I am going to watch Lawrence of Arabia

[Snoggera]

and my viewing partner thinks it will be boring.

Please feel free to give her the full extent of your reactions regarding her thoughts!

[markus]

1. Unless he or she is an art/design major

would enjoyed Barry Lyndon just for the long, slow shots, and candle-lit interiors, she will be bored.

Do not let that interfere with watching this fabulous movie.

[Ramsey]

2. On DVD??

That is by far and away the BEST DVD I have ever watched. The restoration is amazing. the movie is long granted, but really exciting and the acting is amazing,, the cinematography looks like it was filmed yesterday!

I give it 6 thumbs up.

[0007]

3. 'Tis a five star film -

But if your in the mood for "Deep Throat" then Linda Lovelace will out dual Peter O'Toole.

[HEyHEY]

4. It's always a good idea to watch that movie

"I think you are one of these desert loving English"

[trof]

5. Have plenty of fluids handy.

Seriously, I read that soft drink sales skyrocketed during intermissions at that flic.

[VOX]

6. She won't be bored. Guaranteed.

If she is, check her pulse.

:toast:

[Bridget Burke]

7. The desert does appear extremely hot....

But Peter O'Toole is even hotter. And Omar Sharif may be the hottest of all.

I could go on about the smashing cinematography, fine music, excellent performances and a timely story that relates to European imperialism in the Mid East...

But let's not neglect the shallow side!

[jayavarman]

8. It is a great movie.

& will make you want to travel to Jordan!

at least that's what it did to me

[jpgray]

9. Don't lend her the book, then

Seven Pillars of Wisdom is interesting if you're interested in the subject, but Lawrence is sometimes rambly and often pretentious. Plus it's a flippin' tome.

[redqueen]

10. It's wonderful...

Worth watching for the cinematography alone!

[Garage Queen]

11. I'm a chick and I *love* LoA.

This is an "Epic", in the tradition of BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI, BEN HUR, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, and BRIGADOON. (ok, so scratch that last one.) Turn the brain off, enjoy, and allow yourself to be taken in by this truly great film.

Pluses:

1. The cinematography/photography is absolutely breath-taking. I'm DYING for the chance to see this on the big screen. When I saw HIDALGO a few months back, all I could do was negatively compare the way THAT movie filmed the same deserts LoA was filmed in.

2. Peter O'Toole in his on-screen debut. Absolutely stunning. The man commands the screen with the skill of a far-more experienced actor.

3. Omar Sharif. Need I say more? (rrrrrrooooowwwwwllll!)

4. Anthony Quinn - GREAT performance. As were those of Jose Ferrar, Claude Rains, and Alec Guiness. (Interesting side note: To get the accent correct for the role, Alec imitated: Omar Sharif.) Lots of great performances in this movie.

MINUSES:

1. This movie is a gigantic on-screen version of the He-Man's Woman Haters Club. As in: there are NO. FEMALE. SPEAKING ROLES. (no, really) "No Chicks Allowed" is the motto of this film. But, hey, when the men are so good looking, who cares? (heh)

2. Much of the "history" portrayed in this movie is false. Yes, just like Anna Leon Owens (of "The King and I") Mr. Lawrence felt the need to embellish and expand upon his role in history. Whatever. The storyline that is the TRUE core of this movie is the transformation of Lawrence. Compare and contrast the Lawrence of the opening sequence ("It's my manner sir - it *appears* insubordinate but it isn't...") with the Lawrence leading his men on an attack of a garrison of Turkish troops ("NO PRISONERS!") with the Lawrence in the jeep in the final shot. You have to put "history" aside and enjoy LoA as a character study.

3. The score is b.o.r.i.n.g. While the "Theme" is great, you hear it over. and over. and OVER again. And then you hear it some more. And then you hear it again. But, whatever. Enjoy the pretty pictures and the brilliant acting.

[fishnfla]

12. obviously she isnt into S&M

because Lawrence, well.....

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

13. Ask your viewing

partner to pretend this si taking place today. That what you will be seeing is how politics operate in that part of the world. This movie and "Sand Pebbles" ought be watched by everyone to understand how the rest of the world is affected by western/US policies.....