Online Resources
Biographical
BFI: David Lean Website
No, not this web site, but one put together by the BFI (British Film Institute). An excellent web site containing lots of rare and intriguing artifacts for online viewing. This is a “must see” web site for any fan of David Lean or his films.
David Lean Foundation:
A foundation that provides grants to young filmmakers that is run by the trustree’s of Lean’s estate.
Internet Movie Database (IMDB): David Lean
IMDB’s listing for David Lean. Site contains small biography, complete listing of all his films to include cast/crew, technical aspects, trivia, plot summaries, and more.
LA Weekly: David Lean at 100: The talent behind the legend.
Article discussing the film career of David Lean on the eve of (what would have been) his 100th birthday.
Herald Tribune. David Lean, perfectionist of madness.
A brief article discussing the work of David Lean. Article was to coincide with the David Lean Retrospective playing at the Film Forum in NY.
Sense of Cinema web site. David Lean Profile
Written by Alain Silver, this is an excellent overview and analysis of David Lean and his films.
Wikipedia
The online “community” encyclopedia lists Lean’s accomplishments with a brief history of his life. The majority of the information is correct though there are some “facts” that are inaccurate.
Lean Times: A David Lean Profile
An outstanding 3-part profile on David Lean written by Trevor Hogg for the web site Flickering Myth.
Click here to read each part: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Film Analysis/Study
Greatest Films: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
A complete synopsis of Lawrence including lengthy script excepts.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)-AFI #5
Part of the American Film Institutes best 100 films of all time. Provides a brief list of cast credits [updated to include Michael Wilson's screenwriting credit] and links to books, videotapes, and soundtracks related to the film.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1952)-AFI #13
Part of the American Film Institutes best 100 films of all time. Provides a brief list of cast credits and links to books, videotapes, and soundtracks related to the film.
Widescreen Museum: Lawrence of Arabia
Web site hosts a collection of stills taken from Lawrence of Arabia.
Behind The Scenes
'Lawrence of Arabia' The Way It Should Be
A NY Times article written at the time of Lawrence of Arabia’s re-relase in 1988. Article quotes Steven Spielberg and quickly discusses the restoration work by Robert Harris.
The Restoration of Lawrence of Arabia
A transcription of a press article written by Columbia Picture released at the time of Lawrence’s restoration. A fascinating article that describes in detail the history of the restoration including the poor condition of the film elements and Lean’s involvement in the project. Essential reading.
A Few Notes on Lawrence of Arabia: Superbit
Robert Harris’ article for The Digital Bits that discusses the work that went into preparing Lawrence of Arabia for release as a Superbit DVD.
A few words about... Dr. Zhivago -- in Blu-Ray
Archivist Robert Harris offers some interesting notes on the “restoration” of Dr. Zhivago on Blu-ray. This is part of a forum discussion that continues for several pages.
Twice Around: Anne V. Coates talks about Lawrence of Arabia
Interesting interview with the celebrated editor of many films including Lawrence of Arabia. Mandatory reading for any fan of the film!