Capital Celluloid 2012 - Day 344: Sun Dec 9

Lawrence of Arabia (Lean, 1962): Empire Leicester Square, 2pm
No apologies for putting the new 4K restoration of David Lean's classic up again so soon after its last appearance here as it's on at the Empire where it should be. 

Here is the introduction to two special screeningsThis Sunday 9th December and Tuesday 11th December UK film audiences have the chance to enjoy Lawrence of Arabia in the incredible Screen One at the Empire Leicester Square. A real cinematic event, these screenings represent a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience David Lean’s classic desert epic back on one of the biggest and best screens in Britain. 
 
With a 1,330 strong cinema capacity and high quality 56K Watt THX certified sound system, Lawrence of Arabia will be showcased in the best possible setting, bringing excitement and anticipation in its original roadshow presentation that features an overture and intermission.
 
Craig Jones, Director of Film at Empire Cinemas said; “We’re really excited to be able to screen Lawrence of Arabia to celebrate its 50th anniversary. To be able to offer our audiences the opportunity to see this classic film up on the big screen again following its digital restoration is an honour. Here at Empire Cinemas we’re committed to offering our audiences a wide range of entertainment – Lawrence of Arabia is certainly one not to be missed.” 
 
In the year this acclaimed title celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new digital restoration, Lawrence of Arabia was presented to the world at Cannes before going on to screen at esteemed festivals in Edinburgh, Bologna and London, where Omar Sharif attended for a special Q&A session. Released on 23 November in the UK, Lawrence of Arabia has achieved rave reviews across the board with critics unanimous in their praise of the 7-time Academy Award winning classic, winning Best Picture and Best Director in 1963.
 
Sony Pictures’ Lawrence of Arabia screens at the Empire Leicester Square, Screen One on 9th and 11th December, at 2.30pm and 6pm respectively. There may never be a greater occasion in which to view this film.
 
For information and to book tickets to Lawrence of Arabia at your nearest Empire Cinemas, visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08 714 714 714.

Chicago Reader review:
'David Lean's 1962 spectacle about T.E. Lawrence's military career between 1916 and '18, written by Robert Bolt and produced by Sam Spiegel, remains one of the most intelligent, handsome, and influential of all war epics. Combining the scenic splendor of De Mille with virtues of the English theater, Lean endeared himself to English professors and action buffs alike. The film won seven Oscars, including best picture and direction, yet the ideological crassness of De Mille and most war movies isn't so much transcended as given a high gloss: the film's subject is basically the White Man's Burden—despite ironic notations—with Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif called upon to represent the Arab soul, and Jose Ferrer embodying the savage Turks. The all-male cast helps make this one of the most homoerotic of all screen epics, though the characters' sexual experiences are at best only hinted at.'
Jonathan Rosenbaum

Here is the trailer for the restored version.

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