AFI Film #100: Ben Hur

I find it extremely telling about the times we live in that the opening scenes of Ben Hur leave me thinking of a contemporary video game: Assassin's Creed (after being curious, I checked to see if, in fact, the game's designers weren't directly drawing inspiration from the classic film - lo and behold - they certainly did!). One thing I do find notable in the early stages is how this film sets the tone for epic films in the way it is shot and the manner in which it addresses itself in the opening sequences.

So as we delve deeper into this epic of EPIKness, I am struck by the manner of how a film that will be hitting it's 50th anniversary next year has held such a visual and narrative presence. There are elements that make it appear dated, particularly the... "brown"face makeup of Hugh Griffith as Sheik Ilderim, and some of the special effects. Occasionally the language used in the script comes across as stilted as well but overall the film maintains its appeal.

Looking at this film from a historical perspective, it's easy to understand how this film has proven to be heavily influential on later films, with Gladiator and 300 leaping to mind.

One part of the overall story that I find myself quite amused and enamored with is the manner in which Charlton Heston's Judah Ben Hur crosses paths incidentally with Jesus throughout the film. Of course, I also find myself wondering if sometimes JBH isn't an allegorical, ass-kicking version of Christ? For some reason that would amuse me. At any rate, the film's gradual build to the chariot race payoff is well worth it, and frankly, I'm glad I finally sat down and watched it. I am kind of disappointed in myself for never watching it until now.

Then again, this is just one example of what the project is all about: watching some "classic" movies I haven't seen and watching others that I have seen from a different angle. Speaking of which, up next is Toy Story! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

4.5 Cold Dead Hands out of 5