The transformation of Lawrence exhibits characteristics of the human lust for power and ego

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2005)

This films impact not only extends to cinematography and the value of some of the dialogue. O'Toole's portrayal of TE Lawrence and his transformation from a man that abhors blood and violence to one that is caught up in his own image, possibly as a prophet, maybe as a general, it does not matter which. We see a man, brought up in a theoretical and educated realm. Even with his military background, from the onset, Lawrence is unprepared for warfare and death. Every person early on in the film that gets close to Lawrence ends up dead as a direct or indirect result of him. This completely changes him which manifests itself in his bloodthirsty battle cry towards the end of the film. His desire for glory (seemingly) is reminiscent of ancient myths where immortality extends to those that prove themselves on the battlefield and gain fame from it. Eventually, he realizes the terror he has become and that his power is limited. Some of this occurs when he realizes he was betrayed by his own people, leaving him empty.
Lawrence ends the war in the Arabian lands a broken man emotionally. He has no people, no land, no country. He is a hero, but internally he appears to believe is unworthy because of this transformation. His ego and desire for power destroyed his character and integrity...as Alec Guinness said "With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me, it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable." We find that good manners may last, while passions change.
Note: In my opinion, all of these changes are evident before Lawrence's torture at Deraa