In 1962, Lawrence of Arabia was released to overwhelming praise. This film portrayed the World War I experiences of British officer T. E. Lawrence during his time with the Arab Rebellion. The movie won 7 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Score, and Best Cinematography. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
The movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed in a motorcycle accident when he tried to avert a collision with bicyclists. Reporters try to paint a picture of him, but fail. The action shifts to World War I Cairo and Lieutenant Lawrence. He is dispatched to prepare a report on Prince Faisal's rebellion against the Turks. He persuades Faisal to attack the city of Aqaba, and quickly finds himself embroiled in the rebellion. Over the next few years, he will often find his loyalties divided. He also discovers some unsettling truths about himself along the way.
Most of the main roles were ultimately awarded to actors who were not initially chosen. Peter O'Toole plays the lead, but Marlon Brando and Albert Finney both turned the part down first. Alec Guinness was not cast as Prince Faisal until Laurence Olivier dropped out. David Lean, who directed, had to convince Sam Spiegel, the producer, to cast Jack Hawkins as General Allenby. Spiegel wanted to sign Cary Grant in the role. Omar Sharif was eventually cast as Sherif Ali, but only after Alain Delon and Horst Buchholz rejected it. Filming had actually begun with Edmond O'Brien playing Jackson Bentley, the American reporter. When O'Brien fell ill, Arthur Kennedy was cast to replace him. Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, and Claude Rains, who played Auda abu Tayi, the Turkish Bey, and Mr. Dryden respectively, however, were the first choices.
Several additional characters were also based on real people. General Murray, Prince Faisal, Auda abu Tayi, and General Allenby all played a part in Lawrence's life. His servants, Farraj and Daud, and Talal, who committed a suicidal charge at Tafas, were real. So was Gasim, who was first rescued and then executed by Lawrence.
Many characters were drawn from several different people. Sherif Ali was fictional but believed to be largely based on a cousin of Prince Faisal. Colonel Stewart Newcombe seems to be the inspiration for Colonel Brighton. Lowell Thomas obviously served as the model for Jackson Bentley, the American newsman.
Like most films that are based on historical facts, the film takes some liberties with the truth. For example, the Arab Council was far more powerful than the movie indicated. The desertion of the Arab army was a work of fiction. Other facts, such as the reporter's statement in late 1917 that America was not yet in the war, warped the timeline a bit.
A debate has raged since the movie's release over whether it accurately depicts T. E. Lawrence. Some state that the facts indicate he was egotistical while others deny it. Some argue that he was masochistic and others that he was homosexual. His brother and Lowell Thomas have both criticized the film's portrayal of Lawrence. The debates have not decreased the popularity of the film.
There have been several versions of Lawrence of Arabia since 1962. The original theatrical release was 222 minutes without the intermission, exit music, and overture. Next, twenty minutes were cut. In the seventies, there was a version that ran just a little over three hours. Finally, in 1989, there was a 216 minute version released.
The movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed in a motorcycle accident when he tried to avert a collision with bicyclists. Reporters try to paint a picture of him, but fail. The action shifts to World War I Cairo and Lieutenant Lawrence. He is dispatched to prepare a report on Prince Faisal's rebellion against the Turks. He persuades Faisal to attack the city of Aqaba, and quickly finds himself embroiled in the rebellion. Over the next few years, he will often find his loyalties divided. He also discovers some unsettling truths about himself along the way.
Most of the main roles were ultimately awarded to actors who were not initially chosen. Peter O'Toole plays the lead, but Marlon Brando and Albert Finney both turned the part down first. Alec Guinness was not cast as Prince Faisal until Laurence Olivier dropped out. David Lean, who directed, had to convince Sam Spiegel, the producer, to cast Jack Hawkins as General Allenby. Spiegel wanted to sign Cary Grant in the role. Omar Sharif was eventually cast as Sherif Ali, but only after Alain Delon and Horst Buchholz rejected it. Filming had actually begun with Edmond O'Brien playing Jackson Bentley, the American reporter. When O'Brien fell ill, Arthur Kennedy was cast to replace him. Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, and Claude Rains, who played Auda abu Tayi, the Turkish Bey, and Mr. Dryden respectively, however, were the first choices.
Several additional characters were also based on real people. General Murray, Prince Faisal, Auda abu Tayi, and General Allenby all played a part in Lawrence's life. His servants, Farraj and Daud, and Talal, who committed a suicidal charge at Tafas, were real. So was Gasim, who was first rescued and then executed by Lawrence.
Many characters were drawn from several different people. Sherif Ali was fictional but believed to be largely based on a cousin of Prince Faisal. Colonel Stewart Newcombe seems to be the inspiration for Colonel Brighton. Lowell Thomas obviously served as the model for Jackson Bentley, the American newsman.
Like most films that are based on historical facts, the film takes some liberties with the truth. For example, the Arab Council was far more powerful than the movie indicated. The desertion of the Arab army was a work of fiction. Other facts, such as the reporter's statement in late 1917 that America was not yet in the war, warped the timeline a bit.
A debate has raged since the movie's release over whether it accurately depicts T. E. Lawrence. Some state that the facts indicate he was egotistical while others deny it. Some argue that he was masochistic and others that he was homosexual. His brother and Lowell Thomas have both criticized the film's portrayal of Lawrence. The debates have not decreased the popularity of the film.
There have been several versions of Lawrence of Arabia since 1962. The original theatrical release was 222 minutes without the intermission, exit music, and overture. Next, twenty minutes were cut. In the seventies, there was a version that ran just a little over three hours. Finally, in 1989, there was a 216 minute version released.
About the Author:
The powerful presence of Oprah Winfreys name is great for the stage version of The Color Purple. Music Download Service Each February 14, and during the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the musical choices of the nation turn more romantic. When Nadia is sent home, Jim's hopes rest on band camp survivor Michelle Flaherty (Alyson Hannigan)
No comments:
Post a Comment