Cheap DVDs, books, CDs & Games

Search:

The Agony and the Ecstasy
[1966] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Starring: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, Alberto Lupo
Director: Carol Reed
Format: Closed-captioned Colour DVD-Video NTSC
Released: 22 Feb 2005
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

"I planned a ceiling, he planned a miracle" - By: Alejandra Vernon, 02 Jun 2004
There is no other film on the subject of art that is better than this one in my opinion. Irving Stone's best-seller was a great read, but in this case the film is better than the book. It centers on the creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, & the contentious but invigorating relationship between Michelangelo & Pope Julius II; one drove the other "to complete his work", & even their verbal battles were productive. It is about the courage of putting one's vision into reality, the hard work, & the faith in one's self & in God.

The script by Irving Stone & Philip Dunne is fabulous; the words flow like sweet wine & there is not a single unnecessary scene, or rarely one that is not meaningful. The direction by Carol Reed is meticulous, the cinematography by Leon Shamroy a marvel, & the score by Alex North adds much to the film. The costuming & sets are lavish for the papal quarters & the Medici household, & give one a sense of 16th century Rome, & the depictions of the fresco painting technique is interesting & educational.

Charlton Heston, gaunt & bearded, is brilliant as Michelangelo, as is Rex Harrison as the warrior pope. The interactions of these two actors is riveting, & the dialogue between them worth hearing repeatedly. Others of note in the cast include Diane Cilento as the Contessina de Medici, Harry Andrews as Bramante, & Tomas Milian as Raphael (the most famous papal portrait I know of is by Raphael, of Pope Julian II).

Though Stone's book & script take much artistic license, there is also a good deal of accuracy. This period of 16th century Italy was one of the most fascinating in alll world history, & Pope Julius II was not only one of its greatest art patrons, but also an extraordinary man.
This is a film that moves me to tears with its beauty, & brightens my mind with its words. If you are interested in the artistic process, don't miss this magnificent film.

The film includes a Prologue, a mini-documentary of modern-day Rome & Florence, which traces Michelangelo's life, from his birth in Tuscany in 1475, showing his many wondrous works, including an early sculpture he did at the age of 15, through his death in 1564. Total running time is 139 minutes.

great,but read the book - By: , 06 Jun 2001
I thought this film was great,and then i read the book which has completely changed my life.I also think that the film chose a funny chapter in his life to portray & as amazing as the sistine ceiling is,i think there are better works & more exciting chapters in his life to know about.therefore...read the book.