I have seen at least half of this before. I wanted to complete it
Firstly what a soundtrack. What cinematography
The film begins with the death of the hero. We see Lawrence's funeral in Westminister Abbey-here the question is asked does Lawrence deserve his place in the Panethon of an Empire
Speaking of Pantheons. Lawrence is like a homeric epic, this films feels like something from an earlier time. Even the film mentions this- the desert being a place for Gods.
Peter O' Toole seems to be wearing eye make up. Which adds to the feeling of this being old, ancient.
It is a disturbing performance from O'Toole. His first starring role, and like Lawrence he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. O'Toole makes a fine Atlas
Omar Sharif, and Anthony Quin give monumental support. Omar is introduced to the audience by casually killing the guide Lawrence had hired
Oh so that's where the line a ``River to my people'' comes from
The horror of war is shown. Lawrence is violated off screen, but the intent of his captors is clear. We see destruction of a small village and women's spoiled corpses and panned over. I think we can infer a lot about the fall of Aquaba
The racism of Lawrence's time is not concealed.
I note Alec Guinness as an Arab royal is treated favourably but the Arab clan leaders are depicted warts and all. I wonder if the death of the German soldiers we see manning and running Turkish traines was a bit of parrelling Europeans employed by Muslims to fight in the war between Arab and Turk
I did enjoy Alec Guinness's performance- the anagram is true
This was the first time I saw Allenby on screen
A masterpiece
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