The Agony and the Ecstasy on DVD, Biography, Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison

Historical picture about two greatest Renaissance figures : Michelangelo and Julius II

The picture deals with Michelangelo or Michael Angel (Charlton Heston) who is working on the Carrara’s marble creating sculptures and he is then ordered by Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison) the painting of as called Sistina chapel (that’s why it was built by Pope Sisto) . Meanwhile , they’ll develop various relationships with other Renaissance’s important people . The film is correctly based on historical deeds and appearing famous roles , such as : Raphael (Tomas Milian) who shows up painting the ¨Athenas’s school¨, Bramante (Harry Andrews) builder of the Vatican dome that hold his name , Girlandaio and the Florencia Medicis ‘s descendants (Diane Cilento and Adolfo Celi) . Besides , the film paces itself the confrontation between Julius II troops and the French /German army for the possession of the Pope’s states . There are epic and impressive battles where the Pope himself fights enemies . The motion picture describes specially the creation of the enormous paintings on the ceiling and the difficulties that 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 ; however , being nowadays better valued than the past . First-range acting by the two main actors : Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison , both of whom are magnificent . However , Rex Harrison did not get along with Charlton Heston at all during shooting ; in fact , twelve years later, while filming as secondary actors ¨Crossed swords¨ (1997) by Richard Fleischer , Rex avoided him utterly . Leon Shamroy’s cinematography is rousing , the colorful paintings are glowing and brilliant ; spectacularly showing Bible’s scenes at the Sixtina Chapel . Alex North musical score is riveting (like ¨Spartacus¨ who he equally composed). The sets are overwhelming and breathtaking , they were stunningly realized by production designer John De Cuir . In addition , evocative as well as adequate costumes by Oscarized Vittorio Nino Novarese . Carol Reed production and direction were excellent , he has got many experience in a long career and had directed other classic movies (The third man) . Rating: Very good , above average and well worth seeing.