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Wilson, Michael. "Lawrence of Arabia: Elements and Facets of the Theme." Cineaste: America's Leading Magazine on the Art and Politics of the Cinema 21.4 (1995): 30-32.
Michael Wilson’s article, although brief, acts as a valuable starting point for research on Lawrence of Arabia. Wilson highlights the important themes that arise when studying the portrayal of T. E. Lawrence’s character in the epic film, and the various complexities and contradictions that arise when attempting to unravel the mystery that lies behind the man. Presented in the format of a numbered list, Wilson extends his proposal of each subject matter with a brief description and an argument as to its relevance in providing a deeper understanding of the film’s underlying messages. He covers such themes as the marginal status of T. E. Lawrence within Great Britain, Lawrence’s desire for fame and the immortality that comes with it, and even his secret admiration and devotion to a mysterious figure known only by the initials ‘S.A.’
This article serves to introduce the reader to the incredible sense of history that saturates the film: American participation in World War I, and their subsequent need to see a hero arise from the ashes of mass murder and immeasurable bloodshed; the long Arabian tradition of autocratic rule; Britain’s attempts to expand its empire into the Arab front. Overall, while this piece would not serve as a central source to back up the arguments in a longer paper, it still functions well as a stepping stone, a pool of ideas that can aid during the essential brainstorming process that comes before any significant researching feat.
tagged films lawrence_of_arabia themes wilson by ericajm ...on 08-APR-08