Watched some of Lawrence of Arabia recently, a film that is almost universally acclaimed as another masterpiece by the master director, Sir David Lean. While I do like much of the movie, as well as David Lean’s work in general (his Great Expectations and Bridge on the River Kwai are true masterpieces), I would dub Lawrence of Arabia almost a great film.
The first two hours are rousing entertainment, with epic action and great acting, especially by Peter O’Toole as the character of TE Lawrence. I say the character of Lawrence, because the actual Lawrence was quite a bit different from the one portrayed by O’Toole (For details, see Guerrilla Leader: TE Lawrence and the Arab Revolt; JJ Schneider). However, the last hour is about as exciting as watching a camel chew.
The post-war scenes with the Arabs floundering in their new independence is like sitting through a monthly meeting of a municipal zoning board. Although the scenes have an air of realism, I am reminded of cautionary words from both my acting and writing training: never confuse realism with drama. Drama should suggest realism, but not real life. Real life is boring. Drama should be a distillation of the interesting parts of real life, especially the conflict.
Lawrence of Arabia is notable for having some truly great writing. My favorite line comes from early in the film, and provides excellent insight into the hero’s character. While still in Cairo, young Lt. Lawrence performs a trick where he allows a match to burn down, extinguishing it with his fingers. An orderly tries the same thing, but yelps, “Ow! It bloody well hurts.” Lawrence replies, “Certainly it hurts.” So the orderly asks, “So what’s the trick.” To which Lawrence replies, “The trick is not minding that it hurts.”