One of the greatest cinematic creations in the history of cinema ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the filmic retelling of Britishman Thomas Edward Lawrence’s heroic, autobiographical account of his own Arabian adventure will be screened at 6 pm on July 13 at the American Center, Galle road, Colombo 3.
Based on “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom”, originally published with the title Revolt in the Desert, the film is a superb character study of a compelling cult hero and his dark personal nature, and an obsession with Arabia itself.
The film conveys the enigmatic, complex life and exploits of an eccentric, rebellious, desert-loving, messianic, Oxford-bred British Army officer/Welsh cartographer (repeatedly referred to as an “Englishman”), who unites the desert-dwelling Arabian Bedouins against the oppressive Turks (allies of Germany) during World War I. His extraordinary knowledge of the politics and culture of the Middle East allows him to organize the various, wilful Arab tribes to repel enemies of the British.
The Arabian desert functions as a majestic backdrop and metaphysical land for Lawrence’s exploits. Its two most famous shots and cinematographic images are the mirage shot - to announce the arrival of Sherif Ali, and the jump-cut from the burning match in Lawrence’s fingers to the rising desert sun. Lean admitted that almost all of the film’s movement was from left to right, to emphasize the journey theme of the film.
Starring Peter O’Toole in the title role, it is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films in the history of cinema.
Directed by David Lean and produced by Austrian Sam Spiegel, this 1962 beautiful masterpiece accompanied by a superb score from Maurice Jarre was a major award-winning film that received ten Academy Award nominations and seven Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Colour Cinematography (Freddie Young), Best Colour Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Sound (John Cox), Best Music Score (Maurice Jarre), and Best Film Editing (Anne V. Coates). |
E-mail
