Yesterday saw the start of filming for a new version of the classic, Ben-Hur. It does seem that Biblical Epics are back in vogue after Exodus came out late last year.
It will, of course, be compared to the classic version with Charlton Heston. I wonder how well it will stand alone. The problem that remakes of classic films always get. Some have had good, others dreadful, reviews. I’m going to stay silent over that until the first information about the film comes out in six months time. I maybe presently surprised. Who knows!
The other question is about the length. Will it be an epic or just another 2 and a half hour film? It should be allowed to be as long as it needs. 190 to 200 minutes should be about right. Either that or they decide to split it into two!
“You could not have imagined a more perfect location to shoot this epic than Italy. We can’t wait to get started,” said Timur Bekmambetov, the film’s director.
The film returns to the heart of Lew Wallace’s epic novel focusing on the nature of faith. The story follows a falsely accused nobleman who survives years of slavery to take vengeance on his best friend who betrayed him. Both must come to choose between retribution or forgiveness.
Racing into UK cinemas February 26, 2016.
