I am from the Al-Huwaitat tribe. I am happy with the way my country was portrayed. There may be some minor errors regarding the story, but overall what was presented is wonderful and respectful. Note written from Google Translate.
Mate even though your videos are criminally underrated right now, I just wanna say the people who are here absolutely appreciate all the effort you've put in. Hopefully the youtube algorithm picks you're videos up and you get the recognition you deserve
No modern film can come anywhere near the standards of this cinematic masterpiece. I consider LOTR as the best over the past 20 years however it relied heavily on CGI whereas in LOA everything was real. The cinema photography is breathtaking and the acting by virtually the entire cast, of a standard we probably won’t see again. Thanks for this upload.
I first saw the film at a drive in movie in Ohio. I was 11 years old. I was so taken that I studied Arab coulture, History and even tried to learn Arabic as a boy.Having found a family of Lebanese who obliged me. 40 years after its release, it was restored and shown in 70mm. Having only seen it once when I was 11 yrs old I was now in my 50's. My wife was shocked as I remembered much of the dialog which I would whisper in her ear in anticipation. The most beautiful story to see to hear to experience. A Masterpiece of incredible personnel transcendence.
"I fear you are another desert-loving Englishman" I remembered that line since I saw it 50 yrs ago. And I love that it made such an impact on you!! You're my kind of people! ;)
It was a remarkable tour de force, and affected me in much the same way as it did you, with pretty much the same results. A truly mesmerising and life changing film.
The most astonishing thing about LOA is that it is a good story and well-acted, enough to be considered great. It becomes sublime with the visuals. All done with real locations and straight camera work. No SFX. It is stunning to watch with the sound turned off. You could charge admission just to watch a silent version.
This has been very informative, distilling the massive stockpiles of stories (or at least the first half of them) on David Lean's adventure into something that's easy to follow for 40 minutes. Thanks for that. Exactly 11 days after I type this comment, it'll be Norman Spencer's 110th birthday. Spencer was the production manager on Lean's projects stretching from the mid-40s (at Cineguild) all the way to Lawrence of Arabia. Right now he's the oldest living member of the old Hollywood and British film system.
One of my favorite restaurants as a kid growing up in northern Virginia was a small place in a strip mall called "Azmi's Pizza and Subs". Thd owner/proprietor was a former personal chef of the King of Jordan. As such, he served as a chef for the production of "Lawrence of Arabia". He had some pictures of himself in Bedoin robes taken with the actors and crew the day he served as an extra in the scene of crossing the Sun's Anvil in the great Nefud desert. Azmi was a very warm and welcoming restrauntier and his pizzas rank in my top 3 of all times and places. I heard from my dad and brother that his subs were awesome, but I only ever ate pizza when we went there.
Did you notice that after that "little jaunt" across the Nefud, and the scene with Lawrence and his young friend asking for lemonade....the actors were careful to not take too much - in real desert life, this was probably also the case, so the person doesn't get water sick...many smaller drinks over time, rather than gulping huge quantities down at once.
This is truly an excellent video upload. A lot of very interesting and intriguing information behind this iconic film. You give us the whole "script" behind the camera. Thank you for sharing this!
Appreciate your huge and enormous effort in making this video. By far the most complete, detailed and coherent material about the film on this platform... Hope you get more viewers soon!!
THANK YOU! This is my favorite film of all time. I own and have read all versions of 7 PW and regard TEL as one of the most important, but tragically ignored, experts on the Levant. If Britain had taken his advice, most of today’s terrorism and Middle East conflict would simply not exist. Sadly, LOA skims over that part of his book, but it’s still an epic piece of abbreviated history.
I too consider this the greatest movie ever made, as well as a personal favourite. Yes, I have other favourites, but this is the best. I do not tire of watching it, and at various times have owned copies in DVD, Superbit, and Blu-ray restoration. It holds a special place for me, because in 1963 I performed in a school production of the play "Ross" by Terence Rattigan, in the role of the Turkish General. This was in the same year that Lean's magnificent film was in first release here in New Zealand. Thank you, Void Volken, for an excellent 2-part retrospective. Do not pay attention to those who nitpick about your style of presentation. Your passion shines through. I learned details I'd not known previously, and I have subscribed to your channel. Best wishes!
@Void Volken What a wonderful and carefully crafted service you've been providing on the films that have been so grafted onto our lives. The work you've done on War and Peace 1967 must have been word-smith exhausting. And here with Sir David's masterpiece from the mid point of his career you again put the cinema magic into its inevitably laborious context. Laborious for Lean and for you but joy for us. Perhaps I'll leave off and re enter the commentary fray a little later as I hardly know where to begin other than to say bravo !
Thank you for your wonderfully written comment. As you have already mentioned, it was "Laborious” for Lean to create his masterpiece and it did take me some time to make this video but that's because I wanted to get it right. David Lean is one of my top directors and Lawrence of Arabia is my favourite film so I had to do it justice, both him and the film deserve that respect. While I like making these videos it can be difficult at times but knowing you and all my other viewers enjoy watching these videos makes it all worth it in the end.
How odd that many Arab countries didn't like the portrayal of the Arabs in Lawrence. I saw the film on it's first release while I was still at school, and I have seen it many, many times since; its portrayals of the Arabs sparked a life-long passion for research into the area, its history, customs, people and the history of its religion, my respect for all of which continues to this day.
Thank you so much for explaining how they made this magnificent film. The scale of movie is of epic proportions. In my opinion this movie is probably the best film ever made.
What an unexpected gem. So much good hard work went into this video, and I appreciated it. I learned a whole lot that was interesting - and so very well illustrated. I can’t think of any way it could have been better. Very impressed; I felt thwarted that Part 2 wasn’t out yet. Something to be proud of.
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed part 1 and believe me I would have loved for part 2 to be out already. I am already working on part 2 so the wait shouldn't be too long.
Excellent video. "Lawrence of Arabia" is one of my favorite films and I was unfamiliar with much of the info you shared, particularly in regards to all of the previous efforts that were made to produce a film about Lawrence. The behind the scenes clips you provide, along with the clips of the film itself are of remarkably good quality. I just subscribed to your channel and I look forward to part 2. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for your donation, it means a lot to me and really warmed my heart that you watched my video and thought it was good enough for a donation. The money you graciously provided will go on to help me create more videos of even better quality.
Wow, that was brilliant! I saw the movie when I was a kid. Didn't understand most of it, but thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Today, to see just how much the director and actors went through, is very impressive. Thank you! (I've subscribed and liked)
THANK YOU for this!!! Better than reading a book about it. I deeply appreciate all the research and time putting this together! I have always enjoyed learning about what goes on behind the scenes, and in most cases it enhances my appreciate for the finished film. This story/film ALWAYS tugs at my heart, and brings tears to my eyes. It SO tragic!!! I "dragged" my husband to see the limited re-release of Lawrence of Arabia a week ago. He actually enjoyed it! About 50 years ago while I was baby sitting a neighbor's kids (oddly, their last name WAS Lawrence!) and LoA was on TV. The film and its music, the cinematography (even on the small screen) was EPIC..and didn't diminish the story or scenes at all. The film's beauty (which includes the actors' performances, music, photography and writers - the talented people BEHIND the scenes) has stayed with me in my heart and mind, and served as basic knowledge about the current mess in the middle east. In later years, I read 2 books by Leon Uris "The Haj" and "Exodus" which I feel gave me a view of the Middle East that most people my age didn't have (unless they travelled to the Middle East or had relatives living there) As I was watching this, I began asking myself (why did "regular" Bedouins/Arabs only have 2-loop bands on their head to hold the head coverings on, as opposed to the 3-tier "crowns" (that appeared to be made from wood) on higher ranking Arab men. (Well, duh) Where did the Bedouins get materials to make their clothing and tents? Why was the scabbard for Lawrence's knife curled more at the bottom end? To make the knife/dagger look more menancing? Where did the Bedouins get their swords? What did they use for toileting hygiene (butt wipe)? I guess I still have room in my brain at 70 yrs/old to pack with more trivia, that's interesting only to me. LOL
Fantastic documentary with meticulous research, Omar Sharif's intro has to be the most fabulous intro ever, Lean has the biggest ears, Maurice Jarre must be the best film score writer's ever.
A great video! Just a few remarks: It was not the film "Becket" Peter O'Toole had signed on for before "Lawrence" but a stage production of Anouilh's original play at Stratford und the direction of Peter Hall. It was pure luck that O'Toole then ended up playing Henry II in the film later on. Hall was really angry and never worked with O'Toole at Stratford again. And the prank O'Toole had played on Spiegel was a quip during a screen test he had taken some years before for "Suddenly Last Summer". Spiegel wanted to replace Montgomery Clift at the time due to his drinking problem. Firstly, O'Toole had a bottle of booze in his coat pocket which fell out while taking it off before his interview with Spiegel, secondly he finished his screen test (in which he had to play a doctor) with the line: "It's alright, Mrs Spiegel, your son will never play the violin again."
Thank you for pointing out the Becket mistake, I got confused with the two productions since they were both directed by Peter Glenville and wrote that into the script. I have now gone and changed the script and will re-record and re-edit that section for when I later release part 1 & 2 together as one video. Thanks as well for the information about the prank O'Toole played on Spiegel. Wondering if you could tell me where you got that information from?
Yay, I was your thousandth like! I had recently watched Lawrence of Arabia for the first time, just a few weeks ago. What a truly magnificent film. Having watched Dune part 2 many times this year, I wanted to see where both Denis Villeneuve and Frank Herbert got much of their inspiration for the film and original novel. It's obvious now that Lawrence of Arabia was very influential to both men.
One time I was in Egypt, I got a very long coach journey. It passed through the most beautiful desert vistas. I was in and out of sleep. When waking it felt like i was in a scene from l.o.a. The most awe inspiring desert landscapes. Absolutely wonderful experience and memories.
Good video, thank you for making and sharing it. Subbed today because of the quality you've presented and your statement "I make videos on subject that I enjoy or find interesting" Well, I find your work interesting and I'm onboard now. 👍
This is great fun! Thanks for posting this. In terms of the cinematography, I think a lot of credit also goes to Nic Roeg , who was the second unit cinematographer. Looking forward to Part Two.
I'm glad I didn't watch Lawrence on a black and white telly and instead saw it later in 70mm. One of the greatest films of all time. Seven Pillars is worth a read too.
Fascinating insight into the making of a great film. Really looking forward to the second part. I hope in the future you may be able to make a video about the making of another Lean classic "Doctor Zhivago". Many thanks.
I have always loved Lawrence of Arabia and was lucky enough to see it in the Rivoli Theatre in New York City, which was a premier showing location of its day. Plus it was on a field trip from our middle school. Not only did I get to see a masterpiece-I recognized it even as a 13 year old-but I got a day off from school. One last thing about my viewing experience was that they sat our class close to the screen and I felt almost in the movie. Also have to say you did a slam-bang job. Photographs and movies are really magic tricks that fool the eye and brain. Perhaps some of that magic can be diminished when films’ techniques are exposed. But that wasn’t true in this case. Your video enriched the film for me even more. Thank you.
A great film about a really interesting character. Have travelled to Jordan and thought it beautiful. I understand what Lawrence loved about the country. In my view Lawrence was a hero .
A fine, entertaining and informative video, Mr Volken ; I appreciate, as clearly others do, your strong research. YT's algorithm threw this my way based on film interest. (Gotta say, it's truly insane how using 'Insane' in the title is so helpful, and I understand we're stuck with it!). Also, IMHO, this could have worked as a 3-part (3 x 25 mins) set. All the best for your channel, and v high praise for NOT using comp. generated voice over narration. I just added up the number of copies I have of this film: 7 ! DVD + Blu-Ray, 2, an old laser disc - one of the failed video formats - both VHS tape and Betamax (failed) and 2 copies on my PC. Yet none come near the experience of watching the picture in the 1960s on screen in 70mm. [65mm camera negative becomes wider with 5mm of magnetic tape for the sound; in the theatre, the screen runs black under the curtain for 4 minutes of orchestral introduction with auditorium lights dimmed but spots towards screen. Maurice Jarre had just 6 weeks to compose the score.] Attending a theatre in the 1960s where large-format movies were shown was quite an experience. Often, the foyers were decorated by theme and ushers wore costume. I remember an usherette wearing an outfit Hollywood called 'Indian Squaw' for the film 'How the West Was Won' and at screenings of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the girls wore the Pierre Cardin designed air stewardess's costumes and viewers were each given a 16-page colour A4-size programme/magazine. I became a 70mm film addict early.
Thank you. About the video being a 3 parter, initially I was going to make this 1 big long video but decided to split it into 2 parts. I could have made it 4 parts with them each being around 25 minutes but before this video I had never done multiple parts for a video so I didn't know how people would react to it. In the future I will probably do more multi-part videos. I will never use AI or computer generated voice overs, no matter how many people complain about my accent or the way I speak.
True story: TE Lawrence mistakenly left or abandoned the manuscript of his book in a London cab. I'm still holding my breath for its reappearance; it will be worth millions.
Still the greatest film ever made. It's astounding what they achieved with this film. The soundtrack, the locations, cinematography, casting, directing, editing, the script and dialogue. I still quote this movie in my daily life. I've seen reviews or takes on this film that call it racist, imperialist and smear it as a typical white saviour narative, guilty of cultural appropriation. Those people are tainted by their own racist far left brainwashing. Lawrence of Arabia is really an anti-colonial war film about a man on a journey of self discovery, set during WWI, in the Arabian theatre. What critics of the film refuse to acknowledge is that the British Empire was fighting the Ottoman Empire, and helping the Arabs free themselves from centuries of Ottoman rule. The Arabs wanted independence, but they also longed for the glory days of their old empire, when they ruled the entire Middle East, all of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The Arabs were imperialists and colonialists long before the Ottomans and the British. Lawrence of Arabia is about sifting empires, an epic story that goes back 1,500 years. Modern day critics of the film conveniently forget that tiny bit of history. And best of all, no bloody CGI. All real, proper old school filmmaking. Lawrence of Arabia, the greatest movie of all time.
Lawrence of Arabia is my all time favorite film ever! Please let me know where I can find Part 2, your thorough detailed facts and insight is wonderful!
Very well researched - looking forward to Part 2. One small criticism - the commentary would be elevated if you pronounced your 't's - very noticeable and jarring.
Excellent research. If possible, people should view the shooting script. Some beautiful scenes never made into the movie, and it is fun and instructive to see how Lean planned scenes like the famous walk on the train top. Interestingly, the main desert scenes were filmed where they were because Lean loved the film the searchers, and wanted to film in a "red" desert, like the one Ford filmed in (and he had a lot of resect for Ford).
This is something I have been working on, if you go back and look at my older videos there is virtually no pauses and others have pointed it out. I have added some pauses here and there but judging by your comment I still need to improve. Thank you for your respectful feedback and for part 2 I'll keep your suggestion in mind when editing the audio.
Well done. Please remember to breath between sentences though, let what you said to sink in. Now the listener has very little time to think as you move to the next subject.
A Hollywood super star Dalip Kumar was also supposedly offered Sharif part,he rejected it.He wanted the part of Lawrence,which was denied to him . Dr Fazal Cambridge.
If that is so, he must have been crazy! An Indian playing a fair haired, blue eyed, very English Englishman? No chance! Though maybe in today's insane casting climate ...
I had heard that it had been hard to get American finance for a British subject. At some point there was a draft to tell the story of an American journalist played by Kirk Douglas who goes into the desert to meet a crazy Englishman.
Adjusted for inflation Lawrence of Arabia cost $146 million in todays money. It looks like it could have been filmed yesterday the picture quality is so amazing!
@VoidVolkan Sorry, every time I answer your question below it disappears from the page. The Information is from the O'Toole biography by Peter Sellars and also from an article in the Washington Post from 1978. And Glenville only directed "Becket" on Broadway with Laurence Olivier and A. Quinn - the production O'Toole was to appear in was by the Royal Shakespeare Company under the direction of Peter Hall. It went ahead but with Christopher Plummer as King Henry II. You can find this on Wikipedia in the entry on "Becket" the play.
Omar Sharif was raised as an eastern rite Christian and even attended Anglican boarding school in Egypt which is why he did so well playing this English speaking role. He did however convert to Islam at some point, possibly before making the film.
Magnificant though this film is it only , by the limitations of time, shows the tip of the iceberg regarding TELs life in the desert and fighting the Turks. I reread 7 pillars every few years and always find something new in it. Its not an easy read due to TELs dense prose , he is an intellectual , but anybody who is interested and would like to understand the film much better should read it.
'What Lawrence probably wasn't expecting (when he made that agreement with Korda) was that he would be tragically killed in a motorcycle accident only five months after his meeting with him' (5:19): that, ladies and gentlemen, is one bizarre sentence. In short: Lawrence wasn't expecting to die five months later. Well, well, well, really?
Months with the Bedouin and he's still grabbing food with his left hand? I learned not to make that mistake even before I hung out with the Bedouin! (Scene - Lawrence and his initial guide exchanging food).
O'Toole ruined a screen test for "suddenly, last summer". Playing a brain surgeon he turned to the camera and said "It's all right, Mrs Speigel, but your son will never play the violin again".
Not sure why they were so worried about rights. He's a historical figure, there is no copyright on historical figures. Anyone can make a movie on say Lincoln or Julius Caesar. Now if you are quoting a specific work you need rights but that's about it.
Part 2: ruclips.net/video/fxvNGmg4ozc/видео.html
I am from the Al-Huwaitat tribe. I am happy with the way my country was portrayed. There may be some minor errors regarding the story, but overall what was presented is wonderful and respectful. Note written from Google Translate.
Mate even though your videos are criminally underrated right now, I just wanna say the people who are here absolutely appreciate all the effort you've put in. Hopefully the youtube algorithm picks you're videos up and you get the recognition you deserve
Lots of info I had never heard before, especially about the earlier attempts to film Lawrence’s story.
No modern film can come anywhere near the standards of this cinematic masterpiece. I consider LOTR as the best over the past 20 years however it relied heavily on CGI whereas in LOA everything was real. The cinema photography is breathtaking and the acting by virtually the entire cast, of a standard we probably won’t see again. Thanks for this upload.
Sure beat CGI and AI, don't it?
I first saw the film at a drive in movie in Ohio. I was 11 years old. I was so taken that I studied Arab coulture, History and even tried to learn Arabic as a boy.Having found a family of Lebanese who obliged me. 40 years after its release, it was restored and shown in 70mm. Having only seen it once when I was 11 yrs old I was now in my 50's. My wife was shocked as I remembered much of the dialog which I would whisper in her ear in anticipation. The most beautiful story to see to hear to experience. A Masterpiece of incredible personnel transcendence.
"I fear you are another desert-loving Englishman"
I remembered that line since I saw it 50 yrs ago.
And I love that it made such an impact on you!! You're my kind of people! ;)
It was a remarkable tour de force, and affected me in much the same way as it did you, with pretty much the same results. A truly mesmerising and life changing film.
40min+ and there is another part? Hell yeah!
Expect part 2 to be around 40 minutes as well.
@@VoidVolken Awesome, looking forward to Mutiny on the Bounty (1962).
The most beautiful shot scenery and the most moving and gorgeous music score I have ever experienced.
The most astonishing thing about LOA is that it is a good story and well-acted, enough to be considered great. It becomes sublime with the visuals. All done with real locations and straight camera work. No SFX. It is stunning to watch with the sound turned off. You could charge admission just to watch a silent version.
This has been very informative, distilling the massive stockpiles of stories (or at least the first half of them) on David Lean's adventure into something that's easy to follow for 40 minutes. Thanks for that.
Exactly 11 days after I type this comment, it'll be Norman Spencer's 110th birthday. Spencer was the production manager on Lean's projects stretching from the mid-40s (at Cineguild) all the way to Lawrence of Arabia. Right now he's the oldest living member of the old Hollywood and British film system.
Both part 1 and 2 are my favorite movie reviews/coverage EVER I love what you have done and thank you for your work.
One of my favorite restaurants as a kid growing up in northern Virginia was a small place in a strip mall called "Azmi's Pizza and Subs". Thd owner/proprietor was a former personal chef of the King of Jordan. As such, he served as a chef for the production of "Lawrence of Arabia". He had some pictures of himself in Bedoin robes taken with the actors and crew the day he served as an extra in the scene of crossing the Sun's Anvil in the great Nefud desert.
Azmi was a very warm and welcoming restrauntier and his pizzas rank in my top 3 of all times and places. I heard from my dad and brother that his subs were awesome, but I only ever ate pizza when we went there.
No way! That’s wonderful. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Thats a great memory to have. Thanks.
Did you notice that after that "little jaunt" across the Nefud, and the scene with Lawrence and his young friend asking for lemonade....the actors were careful to not take too much - in real desert life, this was probably also the case, so the person doesn't get water sick...many smaller drinks over time, rather than gulping huge quantities down at once.
This is truly an excellent video upload. A lot of very interesting and intriguing information behind this iconic film. You give us the whole "script" behind the camera. Thank you for sharing this!
Appreciate your huge and enormous effort in making this video. By far the most complete, detailed and coherent material about the film on this platform... Hope you get more viewers soon!!
THANK YOU!
This is my favorite film of all time. I own and have read all versions of 7 PW and regard TEL as one of the most important, but tragically ignored, experts on the Levant. If Britain had taken his advice, most of today’s terrorism and Middle East conflict would simply not exist. Sadly, LOA skims over that part of his book, but it’s still an epic piece of abbreviated history.
Incredibly researched,,,, best I’ve seen yet on Lawerence of Arabia,, well done,, time for a re-Watch as so much info
I too consider this the greatest movie ever made, as well as a personal favourite. Yes, I have other favourites, but this is the best. I do not tire of watching it, and at various times have owned copies in DVD, Superbit, and Blu-ray restoration. It holds a special place for me, because in 1963 I performed in a school production of the play "Ross" by Terence Rattigan, in the role of the Turkish General. This was in the same year that Lean's magnificent film was in first release here in New Zealand. Thank you, Void Volken, for an excellent 2-part retrospective.
Do not pay attention to those who nitpick about your style of presentation. Your passion shines through. I learned details I'd not known previously, and I have subscribed to your channel. Best wishes!
Thank you!
Looking forward to part 2. Thanks!
Terrific videos. The research and detail is magnificent. Well done.
@Void Volken What a wonderful and carefully crafted service you've been providing on the films that have been so grafted onto our lives.
The work you've done on War and Peace 1967 must have been word-smith exhausting. And here with Sir David's masterpiece from the
mid point of his career you again put the cinema magic into its inevitably laborious context. Laborious for Lean and for you but joy for us.
Perhaps I'll leave off and re enter the commentary fray a little later as I hardly know where to begin other than to say bravo !
Thank you for your wonderfully written comment. As you have already mentioned, it was "Laborious” for Lean to create his masterpiece and it did take me some time to make this video but that's because I wanted to get it right. David Lean is one of my top directors and Lawrence of Arabia is my favourite film so I had to do it justice, both him and the film deserve that respect. While I like making these videos it can be difficult at times but knowing you and all my other viewers enjoy watching these videos makes it all worth it in the end.
How odd that many Arab countries didn't like the portrayal of the Arabs in Lawrence. I saw the film on it's first release while I was still at school, and I have seen it many, many times since; its portrayals of the Arabs sparked a life-long passion for research into the area, its history, customs, people and the history of its religion, my respect for all of which continues to this day.
What an insightful and heavily researched video. Kudos! This channel deserves to reach the heights of success.🌸
Absolutely fascinating. Great story about filmmaking at its finest. Great work, keep it up.👏👏 David Lean the biggest ears in Hollywood😎
magnificent video!! waiting for part 2!!
My absolute favourite film
Thank you so much for explaining how they made this magnificent film. The scale of movie is of epic proportions. In my opinion this movie is probably the best film ever made.
Bravo on an enthralling documentary !
This is absolutely excellent. I look forward to Part 2. And maybe even your take on Doctor Zhivago and Ryan's Daughter?
Doctor Zhivago is on the table but Ryan's Daughter needs a proper HD or even 4K release before I do a video on it.
What an unexpected gem.
So much good hard work went into this video, and I appreciated it. I learned a whole lot that was interesting - and so very well illustrated. I can’t think of any way it could have been better. Very impressed; I felt thwarted that Part 2 wasn’t out yet.
Something to be proud of.
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed part 1 and believe me I would have loved for part 2 to be out already. I am already working on part 2 so the wait shouldn't be too long.
Excellent video. "Lawrence of Arabia" is one of my favorite films and I was unfamiliar with much of the info you shared, particularly in regards to all of the previous efforts that were made to produce a film about Lawrence. The behind the scenes clips you provide, along with the clips of the film itself are of remarkably good quality. I just subscribed to your channel and I look forward to part 2. Thank you very much.
A terrific production, mirroring the precision and professionalism of Lean himself. Many thanks.
The only real error was Peter O'Toole's eye make-up. Noel Coward commented ' Anymore and it would be have been called Florence of Arabia'
EXCELLENT!!! I can't wait for your Part 2!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your donation, it means a lot to me and really warmed my heart that you watched my video and thought it was good enough for a donation. The money you graciously provided will go on to help me create more videos of even better quality.
Congratulations on your in depth research, succinct and informative. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Wow, that was brilliant! I saw the movie when I was a kid. Didn't understand most of it, but thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Today, to see just how much the director and actors went through, is very impressive. Thank you! (I've subscribed and liked)
THANK YOU for this!!! Better than reading a book about it. I deeply appreciate all the research and time putting this together! I have always enjoyed learning about what goes on behind the scenes, and in most cases it enhances my appreciate for the finished film.
This story/film ALWAYS tugs at my heart, and brings tears to my eyes. It SO tragic!!!
I "dragged" my husband to see the limited re-release of Lawrence of Arabia a week ago. He actually enjoyed it!
About 50 years ago while I was baby sitting a neighbor's kids (oddly, their last name WAS Lawrence!) and LoA was on TV. The film and its music, the cinematography (even on the small screen) was EPIC..and didn't diminish the story or scenes at all. The film's beauty (which includes the actors' performances, music, photography and writers - the talented people BEHIND the scenes) has stayed with me in my heart and mind, and served as basic knowledge about the current mess in the middle east. In later years, I read 2 books by Leon Uris "The Haj" and "Exodus" which I feel gave me a view of the Middle East that most people my age didn't have (unless they travelled to the Middle East or had relatives living there)
As I was watching this, I began asking myself (why did "regular" Bedouins/Arabs only have 2-loop bands on their head to hold the head coverings on, as opposed to the 3-tier "crowns" (that appeared to be made from wood) on higher ranking Arab men. (Well, duh)
Where did the Bedouins get materials to make their clothing and tents?
Why was the scabbard for Lawrence's knife curled more at the bottom end? To make the knife/dagger look more menancing?
Where did the Bedouins get their swords?
What did they use for toileting hygiene (butt wipe)?
I guess I still have room in my brain at 70 yrs/old to pack with more trivia, that's interesting only to me. LOL
Glad you enjoyed the video and glad to hear your husband enjoyed the film because you can't go wrong with Lawrence of Arabia.
Fantastic documentary with meticulous research, Omar Sharif's intro has to be the most fabulous intro ever, Lean has the biggest ears, Maurice Jarre must be the best film score writer's ever.
Gold video format
Wow- I’m a fan!
Great inside information!!!
A very well put together documentary. Well done.
A great video! Just a few remarks: It was not the film "Becket" Peter O'Toole had signed on for before "Lawrence" but a stage production of Anouilh's original play at Stratford und the direction of Peter Hall. It was pure luck that O'Toole then ended up playing Henry II in the film later on. Hall was really angry and never worked with O'Toole at Stratford again. And the prank O'Toole had played on Spiegel was a quip during a screen test he had taken some years before for "Suddenly Last Summer". Spiegel wanted to replace Montgomery Clift at the time due to his drinking problem. Firstly, O'Toole had a bottle of booze in his coat pocket which fell out while taking it off before his interview with Spiegel, secondly he finished his screen test (in which he had to play a doctor) with the line: "It's alright, Mrs Spiegel, your son will never play the violin again."
Thank you for pointing out the Becket mistake, I got confused with the two productions since they were both directed by Peter Glenville and wrote that into the script. I have now gone and changed the script and will re-record and re-edit that section for when I later release part 1 & 2 together as one video. Thanks as well for the information about the prank O'Toole played on Spiegel. Wondering if you could tell me where you got that information from?
Excellent! Much appreciated.
Yay, I was your thousandth like! I had recently watched Lawrence of Arabia for the first time, just a few weeks ago. What a truly magnificent film. Having watched Dune part 2 many times this year, I wanted to see where both Denis Villeneuve and Frank Herbert got much of their inspiration for the film and original novel. It's obvious now that Lawrence of Arabia was very influential to both men.
Great stuff.
One time I was in Egypt, I got a very long coach journey. It passed through the most beautiful desert vistas. I was in and out of sleep. When waking it felt like i was in a scene from l.o.a. The most awe inspiring desert landscapes. Absolutely wonderful experience and memories.
Invaluable Information well done
Bloody fantastic, thank you, look forward to part two.
Good video, thank you for making and sharing it. Subbed today because of the quality you've presented and your statement "I make videos on subject that I enjoy or find interesting" Well, I find your work interesting and I'm onboard now. 👍
Impressive work. One of my all time favourites, love it.
This is great fun! Thanks for posting this. In terms of the cinematography, I think a lot of credit also goes to Nic Roeg , who was the second unit cinematographer.
Looking forward to Part Two.
Great information. Thanks.
David Lean was the man.
I'm glad I didn't watch Lawrence on a black and white telly and instead saw it later in 70mm. One of the greatest films of all time. Seven Pillars is worth a read too.
You have to see LOA on the big screen at least once. Its utterly breathtaking. Didn't we make great movies once upon a time. Very good vid liked/subd.
Fascinating insight into the making of a great film. Really looking forward to the second part. I hope in the future you may be able to make a video about the making of another Lean classic "Doctor Zhivago". Many thanks.
I do plan to do Doctor Zhivago and The Bridge on the River Kwai in the future.
@@VoidVolken Both worthy of your time. Your videos are well worth the wait.
@@PeterSmith-go9ef Thanks, I try to make the videos the best I can. I am all about quality over quantity.
Excellent recap
I have always loved Lawrence of Arabia and was lucky enough to see it in the Rivoli Theatre in New York City, which was a premier showing location of its day. Plus it was on a field trip from our middle school. Not only did I get to see a masterpiece-I recognized it even as a 13 year old-but I got a day off from school. One last thing about my viewing experience was that they sat our class close to the screen and I felt almost in the movie. Also have to say you did a slam-bang job. Photographs and movies are really magic tricks that fool the eye and brain. Perhaps some of that magic can be diminished when films’ techniques are exposed. But that wasn’t true in this case. Your video enriched the film for me even more. Thank you.
A great film about a really interesting character. Have travelled to Jordan and thought it beautiful. I understand what Lawrence loved about the country.
In my view Lawrence was a hero .
This is really good, but disappointed Part 2 is not available. I just saw the film today. Hope you upload it soon.
Don't worry, it will be out soon.
Great stuff - I worked on a desert picture and youve got it spot-on❤
called Flight of the Phoenix?
sub earned, excited to see more from this channel
Excellent! Thank you!
A fine, entertaining and informative video, Mr Volken ; I appreciate, as clearly others do, your strong research. YT's algorithm threw this my way based on film interest. (Gotta say, it's truly insane how using 'Insane' in the title is so helpful, and I understand we're stuck with it!).
Also, IMHO, this could have worked as a 3-part (3 x 25 mins) set. All the best for your channel, and v high praise for NOT using comp. generated voice over narration.
I just added up the number of copies I have of this film: 7 ! DVD + Blu-Ray, 2, an old laser disc - one of the failed video formats - both VHS tape and Betamax (failed) and 2 copies on my PC. Yet none come near the experience of watching the picture in the 1960s on screen in 70mm. [65mm camera negative becomes wider with 5mm of magnetic tape for the sound; in the theatre, the screen runs black under the curtain for 4 minutes of orchestral introduction with auditorium lights dimmed but spots towards screen. Maurice Jarre had just 6 weeks to compose the score.] Attending a theatre in the 1960s where large-format movies were shown was quite an experience. Often, the foyers were decorated by theme and ushers wore costume. I remember an usherette wearing an outfit Hollywood called 'Indian Squaw' for the film 'How the West Was Won' and at screenings of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the girls wore the Pierre Cardin designed air stewardess's costumes and viewers were each given a 16-page colour A4-size programme/magazine. I became a 70mm film addict early.
Thank you. About the video being a 3 parter, initially I was going to make this 1 big long video but decided to split it into 2 parts. I could have made it 4 parts with them each being around 25 minutes but before this video I had never done multiple parts for a video so I didn't know how people would react to it. In the future I will probably do more multi-part videos.
I will never use AI or computer generated voice overs, no matter how many people complain about my accent or the way I speak.
@@VoidVolken Don't worry about the accent; just drop the brain-swamping jumpcuts.
Wish there were more screenings of the 65/70mm classics.
billiantly researched, a valuable manual to anyone interested in this film.
Wonderful. Subscribed.
True story: TE Lawrence mistakenly left or abandoned the manuscript of his book in a London cab. I'm still holding my breath for its reappearance; it will be worth millions.
Still the greatest film ever made. It's astounding what they achieved with this film.
The soundtrack, the locations, cinematography, casting, directing, editing, the script and dialogue. I still quote this movie in my daily life.
I've seen reviews or takes on this film that call it racist, imperialist and smear it as a typical white saviour narative, guilty of cultural appropriation. Those people are tainted by their own racist far left brainwashing.
Lawrence of Arabia is really an anti-colonial war film about a man on a journey of self discovery, set during WWI, in the Arabian theatre.
What critics of the film refuse to acknowledge is that the British Empire was fighting the Ottoman Empire, and helping the Arabs free themselves from centuries of Ottoman rule.
The Arabs wanted independence, but they also longed for the glory days of their old empire, when they ruled the entire Middle East, all of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The Arabs were imperialists and colonialists long before the Ottomans and the British.
Lawrence of Arabia is about sifting empires, an epic story that goes back 1,500 years. Modern day critics of the film conveniently forget that tiny bit of history.
And best of all, no bloody CGI. All real, proper old school filmmaking.
Lawrence of Arabia, the greatest movie of all time.
Lawrence of Arabia is my all time favorite film ever! Please let me know where I can find Part 2, your thorough detailed facts and insight is wonderful!
Part 2 isn't out yet but will be soon.
@@VoidVolken I just watched it thank you so much, so very insightful about such a mesmerizing enigmatic film!
Very well researched - looking forward to Part 2. One small criticism - the commentary would be elevated if you pronounced your 't's - very noticeable and jarring.
As a German, I can't imagine Horst Buchholz in this movie. Thanks for digging out all those facts from one of the best movies ever made.
Couldn't agree more, he is a decent actor but Buchholz just doesn't fit the character at all.
Good stuff, looking forward to part 2?
Excellent research. If possible, people should view the shooting script. Some beautiful scenes never made into the movie, and it is fun and instructive to see how Lean planned scenes like the famous walk on the train top. Interestingly, the main desert scenes were filmed where they were because Lean loved the film the searchers, and wanted to film in a "red" desert, like the one Ford filmed in (and he had a lot of resect for Ford).
May I make one suggestion? Please, make pauses at the end of paragraphs. It would be nice, and perfect for a better understanding.
This is something I have been working on, if you go back and look at my older videos there is virtually no pauses and others have pointed it out. I have added some pauses here and there but judging by your comment I still need to improve. Thank you for your respectful feedback and for part 2 I'll keep your suggestion in mind when editing the audio.
So kind of you! Outstanding work, by the way. Can't wait to watch the next one.
fascinating. Thank you
Well done. Please remember to breath between sentences though, let what you said to sink in. Now the listener has very little time to think as you move to the next subject.
A Hollywood super star Dalip Kumar was also supposedly offered Sharif part,he rejected it.He wanted the part of Lawrence,which was denied to him
.
Dr Fazal Cambridge.
Was there a thriving Indian film industry in the early 60s? I know very little of the subject.
If that is so, he must have been crazy! An Indian playing a fair haired, blue eyed, very English Englishman? No chance! Though maybe in today's insane casting climate ...
Excellent.
I had heard that it had been hard to get American finance for a British subject. At some point there was a draft to tell the story of an American journalist played by Kirk Douglas who goes into the desert to meet a crazy Englishman.
Adjusted for inflation Lawrence of Arabia cost $146 million in todays money. It looks like it could have been filmed yesterday the picture quality is so amazing!
@VoidVolkan Sorry, every time I answer your question below it disappears from the page. The Information is from the O'Toole biography by Peter Sellars and also from an article in the Washington Post from 1978. And Glenville only directed "Becket" on Broadway with Laurence Olivier and A. Quinn - the production O'Toole was to appear in was by the Royal Shakespeare Company under the direction of Peter Hall. It went ahead but with Christopher Plummer as King Henry II. You can find this on Wikipedia in the entry on "Becket" the play.
Marlon Brando would've ruined 'Lawrence of Arabia' like he ruined 'Mutiny on the Bounty.'
I honestly think he would have been a terrible fit for the role of Lawrence, glad they went with O'Toole.
I think Horst Buckholz would have been a worse choice as Sharif Ali. I always thought he was terrible in Magnificent Seven.
@@Wolfinger1935 I agree wholeheartedly! He struck me as being quite wooden in the 7 - by far the weakest of the seven actors.
Totally underrated movie
What!!!!!!????? Seven Academy Awards!
Omar Sharif was raised as an eastern rite Christian and even attended Anglican boarding school in Egypt which is why he did so well playing this English speaking role. He did however convert to Islam at some point, possibly before making the film.
At 29:10 , I. S. Johar was a Indian actor and not a Pakistani one.
I adore this film. I watch it often. I also recommend watching it on psychedelics if you get the oppotunity.
Powell and pressburger with carry grant?!🤯 that would of been amazing. Wow.
in the top 3 best ever, along with 2001 and apocalypse now
Magnificant though this film is it only , by the limitations of time, shows the tip of the iceberg regarding TELs life in the desert and fighting the Turks.
I reread 7 pillars every few years and always find something new in it.
Its not an easy read due to TELs dense prose , he is an intellectual , but anybody who is interested and would like to understand the film much better should read it.
'What Lawrence probably wasn't expecting (when he made that agreement with Korda) was that he would be tragically killed in a motorcycle accident only five months after his meeting with him' (5:19): that, ladies and gentlemen, is one bizarre sentence. In short: Lawrence wasn't expecting to die five months later. Well, well, well, really?
Months with the Bedouin and he's still grabbing food with his left hand? I learned not to make that mistake even before I hung out with the Bedouin! (Scene - Lawrence and his initial guide exchanging food).
As far as the video goes, well done and exhaustively researched.
O'Toole ruined a screen test for "suddenly, last summer". Playing a brain surgeon he turned to the camera and said "It's all right, Mrs Speigel, but your son will never play the violin again".
Good...but the narration is too fast. Slow it down a bit...throw a few old interviews in the mix too. But good material. thanks.
I watched it at .75 speed. That's a little too slow, but better than the normal speed
Even a video about the production of LoA is long enough to require an intermission...
The best money can buy
Video on The Insane Production Behind Kingdom of Heaven
Not sure why they were so worried about rights. He's a historical figure, there is no copyright on historical figures. Anyone can make a movie on say Lincoln or Julius Caesar. Now if you are quoting a specific work you need rights but that's about it.
SA-6
RSD 58
Starstreak
Wait..what? Some Indian guru recommended o’tool for the role? Eh? lol amazing.
Cotton looks like a undertaker
...food from Copenhagen? herring no doubt..lol