The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

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

Director:

Carol Reed

Writers:

Irving Stone (based on the novel: "The Agony and the Ecstasy" by), Philip Dunne (screen story and screenplay)

Stars:

Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Charlton Heston	...	Michelangelo
Rex Harrison	...	Pope Julius II
Diane Cilento	...	Contessina de'Medici
Harry Andrews	...	Bramante
Alberto Lupo	...	Francesco Maria della Rovere, duke of Urbino
Adolfo Celi	...	Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici (pope Leo X)
Venantino Venantini	...	Paris De Grassis
John Stacy	...	Sangallo
Fausto Tozzi	...	Foreman
Maxine Audley	...	Woman
Tomas Milian	...	Raphael

Storyline

Pope Julius is eager to leave behind works by which he will be remembered. To this end he cajoles Michelangelo into painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. When not on the battlefield uniting Italy, the Pope nags Michelangelo to speed up his painful work on the frescoes.

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Plot Keywords:

michelangelo | pope | sistine chapel | rome | renaissance | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA Italy

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

7 October 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Irving Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy

Filming Locations:

Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$4,000,000, 31 December 1965

Company Credits

Production Co:

International Classics

Technical Specs

Runtime:

138 min

Sound Mix:

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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Irving Stone was the recipient of several honorary awards from the Italian federal government and regional Italian authorities for cultural and literary achievements.

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Goofs

During most of his reign, HH Julius II wore a beard; however, apparently because of Harrison's preference, the Pope is clean shaven through the entire movie.

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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.
[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: [scoffs] You'll always be an artist. You have no choice.

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Connections

Referenced in Grace Under Fire: The Agony, the Ecstasy and Bill Mazeroski (1994)

User Reviews

Historical picture about two great figures Renaissance : 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 Julius II (Rex Harrison) the painting the Sistina chapel (thus called but was made by Pope Sisto) . Meanwhile , they'll develop a relationship with other Renaissance's important person . The film is correctly based 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 descendants (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 epic and impressive battles where the same Pope fights against 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 also will assign him the realization of his tomb.

The feature obtained a limited success and had a moderated box-office , it is nowadays better valued . Acting by two principal actors is first-range , both of whom are magnificent . However , Rex Harrison did not get along with Charlton Heston at all during filming ; twelve years later, while filming ¨Crossed swords¨ , he avoided him completely . Leon Shamroy cinematography is rousing , the colorful paintings are glowing and glittering reflecting Bible's scenes . Alex North music is riveting (like ¨Spartacus¨ who he equally made). 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.