Film Scene Analysis: the Rowing Scene from Ben-Hur

The tension is heightened with every increase of speed in the drumming and cutting of shots.
Once "ramming speed" is attained and held for long enough to satisfy the officer, he commands a rest for the prisoners. Ben-Hur is shown in a half shot still staring (obviously although not shown) at the commanding officer as he leaves the lower deck. A shot of the ships floating in the sea with still ores ends the scene.
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