A Dangerous Man - Lawrence After Arabia

Produced by Anglia Films, the British made-for-television film "A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia" was released in 1992. It stars some of the most talented actors of the time including Ralph Fiennes, Alexander Siddig, and Denis Quilley. The film offers a historical insight into the geopolitical intricacies post-World War I and focuses on the political maneuverings that were performed to map the Arab nations. It is a sequel to David Lean's 1962 film "Lawrence of Arabia".

The movie revolves around the intriguing life of T.E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia, portrayed excellently by Ralph Fiennes before his Hollywood breakthrough. Following his unmatched exploits to lead, Fiennes's popularity rose and this role was instrumental in crafting his career. Lawrence is shown as a complex and captivating figure, a British soldier who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

Post-war, Lawrence, a soldier, diplomat and accomplished writer, finds himself in the political seclusion of the peace conference at Versailles. Political cunning, manipulation and strategizing are boldly embodied in this film, as some of the most powerful nations at the time, France, and Britain, grapple with creating a new blue print for the Middle East. It's an intimate peek into the drawing of present-day Middle East, brimmed with the raw emotions of nations reduced to the drawing board.

Alexander Siddig stars as Prince Faisal, the representative of the Arab nations at the conference, a young and idealistic man who is eager both to modernize his country and to protect it from exploitation. He and Lawrence share a camaraderie firmly built on trust and mutual admiration. Together, they struggle to secure Arab independence against British and French political ploys.

Denis Quilley portrays Clemenceau, the French prime minister, a crafty experienced statesman who is determined to secure France's imperial interests in the region. The differing visions of the future of the Middle East, colonial control versus self-determination, ignite fierce debates amongst these characters leading to a combustive political drama.

T.E. Lawrence’s enigmatic character is the pulsating heart of the movie. He is the man caught between his loyalty to his home country Britain, his promise to Prince Faisal of an independent Arab state, and his disillusionment with politics. This is where Fiennes’s talent shines, he brings out the conflict and emotional turmoil Lawrence experiences beautifully.

Strong supporting performances bring both the historical era and the power plays of the time vividly to life. An ambitious undertaking, the film combines drama with history, showing not only the personal struggles of these figures but also the wider political context within which they were operating.

A pivotal moment of the film is the Paris Peace Conference, where the world leaders gathered to determine the shape of the post-war world. "A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia" takes on this historically significant era and gives audiences a nuanced portrayal of the dynamics at play.

The director, Christopher Menaul, does an exceptional job depicting the historical drama. He makes a considerable effort to stay true to historical events without sacrificing the emotional and psychological depth of his characters. The choice to use desaturated colors in the film reflects the bleak and disheartened atmosphere that hangs over the negotiations of that time.

What sets "A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia" apart is the depth of character development and the subtle handling of geopolitical warfare. The actors' performances combined with the director’s vision carries the audience along, ensuring at every moment that they understand the high stakes at play, and are fully invested in the outcomes. It's not just a documentary-style comprehensive history lesson, but a poignant exploration of the personal and political turmoil that plagued the historical figures.

This film offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most influential figures and sheds light on an important turning point in geopolitical history. Ralph Fiennes's captivating performance makes this a must-watch for those interested in historical war dramas. "A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia" is a compelling examination of power, politics, and promises, guaranteed to engage you right from the start.