Fascinating Character

Rating: 8/10 (14 May 2018)

Overlong and repetitive screenplay. O'Toole is charismatic. Story followed Lawrence's disillusionment with his Arab followers but he must have been equally disillusioned with the deception of the British and the French. This is referred to but Lawrence is largely left out of it and we are made to believe his disillusionment is more to do with the Arabs rather than the politicians. I think the reverse is probably truer. To see him confront those who betrayed his ideals would have given balance to the movie. The motorbike death is portrayed as an accident. I had the impression it wasn't. In all, Lawrence was probably even more fascinating than he is here. His probable homosexuality is never referred to (his masochism is hinted at). Omar Sharif matches O'Toole perfectly. Film is worth the watching for these two performances alone. (viewed 9/16)