Film Analytical Essay: Michelangelo's Agony

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Recommended: ‘Agony and the Ecstasy’ review: Hollywood movie depiction of Michelangelo's life

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a screen adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Irving Stone. Its screenplay was written by Philip Dunne and it was directed by Carol Reed. It was filmed in color and released in 1965. The Film stars Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison. Heston plays famous Italian renaissance artist Michelangelo. Harrison plays Pope Julius the warrior pope. Michelangelo, a known sculptor, is commissioned by Pope Julius to paint a fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. Michelangelo has doubts about his ability as a painter, but finds inspiration and continues. Although Michelangelo commits to the project, his vision for the chapel clashes with the pope’s vision. The most prevalent theme in the film is the power struggle between Michelangelo and the pope. Michelangelo an artist with no authority against the pope who has all the authority. Michelangelo must do as he is told in order to survive. The scenes in the film lead to the building up of tension. When the two characters are on screen together the audience can feel the …show more content…

It follows their disputes from the different visions they have for the work. It shows the authority Julius has as pope and representative of God. It shows how Michelangelo must accept this and do what he is ordered to do. He is a sculptor forced to paint the ceiling of the chapel. This film is a big budget epic from the sixties. The lavish costumes, sets and color are examples of the big budget. According to Crowther, “With no roots or romance in his story and only that conflict between artist and Pope, he gives us a pseudo-personal drama that is as impersonal and emotionless as glass.” I agree, this film’s main story is the conflict. The attempt at a romantic storyline feels forced. The second half of the film feels rushed and incomplete; there is no climax of the

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