``Lawrence of Arabia'' The overwhelming visual world that made Spielberg decide to become a director

Gifts from Scorsese and Spielberg

Although this film is packed with overwhelming design, the version released in 1962 had to be cut due to various reasons, and it seems that the film was in a form director Lean didn't want. Later, when the deleted film was discovered, it was recomposed and digitally remastered as originally desired, and was released as a ``complete version'' in 1988.

Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg played major roles in this project, which required a large amount of money. All of them grew up under the great influence of this work. The two became the driving forces behind the production of the complete version, giving a new generation an opportunity to experience this legendary work with a fresh perspective. 1988 was also a turning point, the 100th anniversary of Lawrence's birth, and I can't help but feel that the birth of the complete version was not just a heartfelt birth present from them to Lawrence, but also a way of repaying the favor of their lives.

"Lawrence of Arabia" (c)1962, renewed 1990, (c)1988 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Finally, just one more thing about the relationship between Lawrence and Spielberg. A famous Lawrence movie is a TV movie called ``A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia'' (1990), in which the title role was played by an unknown Ralph Fiennes.

There was no way Spielberg would miss this film, which depicts the aftermath of Lawrence of Arabia, and this led him to decide to cast Fiennes in a key role in his next film. Everyone knows that the resulting film `` Schindler's List '' (1993) opened the door to a new dimension for Spielberg, and also brought about a breakthrough for Fiennes, who played the role of a ruthless Nazi officer.

A true masterpiece is one that continues to have an impact on the present without being left behind by history. This is obvious when looking at the relationship between ``Lawrence of Arabia'' and Spielberg. Just as he continues to be overwhelmed by this work, we are sure to gain a lot from this work, which still shines like a new work half a century later.

Please feel free to experience the complete 227-minute journey through the desert, not just once, but as many times as you like.

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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"Lawrence of Arabia"

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Sony Pictures Entertainment

(c)1962, renewed 1990, (c)1988 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.