Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the best filmmakers of this generation, and he humbly gives credit to one classic movie that inspired him to discover the world of cinema. Known for his works on blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, the director owes it all to David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia.
The 1962 epic biographical adventure drama film was based on T. E. Lawrence’s real-life story and his 1926 book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The movie was also a recipient of various prestigious accolades such as the Academy and Golden Globe Awards.
Steven Spielberg On Why Lawrence of Arabia Is His Favorite Movie
While speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, director Steven Spielberg revealed the film he watched the most was Lawrence of Arabia.
I’ve probably watched that movie more than any other film. The thing that it means to me is it’s one of the most audacious films I’ve ever seen.
He went on to describe why he thinks the movie was so exceptional in the sense that it depicted “a deeply detailed portrait of a lonely human being who doesn’t know anything about himself.” He said that “his identity comes from what people say about him, what people write about him, and the people who take his picture,” but the character doesn’t know who he really is.
Spielberg also argued that the intimate story could have been told in its simplest form, but it dared to be different by showing the viewers the most stunning visual landscapes amid the fight scenes.
That very personal story that could have been told in close-ups is set against a backdrop, a mural of some of the most spectacular scenic action I’ve ever seen in my life in any movie I’ve ever seen. It’s basically the juxtaposition between the small and the gargantuan.
Lawrence of Arabia grossed almost $70 million against a budget of $15 million. It was a critical success after it took home 10 Oscar nominations, winning seven including Best Picture and Best Director.
Lawrence of Arabia Inspired Steven Spielberg To Become A Filmmaker
In another interview with American Film Institute, Spielberg claimed the 1962 film set things in motion for him.
Certainly Lawrence of Arabia was the film that, you know, set me on my journey.
Moreover, he admitted the film was a “major miracle” because the illusions were not made with CGI or special effects. The little things he noticed in the movie provoked him to learn more about making films – things like wide-shot scenes and the way those intimate stories were told on the screen.
The Oscar-winning director holds the film in high regard and considers it fundamental to his career in filmmaking. Interestingly, Spielberg does not see himself as the main character. “I don’t identify with his ego,” argued the director objectively.
Lawrence of Arabia is available on Netflix.
