"Lawrence of Arabia"
Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness and Anthony Quinn star in David Lean’s 1962 classic, based on the life of flamboyant and controversial British Army officer T.E. Lawrence, showing Sunday and Tuesday at the Michigan Theater as part of its Summer Classics series.
The film’s themes include Lawrence's emotional struggles with the personal violence inherent in war, his personal identity, and his divided allegiance between his native Britain and its army and his newfound comrades within the Arabian desert tribes.
O'Toole is generally considered brilliant in the title role, an officer who becomes a hero and then seeks anonymity under an assumed name. One of the film’s most amazing scenes, with horses jumping from a train, probably wouldn't even be allowed today.
“Lawrence of Arabia” is one of those films that really need to be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated, and the Michigan Theater is the perfect place.
Summer Classics film series presents “Lawrence of Arabia” at the Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor, Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 (with discounts for students, seniors & theater members). Details at www.michtheater.org or 734-668-8397. Advance tickets at ticketweb.com. 216 minutes. Rated PG.