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- THOUGHTS UPON RE-VIEWING ‘LAWRENCE OF ARABIA’
“We are the creator of our own destiny.”
- Anonymous
One of the memorable films of the past, “Lawrence of Arabia,” has been playing on TV recently during the time of pandemic.
A 1962 epic historical drama based on the life of T. E. (Thomas Edward) Lawrence (1888–1935; British archeologist, diplomat and writer), Lawrence was played by Irish actor Peter O’Toole. The sweeping, lengthy (227 minutes) film was somewhat based on Lawrence’s own book, “Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” and launched O’Toole’s film career.
The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and won 7, including for Best Picture and Best Director (David Lean). In 2004, it was voted best British film of all time in a poll of leading British filmmakers.
Lawrence was 5’5”. O’Toole was 6’2”. But this is a small quibble. Height difference is an issue with which cinema seems to deal with ease.
In more contemporary times, Jack Reacher, action hero protagonist of British writer Lee Child’s popular series, was 6’5”, but played in film by 5’7” actor Tom Cruise.
I wish to mention an episode depicted early in the film.
Lawrence is a British lieutenant and military cartographer during WWI, stationed in Cairo in 1916. He is…
