Jon Monsarrat review: Stands the test of time, accessible to non-arty types

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2002)

Frankly, I'm an action movie guy. I like it when stuff blows up. And so much stuff has blown up since 1962 that any film from that era looks a little soft ("Rear Window") compared to modern thrillers. And I don't like dramas or films that are overly arty. It isn't that I disrespect film school types. Rather, I lack the sophistication to appreciate, for example, the sets or choreography if the plot is stupid and the characters unlikeable ("The Piano"). And dramas are often too slow-paced and full of sappy melodrama ("Forrest Gump").
However, "Lawrence of Arabia", which contains a whole lotta arty, was accessible to me. What an incredible adventure story, and of course it's based on a true story. I got a real hoot out of seeing Alec Guinness in a real role (not "Star Wars"), and Peter O'Toole is spectacular. Right after I saw the film I saw "Dune" on TV, you know, the science fiction novel and subsequent movie(s), and I realized -- Dune was based on Lawrence of Arabia! Mind-blowing.
Who should see this film:
-- Everyone, even if you normally avoid oldies or dramas.
Although I admit kids might not "get it".
I'll give "Lawrence of Arabia" a stands-the-test-of-time 9 out of 10.