I am very surprised by the negative reviews for this film, and feel strongly that they are very unfair. As an extremely low-budget movie, apparently shot with just one camera and a tiny crew of five, it is reminiscent of the films of old, before the big corporations dominated the film-going experience with their mega budgets and special effects. Of course it could never compete with the likes of those, and it isn't meant to. I was at the gala première in Poole on the 9th of October. There were no sound issues, and no issues regarding the quality of the film. Yes, the start is a bit slow, as it aims to explain the issues that could have led to Lawrence's possible assassination. But then it picks up the pace and completely draws you in. I loved the fact that there were no complicated shots, just a simple visual story telling, at the end of which one is left with questions about what did really happen. The music by the likes of Bruce Woolley ('Video Killed the Radio Star'), Chris Thompson ("Blinded by the Light, Manfred Mann's Earth Band), Rick Wakeman ("Yes") and Clifford White was great, and the use of well-known actors in cameo roles well-considered (Michael Maloney, Hugh Fraser, Nicole Ansari-Cox, and the voice of Brian Cox) I would challenge anyone to go it alone and personally fund a feature film, then go on to win multiple awards (31) at the various film festivals. Of course such a project could never compare to what audiences are used to these days. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the film, have spoken to lots of people who loved it too, and am looking forward to seeing it again with members of my family next week! Hats off to the director, cast and crew. A very well done!
Review of Lawrence: After Arabia
