When people think of 'Ben-Hur', most immediately think of the 1959 film directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, the best known version. This 1925 film, a massive landmark achievement at the time and still captivates in the best possible way 92 years later, in no way should be overlooked. For some it's even better than the 1959 film, for me it isn't quite but it is every bit as great.
'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' isn't quite perfect for me. May McAvoy is slightly out of place looks-wise and is a little too histrionic for my tastes, even for the silent film era. Some of the makeup is artificial-looking, while Messala doesn't have the complexity and depth he has in the 1959 film where one gets much more of a sense that he is more than your standard villain. All that being said, 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' should not be overlooked. That the film is silent and that it's "old" should not be factors in whether one should see it and should not be reasons for anybody to dismiss it. Especially considering that there are many classic silent films out there and many of the best films ever made are pre-1960.
Some may find that, being the much shorter film, that it is more accessible than the 1959 film and in no way does its troubled production (with director and actor changes and apparently extra fatalities when filming the sea battle) show. As a film on its own, without comparison to the later film, 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is incredibly wonderful in its own right.
Visually, it is more than easy to see why it is still considered a massive, landmark achievement technically and unlike any other film seen during the period. The spectacle is truly stunning and leaves one in awe, there is plenty of eye-popping production design and it's beautifully shot throughout. Carl Davis provides a stirring score that couldn't have fitted more like a glove with the action.
It's not just the visuals where 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is awe-inspiring. The chariot race is every bit as exciting as the iconic one in the 1959 film and the sea battle is similarly splendid. The story is taut and rousing with interesting characters, but underneath all the spectacle and excitement 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' also has a heart and emotional core. This can be especially seen in the mother and sister scenes.
Fred Niblo shows that he was more than up to the task and he brings the best out of a well-cast group of actors (McAvoy excepted). Ramon Novarro exudes charisma and intensity in the title role, while Francis X Bushman and Nigel Du Brulier particularly excel of the rest of the cast.
Overall, incredible and more than well worth your tale, a must-watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox
'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' isn't quite perfect for me. May McAvoy is slightly out of place looks-wise and is a little too histrionic for my tastes, even for the silent film era. Some of the makeup is artificial-looking, while Messala doesn't have the complexity and depth he has in the 1959 film where one gets much more of a sense that he is more than your standard villain. All that being said, 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' should not be overlooked. That the film is silent and that it's "old" should not be factors in whether one should see it and should not be reasons for anybody to dismiss it. Especially considering that there are many classic silent films out there and many of the best films ever made are pre-1960.
Some may find that, being the much shorter film, that it is more accessible than the 1959 film and in no way does its troubled production (with director and actor changes and apparently extra fatalities when filming the sea battle) show. As a film on its own, without comparison to the later film, 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is incredibly wonderful in its own right.
Visually, it is more than easy to see why it is still considered a massive, landmark achievement technically and unlike any other film seen during the period. The spectacle is truly stunning and leaves one in awe, there is plenty of eye-popping production design and it's beautifully shot throughout. Carl Davis provides a stirring score that couldn't have fitted more like a glove with the action.
It's not just the visuals where 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is awe-inspiring. The chariot race is every bit as exciting as the iconic one in the 1959 film and the sea battle is similarly splendid. The story is taut and rousing with interesting characters, but underneath all the spectacle and excitement 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' also has a heart and emotional core. This can be especially seen in the mother and sister scenes.
Fred Niblo shows that he was more than up to the task and he brings the best out of a well-cast group of actors (McAvoy excepted). Ramon Novarro exudes charisma and intensity in the title role, while Francis X Bushman and Nigel Du Brulier particularly excel of the rest of the cast.
Overall, incredible and more than well worth your tale, a must-watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox