Ben-Hur (film)
"Ben-Hur," directed by William Wyler and released in 1959, is a historical epic that tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish man living in Judea during the Roman occupation. The narrative centers on the complex relationship between Ben-Hur and his childhood friend Messala, a Roman officer. After a bitter disagreement over political allegiances, Messala wrongfully convicts Ben-Hur of treason, leading to a series of dramatic events that include Ben-Hur's enslavement and subsequent rise to become a champion charioteer. The film is particularly noted for its iconic chariot race and the profound personal transformation of Ben-Hur as he grapples with themes of vengeance and forgiveness, especially after encountering Jesus Christ during the crucifixion.
"Ben-Hur" is celebrated for its grand scale and intimate character development, earning a record-breaking eleven Academy Awards, making it a landmark achievement in cinematic history. With its impressive cinematography and ambitious storytelling, the film remains one of the most significant works of the 1950s, resonating with audiences for its exploration of redemption and moral resilience.
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Ben-Hur (film)
Identification Epic film set in biblical times
Date Premiered on November 18, 1959
Director William Wyler
Based on Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel of the same title, Ben-Hur is the story of a Palestinian Jew defying the Roman Empire. It is remembered as one of the grandest historical films of the 1950’s, featuring an epic-scale sea battle and a chariot race.
Key Figures
William Wyler (1902-1981), film directorLewis Wallace (1827-1905), author ofBen Hur
The plot of Ben-Hur, which was directed by William Wyler, concerns the relationship of a Jewish man, Judah Ben-Hur (played by Charlton Heston), and a Roman man, Messala (Stephen Boyd). The pair grew up together as friends but went their separate ways in adult life. As adults, Messala, a Roman officer, has a bitter quarrel with Ben-Hur, who opposes the Roman occupation of Judea. Ben-Hur and Messala subsequently part and swear mutual enmity. The vindictive Messala later allows Ben-Hur to be unjustly convicted of treason.
As the story proceeds, Ben-Hur serves a term as a galley slave aboard a Roman ship and displays great valor by saving the admiral (Jack Hawkins) when the ship is attacked by the enemy. As a result, he is released from his servitude, is adopted by the admiral, and becomes a champion charioteer. After he returns to Palestine, he competes in a chariot race in which Messala is his principal adversary. As the race progresses, Messala’s recklessness causes his chariot to crash, and he is mortally injured. Later Ben-Hur happens upon Christ carrying his cross to Calvary to be crucified; Ben-Hur maintains a vigil at the foot of the cross as Christ dies.
Ben-Hur realizes that Christ prayed for his persecutors before he died; Christ’s example in forgiving his enemies inspires Ben-Hur to relinquish his hatred of Messala for the wrongs that Messala had done him. In the end, Ben-Hur emerges as a heroic figure who has risen above his sufferings and learned to forgive the injustices done to him.
Impact
Known as an intimate epic (a film that does not lose sight of its characters amid its large-scale production) and noteworthy for its wide-screen cinematography and 217-minute length, Ben-Hur won an unprecedented eleven Academy Awards in 1959, making it one of the most honored films of all time. Ben-Hur was also one of the biggest critical and popular film triumphs of the 1950’s.
Bibliography
Herman, Jan. A Talent for Trouble: The Life of Hollywood’s Most Acclaimed Director, William Wyler. New York: Da Capo, 1997. A solid, well-researched survey of Wyler’s entire career, containing interesting production information on Ben-Hur.
Heston, Charlton. In the Arena: An Autobiography. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997. Includes a personal, lively account of the arduous demands that Wyler made on his actors, with special reference to Heston’s work with Wyler on Ben-Hur.