1001 Club - Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

#404. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Why It's In The Book: "One of the greatest epics of all time, Lawrence of Arabia epitomizes all that motion pictures can be. Ambitious in every sense of the word, David Lean’s Oscar-grabbing masterpiece, based loosely on the life of the eccentric British officer T.E. Lawrence and his campaign against the Turks in World War I, makes most movies pale in comparison and has served as an inspiration for countless filmmakers, most notably technical masters like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The latter eventually helped restore Lawrence to its proper length and luster alongside fellow enthusiast Martin Scorsese. From Maurice Jarre’s sweeping score to Robert Bolt’s literary script to Freddie Young’s gorgeous desert cinematography to the literal cast of thousands, the film deserves and demands to be seen and heard on the big screen.
Designed for 70mm projection, the format enhances the film’s minute details, from star Peter O’Toole’s piercing blue eyes to the sun beaming down on the constantly shifting sand. Lawrence of Arabia’s famous images and set pieces… look spectacular and, indeed, unrepeatable. They were especially impressive for a picture made in the days before computer-generated special effects. Spielberg, for one, estimates the cost of making Lawrence today at around $285 million, and he would know, but the truth of the matter is that no filmmaker would dare attempt to outdo Lean, a superb director and storyteller at the top of his game.
That substance runs parallel to the spectacle only enhances the stature of Lawrence of Arabia and the reputation of Lean… shown with subtlety, literacy, and craft – a true epic with the scope and scale of great literature." -1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Member Ratings

Adolytsi - 10/10
"This is grand moviemaking on a scale so awesome it can’t stop itself from being brilliant at the same time."
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Chip Lary - 10/10
"I have seen all 85 films that have won the Academy Award for Best Picture.  If I were ever to be put in the 'gun to your head, gotta pick only one as the best of the best' situation, then my choice would be Lawrence of Arabia as the greatest of all the Best Picture Oscar winners."
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Jaime Grijalba - 10/10
"Lawrence is one of those movies that not only surprise you because of the script, acting or 'visuals', but also because it teaches and makes you comprehend a different culture."
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Movie Guy Steve - 10/10
"Epic filmmaking at its greatest and most epic."
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Lindsey - 9/10
"Wow! What an epic adventure film. I sit here in awe of the amazing movie I have just watched."
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marie_dressler - 9/10
"Although epics are not my cup of tea, I make a giant exception for Lawrence of Arabia."
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Kim Wilson - 8/10
"Overall, Lawrence of Arabia is a masterful work of brilliant cinematography. The story is somewhat interesting, but if you are a student of history the blatant inaccuracies in the movie can be unpleasant to endure."
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nicolas krizan - 8/10
"In my book of mammoth spectacles."
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Overall Rating: 9.4/10