The Agony and the Ecstasy

Starring:Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, Alberto Lupo, Adolfo Celi, Venantino Venantini, John Stacy, Fausto Tozzi, Maxine Audley, Tomas Milian, Furio Meniconi, Marvin Miller, Adolfo Pezzini, Alec McCowen
Director: Carol Reed
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Carol Reed (The Third Man) directed this 1965 portrait of the relationship between Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) and Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison), who commissioned the artist to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Based on a novel by Irving Stone, the script plods along, juggling the dynamics between the two men along with a somewhat perfunctory love story and distracting battle sequences. Reed seems more attuned to the nuances and great pains of the artistic process, as seen in sequences of Michelangelo working. But the overall focus of the film is unfortunately fuzzy. --Tom Keogh

Description

Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison portray two of the Renaissance's most colorful figures in this historical drama based on Irving Stone's best-seller set in the early 16th century. When Pope Julius ll (Harrison) commissions Michelangelo (Heston) to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the artist initially refuses. Virtually forced to do the job by Julius, he later destroys his own work and flees to Rome. Eventually resumed, the project becomes a battle of wills fueled by artistic and temperamental differences that form the core of this movie. Nominated for an Oscar® Cinematography and named one of the year's best films by the National Board of Review.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Art.......2007-05-26

The complicated relationship between the pope and the artist is fascinating to watch. It is well done as the dialog between the two personalities span the complete range of emotions... humor was used sparingly, but very effectively. I also enjoyed watching Rex Harrison's (pope)communicate his unspoken desire to share his pride in the artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel with his church members. The photography during and after the ceiling was finished was very good and added to the viewing pleasure.

WOW.......2007-05-12

I loved this movie it shows beautiful art work along with a history lesson and the actors at at there very best in this movie. If you love art history like I do get this movie.

Man for all Seasons.......2007-05-10

This was my first encounter of buying on-line. It proved to be a costly lesson, that you don't buy DVD from out side your own country As I have 4 DVD that i Can't play.
Br Robert Cottam

Clash of Wills.......2007-05-06

Without a doubt, Michael Angelo was the most profoud artist of his day
and our days too. It is simply amazing how an artist of his ilk is able
to function in such a structured society. The Pope, Julius II, aptly played by Rex Harrison, really portrayed the feeling of his era.The portrail by Charleton Heston of the artist really showed how, even a
recognized artist, was treated.

pretty pictures, just turn off the audio.......2007-03-30

charlton heston is a heterosexual michelangelo, and rex harrison is a warrior pope in this verrrry loooong telling of the spiritual struggle between the artist and the patron responsible for the creation of the sistine chapel. nice to look at, but an hour-long documentary on the discovery channel would be easier to take.

Investigative Reports - Agony Of Ecstasy

Average customer rating:

Investigative Reports - Agony Of Ecstasy

Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

60 Minutes - Prisoner of Pain (February 26, 2006)
Addiction
I'm Dancing As Fast As I Can
My Name Is Bill W
Clean and Sober

ASIN: B000FKP0BO
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

A look at the phenomenon of the drug ecstasy from its manufacture in secret Dutch labs to its sale in New York City's hottest clubs. Law enforcement officials describe how use of the drug is skyrocketing, and medical experts tell us how dangerous ecstasy really is.

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