Lawrence of Arabia, 1962

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 7

Academy Award for Best Picture, 1962

The truth is, I'm an ordinary man. You might've told me that, Dryden. - T.E. Lawrence

So far, this theatrical journey of mine has been quite enjoyable. Lawrence of Arabia is another one of the films I discovered I admired, and wished I had seen it prior to now. First and foremost, the score to the film was outstanding. Up until now, the music of the top films on the AFI list has been decent, but nothing I would consider outstanding. Maurice Jarre's scores helped tell the journey of the young British officer in a most convincing manner. As Lawrence and his band of men traveled across the Arabian desert by camel and horse, and the sweeping fight sequences, each scene was accompanied by a wonderful composition. So much so that at times it felt like you were there.

There were a couple things about the movie that I found particularly interesting. First of all, the many of the actors resembled the actual people they were portraying. Although O'Toole is nearly a foot taller and far more "pretty" than the actual Lawrence (especially those long eyelashes!) he nevertheless looked similar to the real person. The same applies to many of the other characters. I also enjoyed how historically accurate the film is. While something things have been changed - for instance it was reporter Lowell Thomas, then a man in his 20s who spent a few weeks with Lawrence rather than Jackson Bentely, the middle-aged reporter who traveled with the soldier through the greater part of his campaign. It was also interesting that there no women with speaking roles in the film. After doing a little research there is question as to whether or not Lawrence himself was a homosexual, which would explain his lack of female companions. At any rate, the film was beautiful - stellar acting, camerawork, music and a story based on real events.

4.5 stars out of 5