Nothing Is Written: A Lawrence Of Arabia Notebook

"The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts." Neal examines the introductory scene of Lawrence in the map room in Cairo. The scene takes place almost entirely in one shot and is a masterclass in introducing a character and in blocking actors within the frame.

In this episode, Neal discusses the frame which opens Lawrence Of Arabia - T.E. Lawrence's death in a motorcycle accident and the following memorial service at St. Paul's where prominent figures in Lawrence's story are asked about their relationship with him.

This episode takes a close look at the details and subtext in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA's title sequence (including the film's first great joke). The LofA titles play over one single high angle shot, looking down on Lawrence as he fuels up his motorcycle, but there's a lot going on in that one, simple shot.

Neal Romanek covers the genesis of Maurice Jarre's iconic LAWRENCE OF ARABIA's - and how it almost didn't happen - followed by a real-time analysis of the LofA "Overture".

So, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA...what's the big deal? In Episode 03 of "Nothing Is Written" Neal Romanek answers the question. What exactly is it that makes Lawrence such an unforgettable movie? Why should anyone spend time studying it? Why do a whole podcast about it? Neal argues that the film is not only an endless source of entertainment, but also a bottomless resource for any fan or student of the movies.

Neal Romanek covers the different versions of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA released over the years, including the industry-shaking 1989 70mm restoration and the problem with digital inflation and chasing the dragon of ever-higher resolutions. More pixels is not always better pixels. What has your experience been with classic film restorations? Film ... Read More

In this first episode of Nothing Is Written, Neal Romanek talks about his first encounter with David Lean's movie masterpiece LAWRENCE OF ARABIA - hearing his dad whistling the soundtrack music around the house.