Are you ready for a story?
Back in college, I was an accounting major, but I was in a film club (which was my outlet for my passion for the film). One semester, I had an extra elective, so I finally got a chance to take a film class. I was so excited because I love film and it would be a nice change of pace from the rest of my coursework (so many numbers…everywhere). On the first day of class, my professor (Dr. Mills…or Mills…or Miriam…just not “Yo B***H…which were her exact words) asked us to do an icebreaker that included our favorite actors. There were a lot of expected answers from most of my classmates, but I received an unexpected reaction when I gave my answer. Charlton Heston. Yes…he is my honest answer. Even Miriam reacted with surprise.
What is this 21-year-old doing here loving Charlton Heston in 2012?
It all began when I was just a little kid. I grew up every Easter eve watching The Ten Commandments. Being a young Roman Catholic, this required viewing. Watching Heston tower in front of the screen during this 220-minute epic was always a treat for me. This man was a movie STAR. Few actors command the screen quite like Heston. His voice was powerful and gritty. His stature was confident and impressive. Everything about Heston was so raw like an exposed nerve. There was no stiffness, distance, or artificial expression. He was pouring out passion and emotion as I had never seen before. That fire is why he was always my favorite actor. But it was not The Ten Commandments that became my favorite of his. That crown must go to Ben-Hur.
How did I find my way to this 210-minute faith-based epic?
Growing up as a Roman Catholic child, watching a film also known as “The Tale of the Christ” was also required viewing. I have heard so many complaints from Christians that critics just hate Christian films for being Christian. I don’t believe that to be the case. I have seen my share of modern Christian films…they are not good (at least most of them). They forget storytelling, directing, and acting because they only want to push their message. That is not the approach to making truly impactful and meaningful art. They used to be better…so much better. They used to make Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. I fell in love with these films because of Heston. His performances inspired me and made me believe in the journey of Moses and Judah Ben-Hur. Even as a kid, I couldn’t get enough of these films. They struck such a chord. I cannot tell you how many times I have watched this film, but it has been one of my five favorite films for most of my life (and if I can remember).
What is the story that inspires you so much?
The film opens with the nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ. This is an important piece as Jesus is used as the bedrock for the story of Judah Ben-Hur. Christ’s journey is important to the arc of Judah and the epic journey that life takes him on. The main story begins with the return of Judah’s childhood friend, Messala. They might have been a bit more…but I will leave that up to interpretation. But Messala is now a Roman commander and puts his old friend in an impossible situation. Direct his people to give into oppression…or face the consequences. When an accident almost takes out a new Roman governor, Messala makes sure Judah and his mother and sister take the fall. There are plenty of major moments in this epic film (we will get into that) but the heart of it will always be the journey of Judah and the relationship he has with Messala. Judah becomes encircled by rage and vengeance. This rage pushed him in the gallows and in the circuits. The final confrontation that pits Judah and Messala in the chariot races is one of the most iconic scenes in the film (we will get there too). But Judah is not resolved by the horrific fate of his former friend. It takes witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus to show him where his faith was lost and how to move on with love (not hate) in his heart. This might be a technical marvel, boast fantastic performances, and feature an epic tale…but it is faith that is still the most important piece.
What about this action?
The gallows sequence of the film is exhilarating as Judah shows off his determination and his unrelenting will to seek revenge. The earlier moments of just seeing these enslaved men pushed to their limits to prove control are horrific, to say the least. When they are attacked, the audience is treated to one of the most exciting sea battles put on film. The models are excellent, the gallows sequences are large in scale and frenzied to experience. There is plenty of fear and tension leading up to a surprising Roman victory. When Judah helps win the battle and saves a Roman Consul, he is adopted and becomes a master of the chariot races. Then we have treated to arguably the greatest action sequence in film history. This chariot is immense in scale and incredibly done with practical effects and production design. The race itself is exciting as there is plenty of danger and consequences. Not every charioteer makes it out alive. The spiked wheels of Messala’s cart drawn by black horses is a beautiful clash with Judah and his white horses. That final moment where Messala gets trampled is hard to watch and, in theory, should be a much greater feeling of satisfaction. William Wyler is an expert creator, and he does some of the best cinematic work up to this point in history.
Who is the anchor who holds Wyler’s whole epic together?
Heston. His performance is something else. He certainly earned that Best Actor Oscar as he brought so much to this role. When Judah is happy, Heston brings an earnest grin that fills the screen with joy. Every feeling that Judah has feels bigger than the rest due to the commanding screen presence that Heston had. When Messala would push Judah, that power and strength from Heston would shine through. He puts you on the edge of your seat because even you are intimidated by how forceful his presence is. He towers on the ultra-Panavision screen. For such a giant picture, you need a magnetic force to fill that screen up. Heston never struggles to do so. A film like this would never work without someone of the talent that Heston has.
He is not the only one to grab attention, is he?
Stephen Boyd brings so much passion and fire to the character of Messala. His chemistry with Heston on screen (whether positive or negative) is electric. His force and power feel so genuine in every scene. Jack Hawkins brings class and stature to the Consul Quintus Arrius. His dynamic with Heston is so poignant and genuine. There feels like there is real respect involved. Hugh Griffith is a delight on screen as the sheik who mentors and befriends Judah (the blackface is uncomfortably obvious at this point). There are plenty of other talented members of the cast as well who are doing great work including Haya Harareet as Judah’s love Esther and her father played by Sam Jaffe.
What about the unsung heroes of the film?
Miklos Rozsa created one of the most dynamic and iconic scores of this period in film history. The energy and scope of the music give the film an impactful and giant feel. Even the music makes the Intermission and other sections so enjoyable to experience. The production design is second to none as there are so many impressive set pieces. Judah’s home is beautiful to look at. The ships during the naval battle are so detailed and those gallows feel quite lived in. The arena for the chariot race is one of the most awe-inspiring sets I have ever seen. The statues are incredible and give so much personality to the space. When Judah meets Emperor Tiberius, this temple is one of the biggest sets I think I have ever seen. The leper colony where Judah’s family turns up is perfectly set in a cavernous cave and is foreboding in the best way possible. Finally, the crucifixion feels ripped from the Bible and is moving to experience.
This is obviously a great film…but why does it mean so much to me?
Heston is an absolute marvel to watch on screen. I love every moment I have seen him acting on the big screen. I connect with Judah so much because what he represents is so human. We get distracted by revenge and anger when there is still so much to appreciate in life. He could be enjoying life with Esther and building a new life, but he will not let his anger and grudge go. We, humans, are stubborn fools and let so much get in the way of enjoying life. But the film is so deeply rooted in faith, it is inspiring. Whether you believe it to be a high power or faith in joy and goodness in life, there is so much to take from this film. It takes Jesus’ sacrifice to inspire Judah to let it all go but the acting of letting it go is universal and powerful. This is a beautiful, epic, exciting, and impactful film that will stand the test of time.
