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Jackson, Kevin. "Reputation and Restoration: 1962-2007." Lawrence of Arabia. BFI Film Classics. London: British Film Institute, 2007. 107-117.
In this chapter, Kevin Jackson writes of the enduring legacy of Lawrence of Arabia, and the impact that the film provided in America, Britain, and around the world. Additionally, he writes of the power that the film had in influencing other important directors down the years, from Martin Scorsese to Steven Spielberg. He even includes a recounting of the various awards garnered by the film at the Academy Awards, and later recognitions given to David Lean and Peter O’Toole. Moreover, Jackson relates the subsequent careers of the actors and filmmakers. Intriguingly, most of the individuals involved in the making of this film had mostly unsuccessful ventures, whether in the fields of acting, directing, or producing. Nevertheless, the movie itself, and the legend of T. E. Lawrence that it helped construct, persists to this day, through various theatrical rereleases, a restoration, and DVD distribution. The myth of Lawrence has inspired the writing of various biographies, from a wide range of perspectives, the production of several television documentaries, and even a highly popular museum exhibition.
This piece, although brief, provides a glimpse into the more modern reception of the film. It gives a clear idea of Lawrence of Arabia’s impact on cinematic history and its influence on the genre of the historical epic. It provides concrete evidence of the surprising endurance of the legend of T. E. Lawrence, and the continual returns to this subject by writers, directors, and members of the public. Furthermore, it shows that the controversies that surrounded the film and its contributors aided in securing the fascination of contemporary and succeeding generations.tagged films jackson lawrence_of_arabia reputation restoration by ericajm ...on 08-APR-08