see it in 70mm to truly appreciate this masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (8 February 2002)

I had the pleasure to see this masterpiece in 70mm in Londons' Odeon, Marble Arch some time in the 80's. This really is the only way to see this movie. Watching it on TV doesn't quite cut it. I understand that it is being shown at some I-Max cinemas so if you get a chance....
The movie has some of the greatest cinematography ever, and deservedly won the oscar for Freddie Young. Some of the scenes are breathtaking. There are scenes lasting several minutes when there is no dialogue!!! just jaw-dropping scenery. Imagine....there are actors in front of the camera and there is nothing being spoken...sometimes for minutes on end.. the mind boggles!!!! The part at the well, when Omar Sharif first makes his appearance coming in from the desert like a mirage, is one of the most audacious pieces of filming that I have ever seen at the movies. But it only truly works on the big screen. I think it is well to remember (not to overstate the obvious or sound pompous!) that this movie was made for the cinema, not Television!
Peter O'Toole has never been better He is quite brilliant!! Nuff said!
Every actor does a great job, although I'm not sure that Alec Guinness was quite right for his part. No matter. The movie comes together seamlessly, without a single miss-step. Some people have criticized it for being overly long.... but I was sorry when the lights came up and I had to leave the Cinema. I even went back to see it twice....
I think if I were pushed to put my money on the table, I would have to say that it is the greatest big screen movie ever: and, in my (very) humble opinion, David Lean is the greatest director!!