Movie Review: Lawrence of Arabia

This is my first break into this film. Have seen one hour of the movie. Some observations so far,

1a. By the 'looks' of things so far it appears the visuals are going to transport me into the war between the Arabs and the Turks. Absolutely stunning visuals! When I watched 'Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace' I was taken in by the world it created. I'd have to say the same here. Except in this film it is all real whereas in George Lucas' films it was all CGI.

1b. One hour into this film the beautiful desert with the sand flying from the top of the dunes. The flying sand looks like steam coming off something hot and that again reminded me of how hot it actually was out there in the desert.

1c. Omar Sharif's entry will be memorable. It almost appears like he floated from the horizon to reach Lt. Lawrence and his guide. Beautiful!

2. The story so far has been great. I don't know the history behind this. However, I do know it is having the war as its backdrop. So this particular story is new to me. After an hour Lt. Lawrence and his fifty men have just taken off for Aqaba.

Looking forward to the rest of the film.

I have another hour of the film to go. My wife needed a break and frankly so did I. My views so far,

1. Very elaborate film. All trips across the deserts have got plenty of video time. There is a lot of focus on faces, especially Peter O'Toole's. Can't forget the scenes after Daud is lost in quicksand.

2. Lawrence's acceptance of liking killing was another surprising scene. Especially after his superior reads out his character, loves music and literature. So big turn around there.

3. The American angle, I should have seen that coming. It's a Hollywood movie, right?

4. I recognized Anthony Quinn as Auda. It took me a long time. I had seen him in some film, I kept telling myself but could not remember. Finally, I was not able to remember his name but could remember the face from 'Last Action Hero' {I loved that movie as a kid!}.

Have to get back and finish the final leg of the movie.

Finally! It's over. We started watching it at nine in the morning and at two in the afternoon it's finally over. A highly rated movie. If I'd not seen it now I probably would have never seen it. Final thoughts:

1. Noteworthy performances from Omar Sharif and Anthony Quinn, especially the latter. His mannerisms are commendable and more so his appearance. In my opinion this movie isn't about the acting.

2. Story kept me reasonably occupied. The first half moves pretty quickly. Upto the last hour it is fine. However, the last bit didn't go very well with me. But that's my opinion. I personally feel that a film's closure is very very important. But the end can be seen coming, it is very logical and is as must have happened.

CONCLUSIONS:

1. For me the movie is about the landscapes. It's about the visuals it treats the viewer to. Although this movie is old it is not dated. All the while I was watching this film I was thinking how it'd be in a cinema hall.

2. After watching CGI wars these days in movies it was great watching people fight their own wars.

3. I notice that the movie has little dialogue. I don't know what to make of it though. Maybe it is the focus on the desert which is intentionally done.

4. I like my movies to have some 'masala'. I understand this is adapted from Lawrence's writings. But there are movies based on real life which are entertaining, 'Good Night, and Good Luck', 'The Aviator' and 'Goodfellas'. As far as entertainment is concerned this movie has little of it. But then I suppose this was not meant to be an entertainer. Fair enough.

RATING: 3/5