it drags a bit in both the first and second halfs. Ultimately, tho, the story justifies the length and all the scenes.

10 out of 10