Ben-Hur is one of the most famous and honored films of all times. Its eleven Oscars only recently were matched by Titanic but certainly for its time the movie was in a category of its own. This film was a remake of an adapted screemplay by General Lew Wallace but never had so much time, money and manpower been put forth in this adaptation nor any other film up until that time. Certainly, Ben-Hur can be considered one of the greatest epics of all time and a profound influence on the history of film.
             The filmmaking and direction aspects of Ben-Hur are certainly to be marveled at. Behind the control of William Wyler Ben-Hur was a gigantic task to be tackled in terms of creating a blockbuster film that was much more than spectacle and special effects. The dialogue of the film contributes heavily to actual quality in addition to the famous scenes involving complex stunts such as the chariot race. The film starts out set in Judea where Ben-Hur and Messala, his childhood friend, are reunited and still possess a strong friendship. This deteriorates quickly as Ben-Hur disdains the Romans and how they treat his people. Thus, the main plot begins and Ben-Hur is soon imprisoned by Messala and becomes a galley slave. While on the ship Quintus Arrius makes this comment to Ben-Hur, "Your eyes are full of hate, Forty-One. That's good. Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength." This quote shows how Ben-Hur's imprisonment has affected him and serves as an example of his character and his determination to avenge the injustice done to himself and to his family by Rome. His relationship with Esther is also established as an important part of the film and creates the relationship aspect of this film, which makes much more than the famous action scenes. The movie eventually moves along to the spectacular climax of the chariot scene. Ben-Hur is chosen to race against Messala by an Arab Sheik and thus given the chance to f...