MovieChat Forums > The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965) Discussion > Obviously I'm Not the Only One...

Obviously I'm Not the Only One...


About eight years ago, "The Agony and the Ectasy" came on cable while I was with my infant daughter. Rather trapped under the circumstances, I gave this movie a try but remembered reading some rather negative reviews of it. Well, this movie sucked me in and I enjoyed it a lot. I managed to see it in a very fine letterbox edition as well which added to it's appeal.

I have trouble determining why there was and is some negative reviews of this film. I agree that some of it is kind of static and Diane Cilento's performance is a tad odd (she looks way to perfect and beautiful...she seems out of place..). But Heston is very good as Michaelangelo and Harrison is extremely good as the Pope.

Obviously I'm not the only one who thinks this way because I see other people posting on this site about how good this movie is.

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I think a lot of reviewers found the film too long and slow. It may be somewhat, but I don't mind- I think it's a great show. It's really a character study of two larger than life men done in a big, colorful way. I love the way Heston and Harrison are always bumping heads and making up afterwards. Plus the art direction is so grand. It also helps to have an interest in the time period (Renaissance Italy) and it's Art to appreciate this movie more fully.

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This movie kicks A$$ - plain and simple. Perhaps we have kinder eyes because we look back with sympathetic eyes on an older movie whereas (just guessing here) maybe the movie was already 'dated' when it was release in the mid 60's.

All I know is the story, cinematography, actors, are all superb.

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I liked it immediately when I saw it on its first release. The detailed sets, costumes, the ornate armor of the Warrior Pope, the portrayal of the contemporary and rival artists to Michelangelo -- all these piqued my curiosity.

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I'll admit it dragged at times, but I found the work Michelangelo had to do, and the relationship between the artist and the pope fascinating. Heston and Harrison were great, and the set design was amazing.

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I too avoided this movie for decades because I was under the impression it was an overblown, boring bomb. it wasn't until I got a large flat screen lcd that I started looking at all the widescreen epics that I saw in theaters and some I had missed. I finally came across this one and was fascinated and in awe. Vastly underrated to say the least. Also checked out THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN, while no classic, certainly miles ahead of the junk out today. The size of the screen certainly brings out detail and nuances that may be overlooked in a letterboxed/CRT viewing and ultimately affects impact. THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD with its massive long shots probably can only come to life on a giant 70mm screen, though now with 55" monitors we can at least have a better understanding of how this film is supposed to play.

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I would watch this film just for the shots of Rome, and not to mention, it's art.


Tabby S.

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