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Peter O'Toole used Lawrence of Arabia as a springboard and launched his career, wherein he built a reputation as one of cinema's greatest actors. For me, though, I had only seen him in two films he probably regretted doing - King Ralph and Troy - and then as a voice actor in the Pixar masterpiece, Ratatouille. After experiencing his beautiful, haunting turn as T.E. Lawrence, I'm eager to see more of his work.

Lawrence is a bit of an enigma - he's quiet and reserved, but can be shrill and emotional, as well. He blends into the background, but also stands in front, leading his men into battle. He seeks out publicity and adoration, but can't seem to handle it all that well. O'Toole is completely believable on an emotional and physical level. He uses his physicality - his height, his lankiness, his practically glowing white skin, and his piercing blue eyes - as a way to stand out from the crowd. He seems like a born leader of these men and quickly proves himself capable of that enormous charge. Near the end of the film, Lawrence undergoes a radical personality change and O'Toole handles it with ease. It's just one more indicator of a great character and performance and O'Toole was deservedly nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award, but lost to Gregory Peck's also iconic role in To Kill a Mockingbird. In addition to numerous accolades at the time and over the years, the American Film Institute named Lawrence as the 10th greatest Hero in all of cinema, and it's easy to see why.

Considering it's the lead role in a huge production, it's not surprising the young, mostly unknown O'Toole wasn't the first choice for Lawrence. Albert Finney was Lean's initial choice, but he didn't think the film would be a hit and turned it down. Marlon Brando refused the role as well, and Anthony Perkins and Montgomery Clift were each considered for the part before Lean and producer Sam Spiegel decided on O'Toole. I can't imagine any of them turning in a performance anywhere near as wonderful or layered as O'Toole did, and I shudder at the thought of Brando prancing and mumbling through the film. It seems like one of those instances where the chosen actor was destined to play the part.

Omar Sharif, an Egyptian-born actor, is excellent as Ali - he has a quick wit, endearing smile, and imposing glare and uses all these features and more to create a well-rounded and interesting character. Ali is a proud, strong, and determined man and has one of the best introductory scenes that I've ever seen. We first see him from a great distance, riding towards Lawrence and his guide as they drink from a well. He rides directly at the camera - it's a long take with a long lens and the buildup is fantastic - wearing dark robes and brandishing a firearm. From the first moment Ali is onscreen, you just know he's going to be a captivating character. Sharif embodies him with so much heart and fire and humor and was rewarded with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Like O'Toole, Sharif went home from the Academy Awards empty handed, which is a shame.

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