THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956) — Yes, it is hokey, the writing often laughable, but the bold direction of Cecil B. DeMille (nearly 80 at that time) and that powerhouse, majestic Charlton Heston performance as Moses give this massive film its force. Seeking to remake his 1923 version of the film of the same name, DeMille spent three years with his researchers discovering the life of Moses. The film would be more than four hours, much of it shot on location in sweltering Egyptian heat, walking the same path Moses died. Everything about The Ten Commandments is huge, from the magnificent sets and production design, the gorgeous costumes, that powerful score through to the glorious cinematography and trail blazing visual effects. Heston gives a towering performance as Moses, an Egyptian prince reduced to Hebrew slave, banished from Egypt only to return as the long-promised deliverer of the slaves. Yul Brynner is a superb, sneering Ramses, the Pharaoh, who despises Moses. The Exodus from Egypt is a stunning sequence of movement of thousands, and the Parting of the Red Sea is astonishing. A bit dated, a little creaky, but prepare to be awed.
