The reason movies are made

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2012)

Lawrence of Arabia is that wonderfully paradoxical cinema rarity. An epic sixties formulaic plot-driven roller-coaster ride, but also a thoughtful and poignant character study that works on many different levels. Peter O'toole's Lawrence is a mass of contradictions. Realistic yet delusional, ambitious yet cautiously pessimistic. The film manages to neatly deify him but also paints a very dark portrait of a man swept up in the wanton lust for power and personal glory. David Lean displays his mastery of the epic narrative, yet it is his use of subtle gestures that serve to flesh out Lawrence and give him a kind of depth not usually found in such grand spectacle. Highly recommended.