Movie Detailed Information Page
Ben-Hur
"Ben-Hur" is an epic historical drama film released in 1959, directed by William Wyler. Here's a bio of the film:
Title: Ben-Hur
Year of Release: 1959
Director: William Wyler
Writers: Karl Tunberg (screenplay), Lew Wallace (novel)
Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Genre: Epic, Historical Drama
Plot:
"Ben-Hur" tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince living in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ. After being falsely accused of treason by his childhood friend Messala, Ben-Hur is stripped of his wealth and status and becomes a slave. Enduring years of hardship, he eventually gains his freedom and seeks revenge against Messala. Along the way, Ben-Hur encounters Jesus Christ, whose teachings inspire him to choose forgiveness and redemption over vengeance.
Key Characters:
- Judah Ben-Hur (played by Charlton Heston): The protagonist of the film, a Jewish prince and chariot racer. Judah Ben-Hur undergoes a transformation from a proud and vengeful man to a figure of compassion and forgiveness.
- Messala (played by Stephen Boyd): Ben-Hur's childhood friend, who becomes a Roman tribune and betrays him. Messala serves as the film's primary antagonist.
- Esther (played by Haya Harareet): A love interest of Ben-Hur and a supporter of the Jewish cause. Esther remains loyal to Ben-Hur throughout his journey.
- Sheik Ilderim (played by Hugh Griffith): A wealthy Arab sheik who becomes Ben-Hur's mentor and aids him in his quest for revenge.
Significance and Impact:
"Ben-Hur" is renowned for its grand scale, elaborate production, and epic chariot race sequence. Here are some reasons for its enduring significance and impact:
1. Academy Award Success: "Ben-Hur" achieved critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release. The film won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Charlton Heston). It held the record for the most Oscar wins until "Titanic" tied the record in 1998.
2. Technological Achievements: The film's production was a technical marvel for its time. The chariot race sequence, in particular, involved meticulous planning and the construction of a massive arena. The race was shot with multiple cameras and featured groundbreaking editing techniques.
3. Cinematic Spectacle: "Ben-Hur" is known for its lavish sets, grand costumes, and impressive battle scenes. The film showcases the opulence and scale of ancient Rome and Jerusalem, immersing viewers in a visually stunning world.
4. Religious Themes: The film incorporates religious themes and the life of Jesus Christ into its narrative. It portrays the intersecting stories of Ben-Hur and Jesus, emphasizing themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness.
5. Memorable Score: The film's musical score, composed by Miklós Rózsa, is considered one of the greatest in cinematic history. The iconic "Ben-Hur" theme has become synonymous with epic storytelling.
6. Enduring Legacy: "Ben-Hur" remains a cinematic classic that continues to captivate audiences. Its influence can be seen in subsequent epic films and historical dramas. The chariot race sequence, in particular, has been referenced and homaged in numerous films and television shows.
7. Cultural and Historical Impact: The film's release coincided with a time of increased interest in biblical epics. "Ben-Hur" contributed to the popularity of this genre, and its success paved the way for future films of similar scale and scope.
"Ben-Hur
" is a monumental film that combines epic storytelling, memorable performances, and technical prowess. Its enduring legacy as an Academy Award-winning classic has solidified its place in cinematic history.
Movie Details
1. Epic Chariot Race: The famous chariot race sequence in "Ben-Hur" is one of the most iconic and thrilling scenes in cinematic history. It took five weeks to film and involved a track over 1,500 feet long. The sequence utilized 78 horses and employed stuntmen who performed dangerous stunts, resulting in a breathtaking and realistic portrayal of the race.
2. Record-Breaking Oscar Wins: "Ben-Hur" holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by a single film, with a total of 11 wins. This feat was not surpassed until "Titanic" won the same number of awards in 1998.
3. Charlton Heston's Casting: Charlton Heston initially turned down the role of Judah Ben-Hur because he felt he was not right for the part. However, after director William Wyler persisted and sent him the script, Heston changed his mind and accepted the role. His portrayal of Ben-Hur is considered one of his most memorable performances.
4. Hidden Cameo: During the chariot race scene, director William Wyler made a cameo appearance as one of the race spectators. He can be seen wearing a gray suit and a bowler hat.
5. Expensive Production: "Ben-Hur" was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget of approximately $15 million. The production involved the construction of massive sets, elaborate costumes, and extensive location shooting.
6. Lengthy Run Time: The film has a runtime of 3 hours and 42 minutes, making it one of the longer films of its time. However, despite its length, "Ben-Hur" remains engrossing and captivating for audiences.
7. William Wyler's Directorial Approach: Director William Wyler was known for his meticulous attention to detail. During the film's production, he focused on historical accuracy and sought to create an authentic portrayal of ancient Rome and Jerusalem. This commitment to realism contributed to the film's grandeur.
8. Use of Miniatures: To achieve some of the film's epic scenes, including the sea battle and the chariot race, miniatures were utilized. Skilled model makers meticulously crafted the miniature sets, which were then seamlessly integrated with the live-action footage.
9. Ben-Hur's Oscar Sweep: "Ben-Hur" won in all the categories it was nominated for at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. This feat is rare in Oscar history and demonstrates the film's widespread acclaim and recognition.
10. Cultural Impact: "Ben-Hur" has had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring stage adaptations, parodies, and references in popular media. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its compelling story, breathtaking visuals, and groundbreaking filmmaking techniques.
These trivia facts provide insights into the making of "Ben-Hur" and its lasting legacy in the world of cinema. The film's technical achievements, memorable performances, and record-breaking success have solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece.