On almost any scale imaginable, the original motion picture Ben-Hur may appropriately described as epic.
A backdrop that includes no less than the advent and crucifiction of Jesus Christ. An intimate friendship turned layering acrimony between two formidable men, Jew and Roman — better understood when viewed as brothers rather than than simply friends. [1]
And of course: The chariot race.
This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of Ben-Hur, first released in 1959 starring Charleton Heston, Stephen Boyd, and Jack Hawkins, and directed by William Wyler. During the week before Easter, Fathom Events will bring it back for a limited engagement at Emagine Theatres. [2-8]
- April 14 (Sunday), with showings starting at 1:00pm and 6:00pm
- April 17 (Wednesday), with showing starting at 1:00pm and 6:00pm
In essence, the story is about betrayal and its aftermath, both relational and internal. In following Mr Heston’s character Judah Ben-Hur on his own efforts to survive, to recover, the arc is seldom what is expected or desired, and at its best when both hero and villain choose to surrend illusion of controlling their own fates.
It can be tempting to suggest that this film continues to validate its place among the American Film Institute list of “100 Greatest Movies of All Time” with citations of Academy Award wins, production cost, and incredible running time of three hours, thirty-seven minutes. While these achievements are unquestionably grand, even this fails to appreciate a sum-of-the-whole that holds up to scrutiny of even its smallest parts. [9-12]
As much as any “message,” this is about the power of the journey that takes its viewers to those ends.
Tickets for Ben-Hur at Emagine Theatre can be purchased online or at the door. Before making final arrangements for any showing, check their website to confirm that dates and times have not changed since the information above was first published here.
References
- “Ben Hur (1959)” IMDb.
- “Charleton Heston (1923-2008)” IMDb.
- “Stephen Boyd (1931-1977)” IMDb.
- “Jack Hawkins (1910-1973)” IMDb.
- “William Wyler (1902-1981)” IMDb.
- “TCM Big Screen Classics Presents: Ben-Hur 60th Anniversary” Fathom Events.
- Fathom Events (home page).
- Emagine Entertainment (showtimes).
- “AFI’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time” AFI: American Film Institute.
- “‘Ben-Hur’: THR’s 1959 Review” Jack Harrison (November 18, 1959) The Hollywood Reporter.
- “Ben-Hur” Ronald Holloway (November 17, 1959) Variety.
- “Reading WAY Too Much Into Ben Hur 1959” Durbania (August 13, 2016) YouTube.
