Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)

The story of the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) and his experiences during WWI and his participation in liberating Arabic tribes from Turkish domination among other things. Based on the non fiction book SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM by T.E. Lawrence and directed by David Lean (THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI). Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and winner of seven Oscars including best picture and director. Once every decade or so, I revisit Lean's 1962 epic in an attempt to grasp its greatness but I continue to be dismayed. Visually, Freddie A. Young's cinematography (shot in 70 millimeter) is awesome and on that level, it's a masterpiece, one of the most stunning films ever made and worthy of its praise. But on the whole, I find it a chore to sit through its often tedious and repetitive narrative. Peter O'Toole in his star making role is superb and the acting is generally excellent (well, maybe not Jose Ferrer's lecherous Turk). The film's historical accuracy and its portrayal of Lawrence is open to debate but Robert Bolt's screenplay is literate and doesn't insult our intelligence. I also found Maurice Jarre's score rather tacky. With Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Wolfit, Michel Ray and I.S. Johar.