Before "Gladiator," there was "Ben-Hur"

Illustration by Ricky Rileyl VOX Staff

By Ricky Riley
VOX Staff

The revolutionary film, “Ben-Hur,” is a classic 1959 movie based on a novel written in 1880. Jam-packed with action, drama, romance, politics, religion, sea battles and more, the film is set during the time of Caesar Augustus (the first emperor of Rome) when the province of Judea is under the oppressive rule of the Romans. As the Romans take over, they slowly force the Jews to assimilate by eliminating the Jewish faith and culture.

Messala (Stephen Boyd), a life-long friend of Prince Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), asks him to betray his people by rejecting Judaism. When Judah refuses, Messala (Stephen Boyd) captures him, makes him a slave, and puts his mother and sister in prison. Later, Judah returns to Judea to seek revenge and save his family.

“Ben–Hur” is nearly four hours long, but there’s so much action that you won’t even notice. The film’s incredible plot weaves together the life of Jesus and the persecution of the Jewish people.

“Ben- Hur” was directed by William Wyer, who is also famous for “The Westerner” and “Roman Holiday.” The directing is spectacular. Wyer uses scenic backgrounds to give the story more depth and credibility. The 1959 version was the third remake of the film. The first was made in 1907 and another in 1925. At the 1961 academy awards, the Wyer film won 11 out of 12 Oscars, including best director and best film.
Compared with today’s films, the special effects in “Ben-Hur” are real. There is no digital imagery or computer animation. All extras, horses, cuts, bruises and blood are real. This film gave way to films like “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Star Wars” franchise. “Ben-Hur” was shot mainly in Italy, even though the story takes place in Israel. Although the film is not as technical as contemporary motion pictures, it’s exciting and thrilling.

The acting is superb! Heston’s performance is believable and makes the audience sympathize with Judah Ben-Hur. Holy Circus Maximus, this is one of the greatest films in motion picture history.