The Agony and the Ecstasy

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

Sep 16 1965 Approved 2h 18m
Biography, Drama, History

During the Italian Renaissance, Pope Julius II contracts the influential artist Michelangelo to sculpt 40 statues for his tomb. When the pope changes his mind and asks the sculptor to paint a mural in the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo doubts his painting skills and abandons the project. Divine inspiration returns Michelangelo to the mural, but his artistic vision clashes with the pope's demanding personality and threatens the success of the historic painting.

Plot

Pope Julius II (Sir Rex Harrison) is eager to leave behind works by which he will be remembered. To this end he cajoles Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) 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.

Written by

Irving Stone, Philip Dunne

Directed by

Carol Reed

Cast

Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Italy, United States of America

Production Companies

International Classics, 20th Century Fox, Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica

Languages

Latin, English

Awards

Nominated for 5 Oscars. 3 wins & 9 nominations total

Trailers
The Agony and the Ecstasy - Trailer
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