8 Year Old Me: Oh please no - don't make me think about this movie again. Watching it was like watching paint dry while having needles stuck under my fingernails. For three and a half hours, we are promised a war movie. Doesn't that sound great? A war movie in the desert with guys wielding swords on horseback? How could that possibly go wrong? I'll tell you how. By not actually having any of that! Instead it keeps being about this Lawrence guy being sad, then yelling things, back and forth and back and forth. Did I mention this happens for three and a half hours? 22 Year Old Me: If I were to talk about what makes Lawrence of Arabia one of the greatest films of all time, we'd be here all day. Thus, I'll try to hit the highlights. First, of course, is the visuals. I never would have thought (I certainly didn't when I was eight) that vast expanses of sand dunes could be awe-inspiring, but this film shows it. The amazing landscapes are punctuated by insignificant figures of men and horses and camels crossing the desert, giving you a sense of the trials one would face attempting such a journey. Secondly, the characterization of Lawrence is stunning. He begins as a rather ordinary soldier, who discovers his abilities when thrust into the right circumstances. At this point, we witness his slow transformation into an egomaniac who is so sure of himself and his strength that he walks into an enemy base alone. But the greatest thing about this film must be Peter O'Toole's incredible performance. I've included one scene taken from the film to give you a brief impression of his stellar acting. To put it in context, Lawrence's tiny army is on their way to Damascus for a very important mission when they come to a village that was home to some of his men. Upon arrival, they see the village has been ransacked and the inhabitants slaughtered. Still in view is the army that did it. At this point, Lawrence must choose: do his duty and progress to Damascus, or avenge the deaths of the villagers? This scene still gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I see it. And to think that when I first saw this film, I fell asleep during this part. Eight year old me, you were fun... but you sure had terrible taste in movies. So how about all of you? Any films you hated as a kid but love now? Sound off in the comments below!
Armed with a laptop, a Pepsi, and a swivel chair, J.D. sets out to uncover the deepest secrets of the film world.
Or, ya know, just write random movie-related lists. Either way....
