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Post by snsurone on Feb 20, 2017 18:46:25 GMT
This is another of my all-time favorite movies.
If asked what are their favorite scenes, most viewers would name the sea battle and/or the chariot race.
And I'd agree that those were great scenes.
But my favorite scene is the very last one, as the stunned Judah climbed the stairs to see his mother and sister miraculously cured of leprosy (the AIDS of biblical days), as the magnificent Miklos Rosza score boomed and the offscreen choir sang "Hallelujah!".
Lately, when this movie has been aired on TCM, it has been preceded by a 20-minute B&W documentary showing the beautiful (and playful) Arabian horses arriving in Rome, and their training for the chariot race.
There is no dialogue at all, just that same fantastic Rosza score.
The last minutes are of Charlton Heston learning to drive the chariot.
A fine intro, as is the film of costume and make-up tests for GWTW.
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Post by Moviefan on Feb 20, 2017 18:52:41 GMT
Ben-Hur is my all time favourite film. My favourite scene would be either the chariot race, the scene with Jesus, or the last scene that you mentioned.
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Post by snsurone on Feb 20, 2017 19:03:59 GMT
One thing puzzles me a little: on the old IMDb thread, a few posters mentioned that Cathy O'Donnel was too old for the role of Tirzah, and she only got the part because she was director William Wyler's sister-in-law.
While I never read the novel, it was apparent from early dialogue between Judah and Messala that Tirzah was of marriageable age.
So--how old was Tirzah supposed to be?
BTW, this movie was O'Donnel's last, and IMHO, hers was the weakest performance, with Martha Scott a close second.
One of the reasons that I so love the final scene is that there is NO dialogue.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2017 19:51:52 GMT
This is a definitely a great movie and beautifully filmed. And truly deserving of all its Oscar wins.
But I actually prefer the chariot race in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). Have you seen it?
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Post by snsurone on Feb 21, 2017 18:02:50 GMT
Yes, I did.
And while I admit the chariot race was beautifully photographed, I find the film as a whole to be inferior to the 1959 version.
And I have no intention of ever seeing that CGI remake of last year!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2017 18:05:27 GMT
Yes, I did. And while I admit the chariot race was beautifully photographed, I find the film as a whole to be inferior to the 1959 version. And I have no intention of ever seeing that CGI remake of last year! I did say: But I actually prefer the chariot race in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). I do agree with you re the recent remake. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2017 18:10:31 GMT
I would argue that many people like Ben Hur because they are christians. Fun fact: the novel Ben Hur was written by an atheist (who found God halfway through writing it), and who was also the man who put the price on Billy the Kid |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2017 18:12:47 GMT
Yes, I did. And while I admit the chariot race was beautifully photographed, I find the film as a whole to be inferior to the 1959 version. And I have no intention of ever seeing that CGI remake of last year! I did say: But I actually prefer the chariot race in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). I do agree with you re the recent remake. |
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Post by marshamae on Feb 21, 2017 18:25:15 GMT
Love this film. Used it to teach 2nd graders Roman history. We were aiming at getting them to identify Roman times as the first 500 years of AD , recognize Roman style clothing inventions and weapons, and contributions, daily living and typical foods. This film could not have been bettered for showing many aspects of Roman life, including their dealings with conquered peoples. It was exciting ,character driven, and thoroughly memorable.
I think Heston was extraordinary, raw and emotional with that fantastic voice , athletic ability and huge presence . There are better actors but I'm not sure any of them could have inhabited that role so well.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2017 18:28:52 GMT
I did say: But I actually prefer the chariot race in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). I do agree with you re the recent remake.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2017 18:31:48 GMT
Love this film. Used it to teach 2nd graders Roman history. We were aiming at getting them to identify Roman times as the first 500 years of AD , recognize Roman style clothing inventions and weapons, and contributions, daily living and typical foods. This film could not have been bettered for showing many aspects of Roman life, including their dealings with conquered peoples. It was exciting ,character driven, and thoroughly memorable. I think Heston was extraordinary, raw and emotional with that fantastic voice , athletic ability and huge presence . There are better actors but I'm not sure any of them could have inhabited that role so well. Did you ever watch the silent film of which this is a remake? If not, I highly recommend it. Makes for some interesting comparisons in many areas (acting, costumes, sets, action, etc). |
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Post by OldAussie on Feb 21, 2017 22:08:51 GMT
I recommend the 2016 version to demonstrate how dumb movie executives are . |
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Post by snsurone on Feb 22, 2017 16:31:44 GMT
Marsha, to this day I love Greco-Roman art, architecture, and mythology.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC has a separate wing displaying kraters, amphorae, and some of the best sculpture I've ever seen.
There is even a small fountain where one can see coins from around the world, LOL.
Sadly, some of the sculptures are defaced--the action of the medieval Catholic church after the fall of the Roman Empire.
If you ever visit the Big Apple, take a look.
BTW, it looks like there IS a movie we agree on.
Break out the bubbly!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 16:41:36 GMT
Sadly, some of the sculptures are defaced--the action of the medieval Catholic church after the fall of the Roman Empire. Not just the Church, but it seems no one had respect for the ancient stone masterpieces. Ottoman Turks used the Parthenon as a gunpowder magazine, and an explosion caused the ceiling to fall! And Napoleon's army used temples for target practice!for their cannons. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 18:05:10 GMT
You know i did not like this movie. But i watched it when i was 12 so that could be the reason.
I should probably re watch it now 21 years later
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2017 16:14:46 GMT
This movie is a masterpiece. One of the best.
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