Breathtaking, simply breathtaking. Three hours and forty minutes of pure delight! You are probably asking yourself how watching a movie for that long could even be considered a delight. I was wondering the same until it was over and I just sat in my seat wanting it to never end.
I was fortunate enough to have read the Fathom Event offering and immediately purchased a ticket. I was able to watch it on the Big Screen; I’m not talking about the 50 incher at home but the real big screen, reclining seats, bag of popcorn and all!
I was young when Ben Hur came upon the scene. I’ve read that it cost $15,500,000 to produce. That was a huge amount of money in 1959. But the studio’s gamble paid off with a record breaking eleven Academy Awards and a film that has truly stood the test of time.
The story is about Judah Ben Hur, a Nobleman. Judah is a rich Jewish Prince and merchant in Jerusalem in the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor, his old childhood friend, Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions.
When Charlton Heston walks on the screen, he is Ben Hur. I mean he truly embodies the character. He is good looking in a very masculine way. He’s muscular, sturdy and simple exudes moral presence. He’s the kind of guy you want on your team. Perfectly cast.
The film is pure visual splendor, thundering action and towering drama. Ben Hur takes us on a heroic odyssey. From a life of privilege, he is enslaved by the Romans, vengeful tormentors. Leaving his mother, sister and future wife in the care of what’s left of his servants, he is dragged away to end up on a slave boat. Through a twist of fate or divine intervention he survives and his life turns back into a life of plenty. He eventually finds his way back to Jerusalem and a whole new journey.
I don’t want to give away the whole plot but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the furious arena chariot race against his old friend and now nemesis, Mesalla. If you’re like me and never had the privilege of seeing the complete film, you will probably still recall the film clips of this amazing feat of imagery.
To name just a few, Ben Hur won Best Picture, Best Actor (Charlton Heston), Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith), Best Music Score, Best Art Director… Cinematography, Writing, Film Editing, Sound, Special Effects, Costumes and of course, Best Directing by William Wyler. Wyler masterfully grips the reins of an enduring and spellbinding spectacular.
You might ask since it was the 1st Century where was Jesus Christ. He was there, not center stage, but none the less woven into His time.
Even though others have tried remakes of this enduring film, I’ve decided that I will now spend the money and buy this beautifully remastered version of arguably, one of the best classics of all time. At the moment, it is easily rented or streamed, so turn on the fifty-incher, pop the corn and settle into the lounger for the adventure of a lifetime. Simply stunning! Let me know what you think at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com.
PS: There is a scheduled intermission countdown in the middle, so don’t fret about the time!
Leave a Reply