The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

Introduction:

For a while there Charleton Heston was contractually obligated to appear only in huge sprawling historical and biblical epics. Ok, I exaggerate a little bit, but only teeny tiny bit. And while we all know about Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments, here is one you don’t hear about too often. The topic was unique, the cast was impressive and it has plenty of “epic” moments, but how come you never hear about this film?

Summary:

The year is 1508 and Michelangelo Buonarroti (Charleton Heston) is hard at work on a glorious tomb for Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison). But Pope Julius is more concerned with transforming the Sistine Chapel into something worthy of Papal power. So he demands that Michelangelo paint the 12 apostles on the ceiling. Michelangelo hates this idea, and he tells the pope that to his face. Michelangelo considered himself a sculptor first and foremost. His painting skills were merely a stepping-stone in his education. But Pope Julius insists, and when he insists – he means it.

And so a battle of wills plays out. Michelangelo eventually takes the assignment, but feels no spark of inspiration for it. He drags his feet, and makes many excuses to not work, even fleeing from Rome to escape Julius’s soldiers who have orders to drag him back to the chapel or face prison. While on the run, he is suddenly struck by inspiration – the creation of the world would be a much better and more interesting topic for the ceiling. So he returns to Rome to begin painting, much to Julius’ delight. Unfortunately Michelangelo is a perfectionist. Years drag on and the ceiling is nowhere near completion. Michelangelo begins to go blind and Julius’ health starts to fail him. Will either one survive The Agony and the Ecstasy of this creation of one of the most famous pieces of Renaissance art?

Good Points:

• A wonderful dynamic between Heston and Harrison
• Impressive scope and visuals
• Wonderful score by Alex North

Bad Points:

• Moves in fits and starts with long dialogue scenes doing little to advance the story
• The topic seems a bit strained for an “epic” style film
• The dubbing of the supporting cast may distract some viewers

Overall:

This seems a strange topic for a huge budget Hollywood epic, and at times the material seems a bit stretched. However the dynamic acting between Heston and Harrison are a real draw. Their scenes together keep the film cooking. The visuals are impressive with beautiful location shooting and impressive sets and interiors. Alex North provides a wonderful musical score. It’s an interesting film done in that classic epic style.

Scores (out of 5)

Visuals: 4

Sound: 3

Acting: 4

Script: 3

Music: 4

Direction: 4

Entertainment: 4

Total:  4

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Planet of the Apes (1968)

Introduction:

How many times has this movie been parodied, referenced and just plain imitated? Too many to count. Most people forget that the original film actually had an edge to it, something the sequels gradually lost in place of silliness. Many consider it a sci-fi classic. But just as many think of it as a camp classic. Where will I fall?

Summary:

Colonel George Taylor (Charlton Heston) and his crew find themselves marooned on an alien world. At first they struggle just to survive the crash and find a place where they can get fresh water. They are eventually captured by the native people of the world - apes who speak and walk like humans. Taylor is injured and unable to communicate, but Dr. Zira (Kim Hunter) feels that he is no mere animal (like the other humans on this world) but an intelligent creature. She enlists of the help of her companion Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and tries to convince Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) of the fact. But most of the apes don’t want to acknowledge that a human can be intelligent. When Taylor gets his voice back things go from bad to worse. What is the secret of the “Planet of the Apes”?

Good Points

• An interesting concept at the heart of the story
• Jerry Goldsmith provides an innovative and intense score
• Impressive costumes and effects for the time

Bad Points

• A bit heavy handed in places
• Some of the acting is over the top
• Overexposure has hurt the film for modern viewers

Overall

In a way this movie is tough to judge from a subject stance. Its so familiar that the ending is even telegraphed on the DVD cover! They figure you already know the twist. But beyond that, there is a lot of interesting ideas about human nature at the heart of the story, and they make this a little more than a simple adventure story. It may be over the top and a little silly, but there is a darkness to it, one that the end really brings home. While the first 15 minutes were on the slow side, things get interesting very quickly and overall I enjoyed the film.

Scores (out of 5)

Visual: 4

Sound: 3

Music: 4

Acting: 3

Script: 4

Direction: 4

Entertainment: 4

Total: 4

Curious about a full review, send me an email and I'll make additional thoughts to this review.