Steven Spielberg on how LAWRENCE OF ARABIA inspired him to make movies

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In this clip from the AFI Archive, Director Steven Spielberg shares how David Lean's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA inspired him to make movies.
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[@roo7227]

I think it's the greatest film in the history of cinema.. Period.. Going to see it in 70 mm panoramic widescreen for the 3rd time, in August, at the Paramount Theatre, in Austin..

[@petrfrizen6078]

I hope, You enjoyed the viewing.

[@pix046]

When Spielberg waxes lyrical about a movie that is praise indeed.

[@alexpollock6932]

I watched Lawrence of Arabia for the first time last year, and It just captivated me the entire time. One of my favorite details was in the beginning. Just the way that the first scene looks nothing like the rest of the movie. Lawrence’s death from crashing his motorcycle is handled so unceremoniously, and is shot hand held. Without words it conveys the irony of Lawrence’s life being so massive and sprawling just for him to die in an mundane accident. Just that scene alone is a great lesson for a young film maker.

[@ianbauer4703]

Lean was the director's director. Amazing artist.

[@JesusCristo2002]

For me, my top three Old Hollywood directors are: Alfred Hitchcock, Elia Kazan and Orson Welles. David Lean and John Ford might change that. "Laurence of Arabia" is easily one of the top ten greatest films ever made.

[@erpollock]

Spielberg has such knowledge of how a film is filmed. He knew the technical details.

[@kennethleoganda9805]

Ive watched lawrence over 40 times n still enjoy it

[@ethanwood9124]

That’s a lot of hours

[@EMILIOYERO]

It’s not about how many times you watched it, nobody cares. What did you learn? That’s something I would like to know, your takes, your perspectives, so we all can have a richer collective experience.

[@mikeyriart816]

I have seen "Lawrence of..." 33 times, twice the in the same function I LOVE that film.!!!!! Mike From. San Andres Great Buenos Aires Argentina

[@mgalin1]

Inspiration is the true motivator. Thx, Mr Spielberg.

[@mooneredwop3933]

Now he is inspiring us, it's a cord of culture to inherit the inspiration by the greatest

[@deluslawrence9333]

I believe it to be one of the best films. A very well crafted movie down to the last detail. Congratulations to all of you.

[@futuropasado]

Probably this film has the most stunning cinematography EVER along with Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Stanley really worshipped Lean he considered him the best brit director in that time and a top 3 favourite. You can notice Lean's vissual style inspiring mid/late Kubrick from 2001 onwards.

[@Kaiserbill99]

David Lean was British.

[@futuropasado]

@@Kaiserbill99 yep sorry. But still the rest is true.

[@movieandseriesguy7389]

I just saw this film today at the cinemas! 🙌🤩🎞️

[@noc_yt]

My favorite director.

[@iost5459]

0816Egg fancy seeing you here

[@jay1jayf]

who is fancy, and whats so special about about egg

[@jgee4073]

I was new to Washington DC when the remastered version was being shown at a classic theater uptown in Cleveland Park. It was a cold, snowy winter Sunday afternoon. I overheard two men behind me talking about taping the testimony of congressman John Tower so that they could attend the movie. I thought how inconsequential Washington, DC is!

[@cinedeautor6642]

A master of master...David Lean.

[@fmulder1989]

Spielberg is and always will be my favourite director!

[@ericburns5125]

fmulder1989 He's my favourite director too and he always has been and he always will be

[@taraharton8798]

How do you know he always will be? You might find someone better one day.

[@MrDjambronk]

I just realized that Empire of The Sun were very 'Lean-esque'.

[@robertmarginean164]

I actually got to experience this movie in the theatre last year, and I've gotta be honest, in terms of visuals, it beats Dune's ass and then some

[@RedSpectrumPictures]

Spielberg is my biggest inspiration, Hitchcock is also a great director!

[@Tokyorosebiz]

Steven make a Christmas Movie How about It's a Wonderful Life on 34th Street. One of the Best Christmas Stories ever written. Check out the Audio Book on KZbin.

[@joseaugustoferreira1181]

Good

[@generalcircle]

That's a rather large generalization which isn't necessarily true.

[@jameshudson169]

what do you think Larry of Arabia's about? promises?

[@DanLyndon]

Spielberg often references these great works of art that apparently inspired him, but then his own films are nothing but the most schmaltsy, hackneyed crap. Even when he's trying to be artful, all he does is add a layer of pretentiousness to dress it up. He learned NOTHING from Lawrence of Arabia.

[@bill-fk7tl]

He made good movies Nothing came close to lawrence