Josh_Lancman’s review published on Letterboxd:
There is a theater in my town, which for eight Sundays in January and February hosts a classic film festival. Having heard about this only a month before it started, I looked up what was playing for each Sunday. Unfortunately, I have missed every previous film, but today, with Lawrence of Arabia (which I have planned to see since I found out about it) I got to see it on the big screen.
Practically everything is amazing in this movie.
Peter o Toole and Omar Sharif deliver great performances.
The cinematography, well known for defining the greatness of the film, is great, especially the extreme wide shots of the desert and it's phenomena, which are breathtaking.
The editing is famously good, with the cut from Lawrence's match being blown out to the sun rising over the desert likely being the most famous cut in film history.
The score is iconic, and if you can't think of it off the top of your head, while watching the movie you will recognize it.
Both the costumes and sets are great, looking as if they are from that time period.
David Lean is well known as one of the greatest directors of all time, and this film shows it. His ability to work with extras is astounding. Every person in the frame is doing something unique, and his employment of special effects to create astounding set pieces is jaw-dropping.
But likely the most famous thing about the film is its immensely unnecessary run time. The film could have ended after two hours, but it continues for another hour and a half. Weirdly, everything above that I praised the film for is less apparent in the second half. The performances are great, but not as good. The cinematography, editing, and special effects suffer. The worst part about it is how the script shoots itself in the foot, with character motivations that don't make sense, and a story that changes halfway through. This was made even more apparent by the 15 minute intermission in between the two halves.
So, a short ratings breakdown:
If the film was only the first two hours, (up until Aqaba is taken by Lawrence) it would currently be high on my favorite films list. 10/10
If it lasted up until Lawrence was beaten by the Turks, it would be excellent, with an ending that wasn't as good as everything else. 9/10
But unfortunately, it continues, and this is a rating for the entire film.
If I was to watch this again alone or with people who had seen it already, I would only watch the first two hours. If I was to watch it with people who had never seen it, I would watch all of it.
Despite my negative ending to this review (and the films negative ending) I would very much recommend it. It is a classic, with much to be appreciated. If you can, see this in an actual theater like I did, because I give this, an eight out of ten.