Cinematography | Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

July 27, 2020

Cinematography | Lawrence of Arabia (1962) | Freddie Young BSC

LAWRENCEOFARABIA (1962) is restored and to be presented in glorious 70 mm again!

The entire world was shook by the grandeur of this film, precisely of the desert of middle east, photographed in 'Super Panavision 70'. Winner of 7 academy awards, including best picture.

'Lawrence of Arabia', directed by auteur, David Lean, is based on the true life of Thomas Edward Lawrence, a British officer served in World War I, at Cairo, Egypt. He played an instrumental role in the 'Arab Revolt', and won the hearts of the people because of his good deeds, therefore, entitled, 'Lawrence of Arabia'. This film was deserved to be shot in 'Super Panavision 70' - special camera and lenses of Panavision meant for superior cinematography. Massive landscape of the desert, shot in wide and panaromic angles was a visual delight. Cinematographer, Freddie Young was deservedly recognised with an academy award for his stunning photography.

Official 70 mm engagement trailer:

https://youtu.be/EgAeTm3PMds

We are sort of unfortunate as even though, some of our regional theatres were equipped with 70 mm film projection between 1975 and 2000, we never witnessed it's true potential on it's big screen, because our projectionists or owners were reluctant of maintaining and leveraging it's capacities due to associated costs. Perhaps, it could be the reason, our theatres were the first ones to adopt to seemingly inferior digital projection. Some of the theatres in Europe and United States retain film projections.

I wish I could watch 'Lawrence of Arabia', in 70 mm film stock with sound mixed in Dolby stereo, projected on 70 mm film projection. 2012 marked the 40th anniversary of this film. Prasad Labs, Madras was among the restoration teams worked in tandem with Hollywood restoration initiative, spearheaded by Martin Scorsese. Thanks to Christopher Nolan and other advocates of film, studios are releasing their epics in 70 mm film stock.

I admire cinematography as much as I admire direction as the filmmakers's vision is not only brought into reality on the screen by cinematographers but the vision is given life by them. I'm glad epic 'Lawerence of Arabia' tops the list of ASC's best 100 cinematography of the 20th century. It truly deserves it's position.

Nothing is written.'

#LawrenceofArabia (1962)

The entire world was shook by the grandeur of this film, precisely of the desert of middle east, photographed in 'Super Panavision 70'. Winner of 7 academy awards, including best picture.