Symbolism In The Runtime Of Ben-Hur

A classic epic versus a new spin. Judea versus Rome. Good and evil. Judah and Messala. Ben-Hur was a film produced in 1959 and given a new spin in a remake in 2016. Each films directors were William Wyler (1959) and Timur Bekmambetov (2016) with cinematography by Robert Surtees (1959) and Oliver Wood (2016). The 1959 epic was a movie that was 3 hours and 44 minutes in total. An overture and entr’acte were included at the beginning and middle of the film respectively to allow the audience a break from sitting. Judah Ben-Hur is wrongly accused and sent into an exile of slavery. When he escapes he embarks on a quest of to avenge his mother and sister who were sent to prison rather than exile. His vengeance comes in the form of a chariot race
The runtime of Ben-Hur (1959) is 3 hours and 44 minutes where in 2016 it is 2 hours and 30 minutes. 1959’s version has symbolism in the form of rings, hands, water, and red. You see this in the giving of the ring of Quintus Arrius to Judah (Charlton Heston) as his newly adopted son and Esther giving Judah her slave ring which Judah vows to wear until he finds the woman he will marry. In 2016 not only does Judah (Jack Huston) never receive the ring as Quintus’ adopted son, he actually kills him during the battle in which Judah escapes. This cuts out a huge chunk of the movie as we never see the development of their relationship. Esther and Judah are also married right away in the movie so you never see him make this promise as he doesn't have to . He already found his wife. Another piece of symbolism that stands alone is the portrayal of Jesus, whom the story is truly
Some say the 1959 version was much more reverent in its approach of portraying Jesus. His face is never shown. His voice is never heard. All we ever see of Jesus in 1959’s version is the back of his head. The actor who portrayed Jesus in 1959 was actually not even credited in the film as he did not have a speaking part. At the same time though the movie manages to show Jesus’ compassion as he gives Judah water during his transition from prince to slave even when told not to. Throughout the movie we see acts of kindness and people flocking to hear his teachings. In 2016, Jesus, this time portrayed by Rodrigo Santoro, is shown in a much different way. We hear his voice. We hear some of his teachings. We see and hear his compassion for all people. We even hear one of the Bible’s most famous quotes as Jesus expires on the cross. “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” Personally this leaves an impression on me as it shows those in charge of this film did their research and were also looking to leave a deeper mark than just a movie for the enjoyment of its