Lawrence of Arabia

Synopsis • The film follows the life of T. E. Lawrence and his

experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during the first world War, the film also focuses on the events of the attacks on Aqaba and Damascus and his involvement with the Arab national council

• The film was made in 1962 and was produced b the British film company: Horizon Pictures

• The film has won numerous awards and has earned preservation in the United States Library of congress National Film Registry

• The film features Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn and Peter O’Toole

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud1zpHW3ito

Camera angles: long shots

• During the opening scene, the film uses several examples of long/wide shots. The most notable example is when the Sharif Ali is approaching the two characters. The film uses an extreme wide shot to establish the setting, it shows how vast the Arabian desert is. This establishes the scene for the audience and perspectives the size of the desert-this could immerse them into the film more. In addition, an extreme wide shot is used to evoke mystery. The audience can’t see the character clearly, this adds tension as the audience does not know who this character is. If a closer shot was used as Ali approaches (e.g. a medium shot) the shot would be less tense and the audience could see the characters face and his facial expression, they will know the characters affiliation and intent immediately

Camerawork: medium shot

• As Sharif Ali approaches, there is an example of a medium shot where both characters are visible-this is also an example of a two shot. The use of a medium shot ensures that both characters are visible in shot and ensures that both characters facial expressions are clear. The facial expressions need to visible so the audience can understand what the characters are feeling, they can emote with the characters and they'll have a better understanding of the seriousness of the situation

Camerawork: Panning shot

• As the Bedouin guide realises who is approaching them, a panning shot is used to follow the guide as he runs to the camel. A panning shot is used to display to the audience what the guide is doing, it adds displays his exact actions and makes the scene more clear to the audience. In addition, a panning shot what used to increase the pace of the shot. This makes the scene more tense because the character and the camera is moving faster

Sound: non-diegetic

• An example of non-diegetic sound in this was when Sharif shot the Bedouin, a gunshot sound effect was added to this scene to make the shot more believable . The non-diegetic sound added will immerse the audience because they will believe the shot is real. The audience will be more captivated by the film because it appears as if it is real

Editing: colour

• One noticeable aspect of the shot was the colour saturation, the colour has been increased which creates a very vibrant shot. The increase in colour provides a very bright shot, this ensures that the audience can see the detail of the film more clearly. There are very few dark scenes because of the saturation, this provides clarity to the audience

Mise-en-scene: clothing• Throughout the clip, the three

characters are seen to be wearing traditional Arabic clothing, the clothing is appropriate for the time (the film is set in the first world war) and location of the shot. This adds similitude to the shot, the film looks very similar to post war Arabia . In addition, this makes the audience believe that the film is set during the war. It immerses the audience in the film because it is accurate.

• This film follows Todorov’s equilibrium and disequilibrium theory, it follows the structure: equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to fix then the new equilibrium. It begins without any disruption, there is order (equilibrium). Sharif Ali appears in the distance (disruption). The two characters realise these person in the distance could be a threat so the Bedouin draws a weapon (recognition). The Bedouin is killed by Sharif in an attempt to restore order (attempt to fix). Finally, Lawrence and Sharif talk and there is no hostility. Order has been restored (new equilibrium)