7: Ryan's Daughter (1970)
Starring: Robert Mitchum, Trevor Howard and John Mills
In Seven (or more) Words: The thing about David Lean is, that he could unite excessive grandeur with depth in character. Roger Ebert noted that in this film, the acting capsized due to the perpetual scale employed on screen. Although Ryan's Daughter is massive in scope, I believe the likes of Robert Mitchum and Trevor Howard commensurate with the sublime scenery, constituting a finely balanced picture.
6: Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie and Geraldine Chaplin
In Seven (or more) Words: Lean's biggest foray into romance, in terms of the size of the picture, Doctor Zhivago dispatched Omar Sharif as more than a secondary character, combining chemistry and charisma opposite a stunning Julie Christie. Preferable to Boris Pasternak's original novel.
5: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa
In Seven (or more) Words: Runs a double narrative with William Holden and Alec Guinness positioned at both ends, although the denouement shunts them together in one of the most action heavy endings of 50's cinema. Palpable tension fixates the viewer, though the highlight is Alec Guinness, who received an Academy Award for Actor in a Leading Role, in realising outstanding bravery and conveying profound intentions as Colonel Nicholson. Lean was right to trust him.
4: Oliver Twist (1948)
Starring: Robert Newton, Alec Guinness and Kay Walsh
In Seven (or more) Words: Lean delved in Dickens twice, directing two incomparable book-to-screen adaptations. With Oliver Twist, Lean utilised Alex Guinness superbly, as the most dimensional Fagin to have appeared in a feature. The tangible Gothic aesthetic, previously seen in Great Expectations, is arguably the most constant of captivating visuals ever committed to cinema. Seek it out!
3: Great Expectations (1946)
Starring: John Mills, Valerie Hobson and Alec Guinness
In Seven (or more) Words: I can only echo what I said about Oliver Twist. Except Great Expectations is ever so slightly superior. The emergence of Magwitch, and his dialogue with the boy Pip, is the greatest scene Lean ever filmed. In my opinion.
2: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness and Anthony Quinn
In Seven (or more) Words: Off a smorgasbord of prodigious pictures, this is Lean at his biggest and boldest. Taking a punt on O'Toole as a relative newcomer was risky, but ranks as an extraordinary casting decision. At 3 hours and 38 minutes, the film is flawless.
1: Brief Encounter (1945)
Starring: Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard
In Seven (or more) Words: Lean with his most beautiful achievement. It is a lovely film about love. Simple and graceful, the antipode of Showgirls, this is wonderful to watch. Superlatives aside, if you ever feel indecisive in love, seek this film out. Heavenly.
My Next Article Will Be.... The Seven Best Terrible Al Pacino Films
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