The Agony And The Ecstasy (1965)
Essentially the saga of the painting of the Sistine Chapel, The Agony And The Ecstasy stars Charlton Heston as Italian painter Michelangelo, and Rex Harrison as Pope Julius II. It is a story fraught with conflict on scales large and small, as Pope Julius II halts Michelangelo’s commissioned work on the Pope’s tomb and orders him to paint frescos featuring the Twelve Apostles on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
The sculptor, unhappy with his first attempt, destroys it and flees to the mountains, where he finds inspiration. Meanwhile, international conflict rages across European battlefields, and Michelangelo convinces the Pope to allow work on the Chapel to resume. After many years of non-stop creativity, the project causes Michelangelo’s health to deteriorate and the pressure on the Pope to commission the artist Raphael to complete the frescos increases. Facing the threat of invasion, the Pope has Michelangelo’s scaffolds removed and gives the commission to Raphael as Michelangelo prepares to leave. Raphael argues in his fellow artist’s favour, and work is allowed to continue until finally, the completed frescos are revealed during a mass. As Pope Julius II nears death, he asks the sculptor to complete his tomb.
Framing the story behind one of the most famous paintings in the history of the world in a historical context – amidst global conflict and territorial disputes – adds subtle layering to the narrative that draws us in and holds our interest. It is, in a sense, the interaction between two men who are removed from their respective comfort zones – the sculptor Michelangelo being ordered to paint and Pope Julius II being drawn into war – with each venting their frustrations through their actions toward the other. The result is great art about great art.
