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This is an "Epic", in the tradition of BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI, BEN HUR, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, and BRIGADOON. (ok, so scratch that last one.) Turn the brain off, enjoy, and allow yourself to be taken in by this truly great film.
Pluses:
1. The cinematography/photography is absolutely breath-taking. I'm DYING for the chance to see this on the big screen. When I saw HIDALGO a few months back, all I could do was negatively compare the way THAT movie filmed the same deserts LoA was filmed in.
2. Peter O'Toole in his on-screen debut. Absolutely stunning. The man commands the screen with the skill of a far-more experienced actor.
3. Omar Sharif. Need I say more? (rrrrrrooooowwwwwllll!)
4. Anthony Quinn - GREAT performance. As were those of Jose Ferrar, Claude Rains, and Alec Guiness. (Interesting side note: To get the accent correct for the role, Alec imitated: Omar Sharif.) Lots of great performances in this movie.
MINUSES:
1. This movie is a gigantic on-screen version of the He-Man's Woman Haters Club. As in: there are NO. FEMALE. SPEAKING ROLES. (no, really) "No Chicks Allowed" is the motto of this film. But, hey, when the men are so good looking, who cares? (heh)
2. Much of the "history" portrayed in this movie is false. Yes, just like Anna Leon Owens (of "The King and I") Mr. Lawrence felt the need to embellish and expand upon his role in history. Whatever. The storyline that is the TRUE core of this movie is the transformation of Lawrence. Compare and contrast the Lawrence of the opening sequence ("It's my manner sir - it *appears* insubordinate but it isn't...") with the Lawrence leading his men on an attack of a garrison of Turkish troops ("NO PRISONERS!") with the Lawrence in the jeep in the final shot. You have to put "history" aside and enjoy LoA as a character study.
3. The score is b.o.r.i.n.g. While the "Theme" is great, you hear it over. and over. and OVER again. And then you hear it some more. And then you hear it again. But, whatever. Enjoy the pretty pictures and the brilliant acting.
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