The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Carol Reed

Writers:

Irving Stone (novel)
Philip Dunne (screen story)

Release Date:

7 October 1965 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

From the age of magnificence comes a new magnificence in motion pictures

Plot:

The biographical story of Michelangelo's troubles while painting the Sistine Chapel at the urging of Pope Julius II.

Plot Keywords:

Pope | Michelangelo | Sistine Chapel | Painting | Italy

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Charlton Heston	...	Michelangelo
Rex Harrison	...	Pope Julius II
Diane Cilento	...	Contessina de'Medici
Harry Andrews	...	Bramante
Alberto Lupo	...	Duke of Urbino
Adolfo Celi	...	Giovanni de' Medici
Venantino Venantini	...	Paris De Grassis
John Stacy	...	Sangallo
Fausto Tozzi	...	Foreman
Maxine Audley	...	Woman
Tomas Milian	...	Raphael

Also Known As:

Irving Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy

Runtime:

138 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Latin

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System) (70 mm prints) | Mono (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Spain:T | Australia:G | Finland:S | UK:U | USA:Approved | Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company:

International Classics

Trivia:

The movie was originally supposed to have been filmed in 1961, starring Burt Lancaster, but production was delayed for three years.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: On the eastern wall of the Sistine Chapel, we can see two frescoes that have been painted by Arrigo Paludano in 1571 and Matteo da Lecce, thirty years after Michelangelo completed the Last Judgement (1541). They replaced the first paintings by Signorelli and Ghirlandaio destroyed by a partial collapsing of the wall. Obviously, they couldn't be shown if the action takes place between 1508 and 1512.

Quotes:

Raphael: For what is an artist in this world but a servant, a lackey for the rich and powerful? Before we even begin to work, to feed this craving of ours, we must find a patron, a rich man of affairs, or a merchant, or a prince or... a Pope. We must bow, fawn, kiss hands to be able to do the things we must do or die.
[Raphael chuckles]
Raphael: We are harlots always peddling beauty at the doorsteps of the mighty.
Michelangelo: If it comes to that, I won't be an artist.
Raphael: [Raphael scoffs at Michelangelo's remark] You'll always be an artist. You have no choice.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "QI: Film (#6.11)" (2009)

Historic picture about two greats figures : Michael Angel and Julio II

The picture deals upon Michael Angel (Charlton Heston)who is working on the Carrara's marble creating sculptures and is ordered by Pope Julio II(Rex Harrison)the painting the Sistina chapel (thus called but was made by Pope Sisto).Meanwhile they'll develop a relationship with others Renaissance's important person. The film is based correctly in historical deeds and famous personages thus: Raphael(Tomas Milian) who appears painting the¨Athenas's school¨,Bramante(Harry Andrews) author of the dome Vatican ,Girlandaio and the Medicis Florencia's descendant(Diane Cilento and Adolfo Celi). Besides the film paces itself the confrontation among the Julio II troops and the France and Germany army for the possession of the Pope's states. There are epics and impressive battles where the same Pope fights against the enemies. The motion picture narrates specially the creation of the enormous paintings on the ceiling and the difficulties what Michael Angel is suffering to achieve the immortal legacy. The Pope Julio II will assign also the realization of his tomb.

The feature obtained a limited success and made a moderated box-office , nowadays is better valued . Acting of two principal actors is first range ,both are magnificent. Leon Shamroy cinematography is rousing ,the colorful paintings are glimmer and glittering reflecting Bible's scenes. Alex North music is riveting(like Spartacus who he made equally). The sets are overwhelming and breathtaking,they were realized by John De Cuir as production designer. Carol Reed direction and production is excellent,he has got many experience with a long career and had directed other classics (The third man). Rating: Very good,Above average and well worth seeing.