Lawrence of Arabia

The first thing I noticed, was that this film feels endless. It is divided into two parts with a musical intermezzo in between. This wasn't only for practical reasons, it shows us also the two sides of the British colonial project. The first part contains the 'Romantic' vision of the explorer. We got introduced to Lawrence as a young, passionate soldier who gets the task to find Prince Faisal. Together with a local guide, he begins his journey through the desert. In this first part, we see a lot of exotic panoramic views of the desert. He gets to know the Arabs better and learn about their culture. He even becomes friends with them. In the second part of the film, we see the destructive reality of colonialism. It is much more violent. Even Lawrence character seems to change for the worst. 

During the whole film, there are some recurring tropes. One of them can be explained through Spivak's famous statement 'White men saving brown women from brown men'. In this case, it is the British coloniser that saves the Arabs from the Ottomans. Only we discover that it is out of own interest that they helped the Arabs to unite. The British emphasize the strategic importance of some occupied regions, but merely critical in their colonial project. They don't even want to provide ammunition to their so-called ally. In general, Lawrence can also be seen as the white saviour in leading the Prince's army against the Turks.  

The notion of 'Bromance' is also very present throughout the two parts. When Lawrence meets Ali, you get a pure rom-com moment with the first gaze and the instant hate. Of course, this turns around and they become inseparable. Besides the Bromance, there are certain subtle signs of homosexuality as a trope. 

The last theme, which I find noticeable, is that of a dual identity. Lawrence is a Brit in his way of thinking. His strategic warfare reminds us of other European battles. Thereby conflict his ethics continuous with that of the Arabs. However, it appears that in his heart he feels like an Arab. When he is wandering through the desert on his camel, he is one with the relentless nature. He makes it his passion to help his friends, his brothers to liberate their land from its intruders and he won't stop.

Not only is his identity dual, but it is also profoundly constructed. The scène of his funeral shows this really good. When a reporter asks attenders what he was like people tell extreme stories they have heard, very varied. It was as if no one actually knew him, except the media version of him. Lawrence with his dual feelings didn't seem to know himself either. Finally, after watching the film can we the viewers confident say that we got to know Lawrence a bit better? or is it also based on construction and prejudices?