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Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - Full Reaction (Patreon)

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2025-01-27 18:58:13
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Sorry for the delay on this one! Unfortunately I wasn't able to make this an in theater reaction but holy moly that was still an experience! The cinematography and scale was insane! I loved that it was based on a true story and learning about this part of the war. Do you think he was happy in the end?

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[Full Reaction] Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

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Shad Kanyak

I’m impressed you finished it. I fell asleep just reading the title. Most watching paint dry movie I’ve ever seen. 😴

Bill Maurer

A cinematic feat. One of the all time great movies ever made Glad you enjoyed it

TheSingulatarian

Other David Lean epics: Ghandi A Bridge Too Far Bridge on the River Kwai (Which you of course have already seen)

Celeste McAllister

Peter O'Toole & Katherine Hepburn in 'The Lion in Winter' 1968 with a young Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Kate received best actress for her portrayal of Queen Eleanor of Aquatiane...TLIW does technically qualify as a Christmas movie....

Brian McGovern

Has Han Solo in it? Sure you are watching the right movie?

TheSingulatarian

If you can believe it I found a full copy on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9boARnzvG8

Brian McGovern

The director of this was known for his epic movies. Bridge on the River Kwai, Doctor Zhivago. Ironic his surname was Lean, when his movies running times were anything get but.

Jake McNulty
>>162660665

"Gandhi" and "A Bridge Too Far" were not directed by David Lean, but by Richard Attenborough, a.k.a. John Hammond from "Jurassic Park". Still great films worth watching though.

Nathan Jasper, the Artist Formerly Known as Primary

"All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible. This, I did." - T.E. Lawrence

René Ferland
>>162660665

Ghandi and A Bridge Too Far were directed by Richard Attenborough indeed. Other David Lean epics are: Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Passage to India (1984). :-)

TheSingulatarian

You did watch Chariots of fire about the runners. Not Han Solo , Sir Alec Guiness/Ben Kenobi.

Jake McNulty

So glad you finally got round to this classic. David Lean is still highly regarded as one of cinema's greatest directors, Spielberg among others has named him as an influence. If I may here are some of his other films I'd like to recommend for a reaction: In Which We Serve (1942) This Happy Breed (1944) Blithe Spirit (1945) Brief Encounter (1945) Great Expectations (1946) Oliver Twist (1948) Hobson's Choice (1954) Summertime (1955) Doctor Zhivago (1965) Ryan's Daughter (1970) A Passage to India (1984)

Darren Harrison

What you should know about this movie is some very well known film makers are fans. Steven Spielberg lists it as his favorite movie and one of his key inspirations. The only time Spielberg became a nerdy fanboy was when he met the director David Lean and Spielberg had a key role in restoring the movie

Henry Graham

It's easy to wax lyrical about the astonishing scale and craftsmanship of Lawrence of Arabia, but what really captivates me is the way Lean never loses sight of the character at the centre of his epic. Despite its epic scope, this is a wonderfully intimate and nuanced character portrait, and a film that poses questions about colonial arrogance, hero-worship, the lure of violence, and the futility of war. Lawrence's actions in the middle east still reverberate in today's world, and Lean's film remains an endlessly rewarding one to revisit.

Shad Kanyak
>>162660466

I have. Also slow, but I can at least appreciate how ahead of its time the FX were for a late 60’s film.

djKENTO

yeah sure… I got 4 hours to kill.

Rose

Omg! Super excited for this and have been anticipating all weekend but I have to eat my In N Out first. With this type of story I kind of had a hunch it would be different experience for you. Also you checked off a BIG one today - Congrats Cassie! You finally watched one of the greatest films ever made.

Milton William Burray

You might enjoy reading up on Gertrude Bell, who is known as the 'female Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Queen of the Desert' She travelled widely through the Middle East, spoke every dialect of Arabic and Persian, and later with her knowledge of the region and culture participated in the 1921 Cairo Conference, specifically helping to create the countries of Iraq & Jordan

Vlad D

This is a great movie. That's why I was surprised to learn that Peter O'Toole was intoxicated during the majority of filming this movie.

Rose (edited)

Comment edits

2025-01-28 01:07:48 I’m going urge you that on your next Disneyland trip you should see when AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE (either at the Aero in Santa Monica or Eygptian along Hollywood Blvd) has their 70mm screening of LoA. They have the exclusive print which I mentioned before is pristine. The experience for me was almost religious - no joke. I had never had a movie experience like that in my life. I can see why it was so impactful & powerful for Spielberg and for the world that first saw this epic of a film about the enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia. It’s a work of art and art that moves - the imagery and music - so compelling that I have to see it over and over again only to find and notice something new. I saw a documentary about LoA where David Lean took the advice from another great director William Wyler (you have already reacted to a few of his notable classics) that you need to bore the audience before you can shock them - the long buildup to the iconic mirage scene is one of my favorites and has imprinted and left a lasting impression on me. No words just visuals bc people don’t immediately recall dialogue but images. Lean wanted to stretch out the mirage scene longer but he didn’t dare - and to keep the cameras from melting was a huge chore of itself. Seven Pillars of Wisdom - recommend for your book club. Lawrence was a military genius. During WW2 Filipino guerrillas learned guerrilla warfare from reading his memoir. Also Dorothy Dunnett’s legendary Lymond Chronicles. The first book THE GAME OF KINGS is my favorite book of all-time. Slow burner and the prose is difficult but the series took off for me after 50 pages. Francis Crawford of Lymond reminds me so much of T.E.L. As a romance-lover, you have to try and give Lymond a chance. You won’t regret it.
2025-01-27 19:46:00 I’m going urge you that on your next Disneyland trip you should see when AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE (either at the Aero in Santa Monica or Eygptian along Hollywood Blvd) has their 70mm screening of LoA. They have the exclusive print which I mentioned before is pristine. The experience for me was almost religious - no joke. I had never had a movie experience like that in my life. I can see why it was so impactful & powerful for Spielberg and for the world that first saw this epic of a film about the enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia. It’s a work of art and art that moves - the imagery and music - so compelling that I have to see it over and over again only to find and notice something new. I saw a documentary about LoA where David Lean took the advice from another great director William Wyler (you have already reacted to a few of his notable classics) that you need to bore the audience before you can shock them - the long buildup to the iconic mirage scene is one of my favorites and has imprinted and left a lasting impression on me. No words just visuals bc people don’t immediately recall dialogue but images. Lean wanted to stretch out the mirage scene longer but he didn’t dare - and to keep the camera film from melting was a huge chore of itself. Seven Pillars of Wisdom - recommend for your book club. Lawrence was a military genius. During WW2 Filipino guerrillas learned guerrilla warfare from reading his memoir. Also Dorothy Dunnett’s legendary Lymond Chronicles. The first book THE GAME OF KINGS is my favorite book of all-time. Slow burner and the prose is difficult but the series took off for me after 50 pages. Francis Crawford of Lymond reminds me so much of T.E.L. As a romance-lover, you have to try and give Lymond a chance. You won’t regret it.

I’m going urge you that on your next Disneyland trip you should see when AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE (either at the Aero in Santa Monica or Eygptian along Hollywood Blvd) has their 70mm screening of LoA. They have the exclusive print which I mentioned before is pristine. The experience for me was almost religious - no joke. I had never had a movie experience like that in my life. I can see why it was so impactful & powerful for Spielberg and for the world that first saw this epic of a film about the enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia. It’s a work of art and art that moves - the imagery and music - so compelling that I have to see it over and over again only to find and notice something new. I saw a documentary about LoA where David Lean took the advice from another great director William Wyler (you have already reacted to a few of his notable classics) that you need to bore the audience before you can shock them - the long buildup to the iconic mirage scene is one of my favorites and has imprinted and left a lasting impression on me. No words just visuals bc people don’t immediately recall dialogue but images. Lean wanted to stretch out the mirage scene longer but he didn’t dare - and to keep the camera film from melting was a huge chore of itself. Seven Pillars of Wisdom - recommend for your book club. Lawrence was a military genius. During WW2 Filipino guerrillas learned guerrilla warfare from reading his memoir. Also Dorothy Dunnett’s legendary Lymond Chronicles. The first book THE GAME OF KINGS is my favorite book of all-time. Slow burner and the prose is difficult but the series took off for me after 50 pages. Francis Crawford of Lymond reminds me so much of T.E.L. As a romance-lover, you have to try and give Lymond a chance. You won’t regret it.

2-Can

We understand the delay - this is a looong movie (over 30 minutes longer than RRR and without dance breaks). If you had watched it with Carly, she probably would have had to spend the weekend. Looking forward to seeing the reaction.

2-Can
>>162665075

That reminds me, she should definitely watch My Favorite Year

Rose

Here’s a link to the YT Channel Void Volken: https://youtu.be/Xk0ZDiGaipg?si=79fqQf4IjYAEwgP3 - The Insane Production Behind Lawrence of Arabia Part 1 - This guy has so much passion for the film and I learned a lot just watching his 2-part video. Admire his effort bc I didn’t know much about LoA’s BTS and it’s super fascinating. Also I love the film analysis of YT channel Empire of the Mind: https://youtu.be/t_V-h55jJRY?si=Qzwz5wSv6kMV0nOm The David Lean Lens (considered the Holy Grail among cinematographers): https://youtube.com/shorts/KFocp2ZzTdY?si=4TFnvvlgGqJMXyT9

TheSingulatarian

Lawrence was a homosexual something that could not be stated explicitly in 1960 because of the production code. However, there are subtle hints throughout the film.

Caomhan84
>>162662144

The problem with Dr. Zhivago is although the music is iconic and some of the shots are iconic because it's David Lean, the 2002 British miniseries (The one where Keira Knightley plays Lara) is a much better treatment of the story. It's to the point where if I want to watch Zhivago, That's the one I go with. Even though I have the 1965 film, I haven't seen it in 15 years or so. But I watch the miniseries every couple years. I'll listen to the music from the Lean film anytime, though.

Matt Rose

Oh heck yes. My evening is now sorted.

Choof

Probably one I'm gonna wait for the YT edit, I made it about 30 mins and realized it just isn't for me. People can say I'm a millennial or whatever but while I can appreciate the craft and scale of things like this and ben-hur and others in this genre, I'm just more likely to click with the movies it inspired rather than the movie itself.

Michael West

Glad you watched this. It is long, but the acting, score and cinematography are amazing. TE Lawence was a fascinating person.

Jake McNulty

Also, if you want to see more of Peter O'Toole then might I recommend "The Ruling Class" (1972)? It's a bit of a dark comedy, but with a terrific performance from O'Toole at the centre. Edit: Or perhaps "What's New Pussycat?" (1965), a quirky little sex comedy in which O'Toole co-starred with Peter Sellers and Woody Allen? Perhaps best remembered nowadays for it's title song sung by Tom Jones.

Zane From Canada

"NO PRISONERS!" 😲😱 Such a chilling scene showcasing his blood lust. He loved to kill.

Philip Alan

It’s still saddens me that you continue to not know your Star Wars characters! He’s is the great Obi-Wan Kenobi!! Not Han Solo! That is Harrison Ford’s character! :-)

Jason Dolan

I’m going to be watching this reaction in piece meal like a limited series haha - I know it so well in my head I kind of have it divided up into 5 or 6 episodes because I don’t often have the four hours but what a great time this will be.

Jason Dolan

Drink when Cassie recognizes Feisal is Obi Wan Kenobi - subconsciously she is already calling him Han Solo

Bert Towle

7 Oscars plus 3 nominations. 1 of those nominations was amended in 1995 after the Writers Guild documented that Michael Wilson had not been credited because of blacklisting by the film industry. He also didn't get credit for Bridge on the River Kwai along with Carl Foreman, another blacklisted but talented writer.

Michael G

This is the movie that is at the top of my list to see a film print of. Every time one of the American Cinematheque theatres in LA has a showing, I "ugggggg, why must I live so far away" One day when I have the means, I will make a special trip to LA just to see this film.

Timothy Fisher

I’ve always enjoyed your reactions to historical movies and TV shows and I love the fact that you’ve frequently expressed interest in wanting to know more about various events and people. May I recommend a list of videos I’ve put together from the YouTube channel “Oversimplified”? He’s covered many events like WW1 & 2, American Revolution, Civil War ect;. His videos are extremely popular and have gotten many reactions, and I think we would love it if you made your own. Let me know what you think and if you’d like me to send you the link.

Clarence Newman

I'll have to wait for the YT edit on this one. I'm not allowed to sit in one place for 4 hours straight on account of my affliction. I think Cassie should watch Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander next. (The original cut, none of your recut mini version).

Matt

Exited to see what you think of this, one if my favorite films ever

Thomas Thompson

T E Lawrence spent his final years after the war in the lowest ranks of the army and the Royal Air Force serving under an assumed name, from all accounts it seems he was very traumatized by his experiences in the first world war and perhaps particularly by what happened when he was captured by the Turks

Clarence Newman
>>162671728

I know how you feel, Philip. I nearly expired when Cassie pronounced Stallone's First Blood character "Rah-mbo".

Philip Alan
>>162671728

Well, that I can let slip since she's never seen/heard of Rambo. But when she's watched 136 Star Wars movies & TV shows AND has proclaimed her love for Harrison Ford's Han Solo and to get it wrong a few times now, I playfully turn a side eye! Ha! (only because I have an unhealthy love for the Star Wars universe)

Rick Rodriguez

Dang it! I'm knew this would drop while I was out of town. So happy you watched, Cassie. Can't wait to see the reaction.

Cole Jennett

It’s not crazy that this won the poll at all in my eyes. Sure it was lower ranked, but it was also the only classic on the poll so the younger votes were split between the rest. Put it head to head and it likely wouldn’t have even been close.

Augustine Lee

cassie when is face off gonna drop?

Darren Harrison
>>162662144

I agree on the mini series being very watchable (have it on DVD), but I love the 1965 movie too.

Omar

I’ll watch it despite the negative comments about it. Gotta be better than American Pycho 😂

Night King01

The part about him enjoying killing is not I believe from lawrence, just an invention of the film. In reality he felt horrible about having to execute that man.

TheSingulatarian

This movie is such a sausage fest. I don't think there is one speaking part for a female.

Stick Figure Studios
>>162662681

This was a particular skill of David Lean's: to tell stories that were epic in scope but intimate in focus.

Stick Figure Studios
>>162662382

The closing shot of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (where their silhouettes ride off into the sunset) Is a direct homage to a similar shot in this film.

Caomhan84
>>162667228

It's a rainy afternoon movie. Plus, movies like this have intermissions. When I first saw it, I was 16 and the person who recommended it to me told me to watch it on a rainy Saturday. That was a good piece of advice and I watched it in two parts, taking a break for the intermission. It helps, and it was intentionally set up that way.

Keith Jones

Oh I can’t free up the time till Wednesday, but gives me time to figure out how to watch with Cassie on my big screen

Mike LL

Wait, Cassie is mistaking Hans Solo for Obi Wan Kenobie??? 😂 Man, this is too good!

Jake McNulty
>>162675953

Seconding "Fanny and Alexander". Might I also suggest "Seventh Seal", "Persona" and "The Magic Flute" since we're talking Bergman?

Jake McNulty
>>162660860

Don't forget he was also the king in "Stardust", which Cassie has reacted to.

Nolofinwe

A movie is considered an epic when it’s of a large scale, both visually and in the length of the movie, but more than that the story itself must take place over a span of years. Ben Hur takes place over several years. Troy is an epic because the Trojan War takes place over 10 years we only see the last year of the war .the 10 Commandments is a story of a life of Moses. Also and more importantly it’s considered an Epic if the story has Historical and literary validity and consequences

Above Average Dave
>>162668598

MY FAVORITE YEAR with Peter O'Toole playing essentially Errol Flynn in his final, narcissistic yet always glorious downward spiral is tons of fun.

Jason Dolan

Best Quote 3 hours and 11 minutes in as the final violent battle begins: “Guys, this is G Rated!”

Above Average Dave
>>162665131

Thanks for these, Rose. When I read the Seven Pillars I came away thinking it was a how-to book on asymetrical warfare combined with a legend-building autobiography. It's also one of the stylistically most clear and beautiful books of the 20th Century. Like Hemmingway, Lawrence was a fabulist intent on creating his own legend while he lived it. He was also a man of undeniable courage and, like Churchill (who was a war correspondent while serving as a young lieutenant in the British Army, he wanted to see war up close enough to be shot at while he shot back, and then had the ability to write capivating, lucid prose about his experiences afterward. He was also very much a man of his time and found exhilleration in all the burgeoning technology ("aeroplanes" "fast motor cars," "rapid-fire machine guns" and "earth-shaking locomotives." Yet he was a man who still had a foot firmly placed in the Victorian manners, chivalry and classical education of previous century. Speaking of David Lean, it may be time for Cassie and Carly to dive into Doctor Zhivago, which is equally epic and built around a love story in a time of great turmoil and chaos.

V M

She's a trooper for sitting through this rather lengthy movie.

Art Vandalaay

The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it’s over 3hrs long.

Philip Alan
>>162690959

Uh... I'm sorry but it's "Han Solo" & "Obi-Wan Kenobi". GET IT RIGHT, the both of you!! :) haha!

Philip Alan
>>162672839

She recognized him (his voice probably) really quick. I was impressed.

Ben Livingstone

As for Lawrence's violent streak--"With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me, it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable."

Doc Larry

Mr Steven Spielberg says this is one of his favorite movies. He’s watched it several times. It is a masterpiece. The real Thomas Edward Lawrence died young tragically in his 40s

Mike LL
>>162690959

Argghh, I've always been a rotten speller, but a film lover!!!!

Mike LL
>>162690087

Larry on your big screen and Cassie on your phone/tablet.

Thomas Thompson

The unspoken part of the scene where TE Lawrence is beaten by the Turks is homosexual rape. The reason why the Turks picked up random man and then left all of them, but Lawrence go is because they’re looking for someone for the commanders bed so that one of the junior officers doesn’t have to do that himself Now that Cassie has one of the best films ever made under her belt she’s ready for the English. Patient set in World War II starring Ralph Fiennes Kristen Scott Thomas and based on the award-winning novel, but the characters are actually real historic people

Mike LL

Well I got to the Intermission, and I'll have to watch the second half tomorrow night. It's a good reaction so far, Cassie is doing a great job keeping up with the story, if not Lawrence's enigmatic character, but I think that is the filmmaker's intent, keeping the character opaque for a bit. It's a character study after all, not really an action war picture.

Benjamin Gerrald

There was no way to resync after the intermission, much like the pacific videos so I gave up. What a dissappointment.

Thomas Thompson

Peter O’Toole in a television interview once said that during filming he met a man who was there at the time of the execution of the man he rescued from the desert he said, after shooting the man Lawrence wandered off by himself and the man who was there went to look for him and found him behind a large rock he said that Lawrence was in a terrible state after having to shoot the man

Thomas Thompson

If you’d like Peter O’Toole in Lawrence Arabia, I would highly recommend How To Steal A Million a 1960s film by the brilliant Billy Wilder you get a heist a romance comedy Peter O’Toole Audrey Hepburn Paris in the 60s and a yellow Jaguar XKE convertible

Clay F (edited)

Comment edits

2025-01-28 04:38:57 Great reaction -- you were attentive/invested. I like the movie. So true what people say about the constant incredible cinematography. I would love to see this movie in the theater. I thought Peter O'Toole and others did excellent. The movie is captivating, even if a little long. I enjoy historical movies. I wondered if Sofia Coppola got her style of stretching stuff out from Lean. I agree that was an odd scene with the Turkish Bey in Deraa prodding Lawrence’s body (“your skin is very fair”), and then the close-up of Turkish Bey’s lips curling into a smile. Lawrence did apparently die at a young age as a result of a motorcycle crash. The movie being rated G made sense initially but became a little puzzling as the movie progressed. As for the movie winning the poll with current voting patrons, I can see a movie ranked lower at popcornrequests.com beating a higher ranked movie because surely several patrons who requested/upvoted movies at popcornrequests.com are no longer patrons. To me, a low point (a minor point) early in the movie was Prince Feisal seemingly being an idiot chasing the flying Turkish planes on his horse waving his sword yelling to “fight” (with no guns). And yes, the character Feisal is obviously Arabic but the actor (Alec Guiness) plainly is not. I understand there being a limited pool of Arabic actors at the time and wanting established actors, especially big name/stars, but Guiness in attempting to portray an Arab was hard to look at/listen to – but that’s not to fault Guiness. I did eventually become acclimated. At least there was Omar Sharif as Ali. An aspect I liked about The Wild Bunch (1969) [an AFI Top 100 movie I recently watched] is that while having many roles for characters who were Mexican, every single role was played by a Latino -- that was unheard of in 1969. Lastly, an oddity (while the movie Lawrence of Arabia was being true to the book and the time/place) there not being a single female line in a movie almost 4 hours long. I did see a couple of nuns in the final minutes of the movie.
2025-01-28 03:15:37 Great reaction -- you were attentive/invested. I like the movie. So true what people say about the constant incredible cinematography. I would love to see this movie in the theater. I thought Peter O'Toole and others did excellent. The movie is captivating, even if a little long. I enjoy historical movies. I wondered if Sofia Coppola got her style of stretching stuff out from Lean. I agree that was an odd scene with the Turkish Bey in Deraa prodding Lawrence’s body (“your skin is very fair”), and then the close-up of the Turkish Bey’s lips curling into a smile. Lawrence did apparently die at a young age as a result of a motorcycle crash. The movie being rated G made sense initially but became a little puzzling as the movie progressed. As for the movie winning the poll with current voting patrons, I can see a movie ranked lower at popcornrequests.com beating a higher ranked movie because surely several patrons who requested/upvoted movies at popcornrequests.com are no longer patrons. To me, a low point (a minor point) early in the movie was Prince Feisal seemingly being an idiot chasing the flying Turkish planes on his horse waving his sword yelling to “fight” (with no guns). And yes, the character Feisal is obviously Arabic but the actor (Alec Guiness) plainly is not. I understand there being a limited pool of Arabic actors at the time and wanting established actors, especially big name/stars, but Guiness in attempting to portray an Arab was hard to look at/listen to – but that’s not to fault Guiness. I did eventually become acclimated. At least there was Omar Sharif as Ali. An aspect I liked about The Wild Bunch (1969) [an AFI Top 100 movie I recently watched] is that while having many roles for characters who were Mexican, every single role was played by a Latino -- that was unheard of in 1969. Lastly, an oddity (while the movie Lawrence of Arabia was being true to the book and the time/place) there not being a single female line in a movie almost 4 hours long. I did see a couple of nuns in the final minutes of the movie.

Great reaction -- you were attentive/invested. I like the movie. So true what people say about the constant incredible cinematography. I would love to see this movie in the theater. I thought Peter O'Toole and others did excellent. The movie is captivating, even if a little long. I enjoy historical movies. I wondered if Sofia Coppola got her style of stretching stuff out from Lean. I agree that was an odd scene with the Turkish Bey in Deraa prodding Lawrence’s body (“your skin is very fair”), and then the close-up of the Turkish Bey’s lips curling into a smile. Lawrence did apparently die at a young age as a result of a motorcycle crash. The movie being rated G made sense initially but became a little puzzling as the movie progressed. As for the movie winning the poll with current voting patrons, I can see a movie ranked lower at popcornrequests.com beating a higher ranked movie because surely several patrons who requested/upvoted movies at popcornrequests.com are no longer patrons. To me, a low point (a minor point) early in the movie was Prince Feisal seemingly being an idiot chasing the flying Turkish planes on his horse waving his sword yelling to “fight” (with no guns). And yes, the character Feisal is obviously Arabic but the actor (Alec Guiness) plainly is not. I understand there being a limited pool of Arabic actors at the time and wanting established actors, especially big name/stars, but Guiness in attempting to portray an Arab was hard to look at/listen to – but that’s not to fault Guiness. I did eventually become acclimated. At least there was Omar Sharif as Ali. An aspect I liked about The Wild Bunch (1969) [an AFI Top 100 movie I recently watched] is that while having many roles for characters who were Mexican, every single role was played by a Latino -- that was unheard of in 1969. Lastly, an oddity (while the movie Lawrence of Arabia was being true to the book and the time/place) there not being a single female line in a movie almost 4 hours long. I did see a couple of nuns in the final minutes of the movie.

V M

There is a movie waiting in the wings which won 8 academy awards to Lawrence of Arabia's 7. It's a movie with a runtime very close to LoA. It's rated higher than Lawrence on the AFI top 100 movies of all time, if you can believe that. I heard a rumor about this movie: that its the highest grossing movie of all time when you take inflation into account ($4.3B). I forget its name...

N M

You meant to say “Obi One Konobi is in this film “(not Han Solo)

Nolofinwe

Also The little British guy is the police officer from Casablanca. Ricks best friend, Louie Also, the general balding guy with the mustache is the Roman admiral, who gave Ben Hur his freedom Jack Hawkins

Nolofinwe

Does anybody know Cassie’s proper name? Is it Cassiopeia or Cassandra? Is she named after mother of Andromeda or After the sister of Paris and Hector

Keith Jones
>>162690087

iPad or MacBook, it all comes down to angle and where will they sit

Brian's Dog

Alec Guiness probably would have looked more Arabic without the face paint.

Stick Figure Studios (edited)

Comment edits

2025-01-28 08:35:20 "Big things have small beginnings." This is one of my favorite films. I've watched it on at least a dozen occasions and yet I had never seen it the way it was meant to be seen, the way awestruck audiences were introduced to it when it was first released in 1962: on the big screen... until last year and it was pretty overwhelming. It really was like seeing it for the first time. I noticed things about it that I never had before. One of the many elements that struck me, for example -- something that I knew going into it and yet this new context enhanced for me -- was how "small" the film starts out. It is rightly heralded is one of the greatest epics ever made, but its main titles appear on a simple overhead shot of Lawrence preparing his motorcycle for his tragic last ride and it is followed by several scenes of people talking in familiar British locales. It's a fairly mundane and relatively ordinary first twenty minutes. And then suddenly... BAM! With one of the greatest cuts in film history (Peter O'Toole blowing out a lit match transitioning to a shot of the sun rising in the desert) brilliant editor Anne V. Coates suddenly transports you to Arabia and the movie hits you like a Mack truck. The grandeur of Maurice Jarre's iconic score strikes up and the stunning cinematography of Freddie Young leaves you dumbstruck. You are now in another world, one of beauty and splendor but, as you soon find out, also one of darkness, danger and death. It's like you've abruptly entered a completely different movie. But, of course, as is David Lean's specialty, it does not sacrifice character for spectacle. It is immense in scope, but intimate in focus: functioning as a character study of an enigmatic individual (I love the part when the motorcycle guy on the other side of the canal calls out to Lawrence "Who are you?" and it cuts to a close-up of O'Toole's face It's the question and you realize... Lawrence doesn't know) just as much as an historical adventure of heroic proportions. It truly is a masterpiece, an extraordinary piece of filmmaking and storytelling. One of the greatest movies ever made. So glad that I finally got the opportunity to be thoroughly immersed in its genius. Also, so glad that you got a chance to watch it. A little bumned you weren't able to do it in your theater space, but I am at least pleased if you enjoyed it. :-)
2025-01-28 04:48:13 "Big things have small beginnings." This is one of my favorite films. I've watched it on at least a dozen occasions and yet I had never seen it the way it was meant to be seen, the way awestruck audiences were introduced to it when it was first released in 1962: on the big screen... until last year and it was pretty overwhelming. It really was like seeing it for the first time. I noticed things about it that I never had before. One of the many elements that struck me, for example -- something that I knew going into it and yet this new context enhanced for me -- was how "small" the film starts out. It is rightly heralded is one of the greatest epics ever made, but its main titles appear on a simple overhead shot of Lawrence preparing his motorcycle for his tragic last ride and it is followed by several scenes of people talking in familiar British locales. It's a fairly mundane and relatively ordinary first twenty minutes. And then suddenly... BAM! With one of the greatest cuts in film history (Peter O'Toole blowing out a lit match transitioning to a shot of the sun rising in the desert) brilliant editor Anne V. Coates suddenly transports you to Arabia and the movie hits you like a Mack truck. The grandeur of Maurice Jarre's iconic score strikes up and the stunning cinematography of Freddie Young leaves you dumbstruck. You are now in another world, one of beauty and splendor but, as you soon find out, also one of darkness, danger and death. It's like you've abruptly entered a completely different movie. But, of course, as is David Lean's specialty, it does not sacrifice character for spectacle. It is immense in scope, but intimate in focus: functioning as a character study of an enigmatic individual (I love the part when the motorcycle guy on the other side of the canal calls out to Lawrence "Who are you?" and it cuts to a close-up of O'Toole's face as he repeats the question and you realize... Lawrence doesn't know who he is anymore) just as much as an historical adventure of heroic proportions. It truly is a masterpiece, an extraordinary piece of filmmaking and storytelling. One of the greatest movies ever made. So glad that I finally got the opportunity to be thoroughly immersed in its genius. Also, so glad that you got a chance to watch it. A little bumned you weren't able to do it in your theater space, but I am at least pleased if you enjoyed it. :-)

"Big things have small beginnings." This is one of my favorite films. I've watched it on at least a dozen occasions and yet I had never seen it the way it was meant to be seen, the way awestruck audiences were introduced to it when it was first released in 1962: on the big screen... until last year and it was pretty overwhelming. It really was like seeing it for the first time. I noticed things about it that I never had before. One of the many elements that struck me, for example -- something that I knew going into it and yet this new context enhanced for me -- was how "small" the film starts out. It is rightly heralded is one of the greatest epics ever made, but its main titles appear on a simple overhead shot of Lawrence preparing his motorcycle for his tragic last ride and it is followed by several scenes of people talking in familiar British locales. It's a fairly mundane and relatively ordinary first twenty minutes. And then suddenly... BAM! With one of the greatest cuts in film history (Peter O'Toole blowing out a lit match transitioning to a shot of the sun rising in the desert) brilliant editor Anne V. Coates suddenly transports you to Arabia and the movie hits you like a Mack truck. The grandeur of Maurice Jarre's iconic score strikes up and the stunning cinematography of Freddie Young leaves you dumbstruck. You are now in another world, one of beauty and splendor but, as you soon find out, also one of darkness, danger and death. It's like you've abruptly entered a completely different movie. But, of course, as is David Lean's specialty, it does not sacrifice character for spectacle. It is immense in scope, but intimate in focus: functioning as a character study of an enigmatic individual (I love the part when the motorcycle guy on the other side of the canal calls out to Lawrence "Who are you?" and it cuts to a close-up of O'Toole's face as he repeats the question and you realize... Lawrence doesn't know who he is anymore) just as much as an historical adventure of heroic proportions. It truly is a masterpiece, an extraordinary piece of filmmaking and storytelling. One of the greatest movies ever made. So glad that I finally got the opportunity to be thoroughly immersed in its genius. Also, so glad that you got a chance to watch it. A little bumned you weren't able to do it in your theater space, but I am at least pleased if you enjoyed it. :-)

Stick Figure Studios
>>162699036

The closing shot of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (where the silhouetted characters ride off into the sunset) is a direct homage to a similar shot in this film.

John A

One of the greatest epic movie of all time. it has been a long time since I last saw it, of course one because it is very long and really have to sit and watch. Great movie

Thomas Thompson

Alec Guinness, who many know as Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars played Prince Faisal in Lawrence of Arabia directed by David Lean, but made his film debut in David Lean’s 1947 production of great expectations

Larry Darrell
>>162703198

She gets lost a little after the intermission. Without having the intermission, she didn’t get the passage of time, until sometime into the scene with Arthur Kennedy.

Larry Darrell
>>162671728

How about being so fascinated with camels galloping and running, when she saw a camel race in The Mummy (1999)?

Walter Crockett

This version in the reaction didn’t have an Intermission ?

Carol_White

It's just too long and unfocused. Incredibly ambitious, but like Apocalyse Now, it spins out of the director's control in the last third.

Larry Darrell (edited)

Comment edits

2025-01-28 08:35:20 If watching movies were a video game… Lawrence of Arabia would be an Expert Level. and you have seen Peter O’Toole before. He was the King of Stormhold in Stardust (2007) and the King of Troy in Troy (2004). (So he did become King after all ;-) I like Lawrence of Arabia a lot, but if I’m not in the right mood, the story and politics can be a little hard to follow. Even though I’ve seen it multiple times, I can still get lost and have to re-watch a scene or two. Like when you’re reading a book and you turn the page but realize, you have no idea what you just read, so you have to re-read the past couple pages. Honestly, I prefer David Lean’s next Epic film much more… Doctor Zhivago (1965) I think it will be a bit more pleasing to you, Cassie. It’s one of my All-Time Top Favorites. It stars the actor who played Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia and who’s real name is very similar to Sherif’s… the actor Omar Sharif. Doctor Zhivago also stars Alec Guinness who you know as Obi-Wan Kenobi (not Han Solo ;-). I like Lawrence of Arabia, but I love Doctor Zhivago. I hope you get to to it one day.
2025-01-28 06:16:52 If watching movies were a video game… Lawrence of Arabia would be an Expert Level. and you have seen Peter O’Toole before. He was the King of Stormhold in Stardust (2007) and the King of Troy in Troy (2004). (So he did become King after all ;-) I like Lawrence of Arabia a lot, but if I’m not in the right mood, the story and politics can be a little hard to follow. Even though I’ve seen it multiple times, I can still get lost and have to re-watch a scene or two. Like when you’re reading a book and you turn the page but realize, you have no idea what you just read, so you have to re-read the past couple pages. Honestly, I prefer David Lean’s next Epic film much more… Doctor Zhivago (1965) I think it will be a bit more pleasing to you, Cassie. It’s one of my All-Time Top Favorites. It stars the actor who played Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia and who’s real name is very similar to Sherif’s… the actor Omar Sharif. Doctor Zhivago also stars Alec Guinness who you know as Obi-Wan Kenobi (not Han Solo ;-). I like Lawrence of Arabia, but I love Doctor Zhivago. I hope you get to it one day.

If watching movies were a video game… Lawrence of Arabia would be an Expert Level. and you have seen Peter O’Toole before. He was the King of Stormhold in Stardust (2007) and the King of Troy in Troy (2004). (So he did become King after all ;-) I like Lawrence of Arabia a lot, but if I’m not in the right mood, the story and politics can be a little hard to follow. Even though I’ve seen it multiple times, I can still get lost and have to re-watch a scene or two. Like when you’re reading a book and you turn the page but realize, you have no idea what you just read, so you have to re-read the past couple pages. Honestly, I prefer David Lean’s next Epic film much more… Doctor Zhivago (1965) I think it will be a bit more pleasing to you, Cassie. It’s one of my All-Time Top Favorites. It stars the actor who played Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia and who’s real name is very similar to Sherif’s… the actor Omar Sharif. Doctor Zhivago also stars Alec Guinness who you know as Obi-Wan Kenobi (not Han Solo ;-). I like Lawrence of Arabia, but I love Doctor Zhivago. I hope you get to it one day.

Bert Towle
>>162705404

Had no problem with that - just paused Cassie until the film got there. It's no different than pausing any full reaction for a break.

Steve Colletti
>>162716417

One of my favorites, too. I saw the 1988 re-release (post restoration) in Century City. It blew away all my expectations.

Jacob King

Sadly, no, I don’t think he was happy in the end. A very complicated guy.

Matt

Frank Herbert was largely inspired by the story of T. E. Lawrence when he wrote DUNE which is why it has a lot of similarities, also Denis Villeneuve who made the most recent films was largely inspired by this film and even filmed in the same deserts in Wadi Rum, Jordan 😊

Matt

Now you should watch Dr. Zhivago 1965, its a romance so you could watch it for Valentines

Rose
>>162727969

I smiled when Cassie made that connection with Dune. I knew she had seen the recent films but resisted to mention Villeneuve to see if she would herself. Her snapshot clicks also made me smile - every frame is a painting.

Rose

The motorcyclist who yells, “Who are you?” That was David Lean’s voice. I hope that scene is in the YT edit.

Jesus F Christ

The first David Lean movie you watched was "The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)", almost a year-and-a-half ago. Now, you've watched Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Maybe in the summer of 2026 you can return to David Lean and watch his other great masterpiece, "Doctor Zhivago (1965)" They all feature Han Solo... er, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Zhivago has Omar Sharif returning, this time in the starring role. Doctor Zhivago is an epic love story taking place in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917, the overthrow of Czar Nicholas II, and the civil war between the Bolshevik Red Army and the anti-Bolshevik White Army. The war is just the backdrop for one of the ultimate cinema love stories, between Omar Sharif's Yuri Zhivago and the stunningly beautiful Julie Christie as Lara. Be sure to have some tissues. Also, watching it in the summer is a good idea because the movie takes place in the freezing cold.

Rose
>>162665131

Churchill’s Lawrence essay describing him as “…one of those beings whose pace of life was faster and more intense than the ordinary.” I love the irony because LoA is typically viewed as boring and painfully slow. You’re right; Lawrence writes beautifully and his decision to go along and meet the Arab leaders to initiate the Arab revolt changed his life and the Middle East forever. I’m glad Cassie finally discovered the mystery and allure of TEL. Her outro was pretty hilarious but I liked her dream sequence; the way the 💡 turned on when she saw the motorbike. Priceless! Yes to “Doctor Zhivago,” Dave! Another Lean epic and romance for C&C to check off. Omar Sherif was so handsome and Julie Christie was stunning. Lara’s Theme is the only piano piece my sister can still play by memory. The music is mesmerizing.

Mike LL
>>162719707

It is perplexing at this point as to why she skips an Overture or an Intermission.

Chris Thom

Yay I'm finally watching this staple of cinema. But the screen has been black for like two minutes now. Score is nice though. I actually recognize all of this music and I'm not sure why. Serious props to Cassie for watching every minute of these movies and never fast forwarding. Four hours is a commitment.

Keith Brown

Peter O'Toole movies some of my favorites- 12th century historical royal family drama set at Christmas "The Lion in Winter" made in 1968 he plays Henry II of England with Katherine Hepburn playing his wife and Anthony Hopkins playing his son Richard the Lionheart. 1966's "How to Steal a Million" is a romantic/comedy/heist movie filmed in Paris with Audrey Hepburn. 1981's "My Favorite Year" a hilarious comedy set in NYC of the 1950's about the early days of live TV shows.

Mojo One Thousand

I did have a feeling that Peter O'Toole's eyes were going to get a mention. There were references about midway through this where the General was referring to Gaza and Beersheba, which was a theatre of the war that would have been happening parallel to this. I bring up it because a movie was mentioned in the last week due to Australia Day that depicts an important battle in the conflict to secure Gaza, it's called "The Lighthorseman". It's a good little movie, that much like real life, is overshadowed by the more recognisable events that took place at Gallipoli.

Brian's Dog

The movie really could have used showing some maps, especially if they did it Indiana Jones style. They were mostly going along the West coast in Saudi Arabia, and went just a little further inland. They didn't cross the big desert in the middle of the country. Look up Lawrence of Arabia map after you finish the movie, it's interesting.

Walter Crockett
>>162719707

I don’t think she skipped it. It’s a HBO version. I don’t think they were there

Jimmy Reyes

Can't believe you forgot that you watched the Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. That's the first epic you should have remembered. oh and come Easter will you watch Passion of the Christ?

Rose
>>162736757

I was surprised that the overture + intermission were skipped and I had to fast forward and try to sync with the Columbia logo and then again with the blurred Jackson Bentley. Hope you were able to enjoy as well.

Chris Thom
>>162736757

Had never seen this before. It was a looooong four hours to be honest. Some beautiful shots, though.

Rose
>>162736757

lol yup it’s long! Well-done for pushing thru. Lawrence’s advice about not minding that it hurts has seen me thru many struggles.

Clarence Newman
>>162756105

Yikes, Jimmy! You can't just jump from the Ten Commandments to Passion of the Christ like that. Cassie will sprain something!

Stephen Dias

It's been a while since I've seen this movie and I would have sworn I still had it (on VHS!), but apparently not. Time to upgrade anyway.

Clay F
>>162736757

I streamed on MAX in US, and there was no intermssion. I think Cassie also streamed on MAX? -- yet, popcornrequests.com also shows Lawrence of Arabia in her collection.

Gray
>>162661155

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBiZu5C6lCo 4k version on youtube i watched

Gray

Glad I also ticked off this classic, thought you we're gonna make it through whole thing without a break at one point, I needed that intermission my arse was dead as their's was on those camel's trekking across thedessert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBiZu5C6lCo 4k version on youtube if others are having a hard time finding a copy.

René Ferland
>>162737327

I loved "How to Steal a Million", one of Audrey Hepburn movie I wish Cassie watch at some point, along with "Charade" and "Wait Until Dark".

V M
>>162711883

"little British guy" was a great actor.

V M

Not even one like for that movie... Figs

Philip Alan

Side note: Not a pot hole, but QUICK SAND. That’s why they couldn’t get close to him! 👍🏼

Clarence Newman
>>162832933

The idea of quicksand scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. That and the massive soldier ants in the Tarzan movies.

Rose
>>162667228

Totally understand tho it was really satisfying to see Cassie say that LoA reminds her of Dune. Plaza de Espana - same filming location for Lawrence & Attack of the Clones. Definitely visiting that place in near future.

Rose
>>162671728

Also checkout Plaza de Espana that was the same filming location for LoA & Attack of the Clones. If Cassie visits Seville, I hope she recreates the Star Wars & LoA scenes.

Rose
>>162671728

My hairdresser came back from a wedding in Egypt and said camel riding (described as “ship of the desert”) was a definite highlight and so unique. The camel was pretty fast but she was holding on for dear life. Nice swaying feel but unstable. She wouldn’t want to ride a camel long distance - too uncomfortable. P.S. the majestic camels in LoA were the MVP so she couldn’t help but admire ^.^

Rose
>>162694641

Yes, this poet warrior’s story is not for everyone. Cassie and the rest who endured and finished the film with her 👏

Keith Brown
>>162737327

Yes indeed ! When she did an Audrey or Cary movie I always bring those up too ! Both of those would even be great for Cassie and Carly to do !

Nolofinwe
>>162831158

Did you remember it was mentioned in the replacements by Kianu Revees

Nolofinwe
>>162756105

Speaking of a biblical epix I can't believe no one else is advocating for "the Robe" and "Demetris and the Gladiators". They were massively popular with fantastic oscar winning Casts

James Melton

You missed it at the time, but "The Spy Who Loved Me" has a scene where they walk through the desert and of course the music from Lawrence is playing. One of countless tongue in cheek moments from the Roger Moore period of Bond films.

James Melton

O'Toole always turned in wonderful performances. I remember seeing him in "Dean Spanley" and thinking he was putting in a pretty light acting job until his best scene came and he showed he was as powerful a performer at 75 as he'd ever been. A truly great actor.

Clay F
>>162719707

I streamed the movie on MAX -- and no intermission.

James Melton
>>162720772

I always found the first half extremely powerful but the second half feels a little bit like "and then also this and that and some more this..." Unfocused is a good way to put it.

James Melton

"No ambitions in Arabia". As you know we have a poor reputation in the Middle East. Some of it stems from trying to dominate the region. The oil of course.

Chris Thom
>>162737327

Wait Until Dark was the one where she's blind, with the house break in? Saw that as a kid but didn't realize that was Audrey Hepburn.

Joe
>>162710157

For me the film is just ok...never was interested in the story. And it's way too long, Lean should have tightened it up.

Milton William Burray
>>162929704

A 'poor reputation' but they are desperate to come and enjoy living Western nations that offer higher levels of happiness, education, prosperity, and liberty

JPDotCom23

She meant Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) would be in this movie and not Harrison Ford (Han Solo), right?

Catherine LW
>>162756105

Loved The Robe! I don’t think Cassie has seen Richard Burton in anything.

Catherine LW
>>162730068

I hope she watches Dr. Zhivago too. Omar Sharif (Ali in Lawrence of Arabia) was the first Egyptian superstar in cinema. Charismatic and romantic icon. The film takes place in Russia during the Bolshevik revolution- another great epic!

Catherine LW
>>162710157

The odd scene with the Turkish fendi was homoerotic. It implied he was looking for a sex toy, hence his men dragging in a few men to choose from. Lawrence was not just beaten. He was raped, which broke him and prompted his desire to go home.

Catherine LW
>>162686991

True, just the ululating women giving Auda and his men farewell as they depart for war!

Catherine LW
>>162671728

I have a friend who went to Egypt with her daughter and they rode camels. She wasn’t exactly enamored by them. She was also the only person in her party who didn’t get sick from the water. They drank bottled water but she also refrained from eating salads because the produce was washed in regular water which made everyone mildly ill.

Catherine LW

Finally had the 4 hour block of time to watch this. Great reaction, you grasped the most salient aspects of this film about a very complex, enigmatic man. I never get tired of the unforgettable beautiful cinematography and music, perhaps the greatest in film, except for perhaps 2001: A Space Odyssey. Poor Daod (I think that’s Arabic for David) died in quicksand, and Lawrence never forgave himself for it. I do believe Daod and Farraj were orphaned brothers. Others mentioned Dr. Zhivago and I agree that it’s another epic classic, although it is a great romance and maybe Carly would like to join in. I’ve always liked Omar Sharif, an elegant and romantic leading man in Zhivago and in Funny Girl. He was the first Egyptian superstar in Hollywood. I once saw a documentary about this iconic old hotel in Ireland and Sharif was a regular guest there. The staff was excited whenever he came, and as a man, he was very kind and affable in real life. I believe he was addicted to gambling and was a high roller in card playing.

Art Vandalaay
>>162686991

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837636/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk Have you seen Queen of the Desert? I own it but haven’t gotten round to watching it yet. Set in the same era. Lawrence even pops up in it, played by Robert Pattinson.

Catherine LW

Forgot to mention that the early scene of Lawrence with his guide watching the approach of Ali on camel back (and the guide being killed) shows him almost floating from a distance. That’s an actual mirage and is the first time it was filmed!

Nolofinwe

The great English playwrite actor composer director singer of the stage at the time famously remarked : “if Peter OToole were anymore beautiful in this movie they would have had to call it “Florence of Arabia “

Clifton Owens

Epic, but without CGI—you don't see in-camera films called epic anymore. You could feel the sun's heat in this picture. Sadly, the Middle East is still tribal, and fighting.