1962--Lawrence of Arabia, David Lean

 

1962--Lawrence of Arabia—David Lean

Nominated: The Longest Day, The Music Man, Mutiny on the Bounty, To Kill a Mockingbird

Should have won: Lawrence of Arabia

Be sure to see: Cape Fear, Carnival of Souls, How the West was Won, The Manchurian Candidate

“He likes your lemonade”--T.E. Lawrence

     There are an abundant of great movies out there. And there are a good deal of fantastic ones. But there are a choice few that are monumental masterpieces. Lawrence of Arabia is right there with them. I was lucky enough to see this movie on the big screen. It is a double edged sword though. It was miraculous to see it in such a setting but now it has spoiled me. There is no way I could ever watch it on television. This film should not be confined to such limitations.

    It is World War I and British lieutenant T.E. Lawrence is to act as an observer to the Arab army. Lawrence stays to help keep the prince on the side of the Allies and against the Turks.

     One of the handful of movies I've seen in the theater that had intermissions for length, Lawrence of Arabia is so good I could have sat through another one. Actor Omar Sharif's description of the movie doesn't make it sound too appealing when he say it is “Four hours long, with no stars, and no women, and no love story, and not much action either.” Doesn't hold a good selling point for you I'm guessing. But the film was a huge success, snagging seven Oscars, though Peter O'Toole was not one of the acceptors. For me, Sharif's shortcomings from the movie didn't hinder it at all. The movie is a work of art and I was mesmerized the entire time.

     Curiously, this is one of the few movies in history where the lead actor dies in the first scene. 1982's winner follows this format and does the same thing. Don't worry, I don't think I spoiled anything. I mean, it was right off the bat so Lawrence still has a story to tell.

     It is a desert movie, obviously, and I wondered while seeing all the unscathed sand around the action how the scenes were shot. On multiple takes did they have to relocate? Did someone take the time to smooth out all the footprints?

     I’m not sure if everyone could appreciate all this movie has to offer. It might even be boring to some but if it is I imagine you could still appreciate its beauty. If you are a fan of film, Lawrence of Arabia is one that can not be missed. But if all possible try to see it on the largest screen possible. It is one of the most visually stunning movies ever made and there is no need for elaborate computer effects to produce that. I'd put it with Gone With the Wind as the best Oscar winners in history.