Movie Review: Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia (1962, PG): ****

Majestic.  That is the one word to describe the epic film Lawrence of Arabia.  I think hard on that, and I come to a conclusion: Lawrence of Arabia is a work of fine art.  Indeed, Lawrence of Arabia is undoubtedly one of the most influential movies of our time.  Does that mean that it's one of the greatest of the great?  I think so.  For a movie of such vast running length (Lawrence of Arabia is a minute longer then the four-hour Gone with the Wind), its gripping and fascinating from beginning to end, never losing its momentum.  It's rare for a movie to succeed in that way as Lawrence of Arabia does.  There are four other noteworthy points that make Lawrence of Arabia such an extraordinary motion picture.  First, it is probably rivaled only by the Godfather for title of being the best directed motion picture in history, even if that is a rather nervy statement to make.  Second, the acting is intelligent and superb in all respects.  Thirdly, director David Lean, working behind the camera, captures some of the most brilliant cinematography that movie screens are ever likely to portray.  Fourthly, it so accurately and intensively follows the true story of the man of the title, who both relished in and resented his time in battle.  All that said, this is a cinematically beautiful film, and I am sure that Lawrence of Arabia will forever remain an accomplished, memorable, unforgettable and enduring classic.  Directed by David Lean.