Like any great movie there are many messages one can take away. When I first saw it in high school I was more interested in the history, politics, and culture of a story I knew nothing about. This time I paid more attention to the story themes and characters.
It's the story of an arrogant, passionate idealist used by men with different agendas and a better understanding of power. They let him believe what he chose and then used the fruits of his labor for a very different purpose. I hate it when that happens.
It's the same dilemma faced by any young person who goes into politics or issue organizing. I've seen friends do very well in politics after college, but they sometimes end up aiding organizations and leaders with very different agendas than what inspired them to get involved.
The theatrical screening was a lead-up to the enhanced Blu-ray release of the film complete with all the extra bells and whistles you'd expect in a collector's box set. They ran a short feature about how the new version was enhanced for the theater and wide screen HD TVs. I get bored with the technical jargon, but I love the results. The picture quality was incredible. If I ever buy a TV with a screen large enough to appreciate the quality of this release, I'll have to get a copy of Lawrence of Arabia on Blu-ray.
Now I'll hear the film score
in my head every time I walk outside on a windy day for the next month.