The Archaeology of Cinema
Lawrence of Arabia Oasis Set -
Tabernas, Spain
We have already carried out a survey of the oasis site. Our report is in preparation. Lean’s oasis is an extreme example of what we call ‘the cinematographic gaze’. The production designers created a stereotypical oasis comprising a pool of clear water surrounded by date palms. The actors are seen in the film resting and conversing around the pool in the shade of the palms. Real oases never seem to look anything like this.