How could this not be anything other than the most iconic role of O'Toole's career? Some fifty years have passed since Lawrence Of Arabia was released and it is still rightly regarded as one of the finest pieces of cinema yet seen. O'Toole, playing the eponymous T. E. Lawrence is flamboyant but extremely strong willed. Criticism may have been made of the depiction of Lawrence written for the film, but there is no doubt that the performance given in his name was nothing other than top class. In some ways, O'Toole's Lawrence inadvertently became one of the first true action heroes, a branch of which spawned the likes of Indiana Jones. Lawrence is compassionate but hard and relentless in his involvement with the Arab National Council, taking to the customs of the people he fights alongside to become one of them in his own right. The cinematic version of Lawrence is one of the most interesting characters in film history, simply because he refuses to be turned from his will; his actions are so very strong that you'd be forgiven for thinking they'd gotten the man himself to play the part. There are many reasons as to why Lawrence Of Arabia is considered one of the greatest films of all time, ranging from direction to score, but there is one factor which very much boosts that claim: Peter O'Toole. This was his finest performance, it broke him into acting stardom where he rightfully stayed for the rest of his life, and, most importantly, it latest in the memory of all who have seen it. If you have never watched the film, I see no more fitting of a tribute then to buy yourself a copy, I'll be watching mine tonight. Rest in peace Peter O'Toole, an icon of cinema.
