Lawrence of Arabia story
Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. It was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel through his British company Horizon Pictures and Columbia Pictures, with the screenplay by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson and starring Peter O'Toole in the title role. The film, a British and American co-production, depicts Lawrence's experiences in the Ottoman Empire's provinces of Hejaz and Greater Syria during World War I, in particular his attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement in the Arab National Council. Its themes include Lawrence's emotional struggles with the personal violence inherent in war, his own identity, and his divided allegiance between his native Britain and its army, and his new-found comrades within the Arabian desert tribes. The film also stars Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains and Arthur Kennedy.
15 total · 2 choice · 9 major · 4 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| cultural exchange | choice | Lawrence went to live and ride with the Beduins in Beduin fashion, to win their hearts as it were, during the joint British-Arab campaigns against the Ottomans. |
| the desire for glory | choice | Lawrence wanted to be a prophet of war or something |
| conflict of cultural norms | major | Lawrence had trouble with some Arab customs, such as blood feuds and killing people for various seemingly barbaric reasons. This is particularly apparent when Lawrence is forced to execute his friend. |
| heroism | major | Lawrence became a great hero in the eyes of some Arabs almost as much as in his own |
| honor | major | Lawrence had many discussions that had to do with honor, for example with Sherif Ali about stealing his compass |
| human vs. desert environment | major | During Lawrence's trek to Faisal, and then Aqaba, the viewer is made to imagine what it'd be like to get lost in the desert. |
| stranded without food and water | major | During Lawrence's trek to Faisal, and then again to Aqaba, we imagined what it'd be like to get lost in the desert. |
| there is strength in unity | major | Lawrence taught the Arab tribes that they had to work together or they would be weak and exploited |
| what it is like in a combat zone | major | We saw attacks on Feisal's camp, the cities of Aqaba and Damascus, and there was a raid on train to boot. |
| when in Rome | major | Lawrence notably adopted many Arab customs |