Talking To The Screen
The Apostle
Friday 1/17/03, 2:36 am
HBO OnDemand
Robert Duvall has undeniably had an epic film carreer. (?MASH?, ?The Godfather?, ?Network?, ?Apocalypse Now?, ?Sling Blade? and countless others.) Despite all of these accomplishments, ?The Apostle? feels like the feather in his cap.
Written, directed and starring Robert Duvall, ?The Apostle? is the story of a Pentecostal preacher confronting his demons, whether they be alcoholism, divorce or murder.
Duvall gives an absolutely convincing performance as Sonny a.k.a The Apostle E.F. When Sonny is preaching, I am completely enthralled, fully sold that Robert Duvall is a Pentacost inspiring his flock. His evangelical character runs complete through his behavior. Naturally, God plays a mammoth role in his life. But more than that, the pontification, optimism and domination that are necessary to rally a group to faith, run throughout his behavior even beyond the church.
The plot to 'The Apostle' isn't the focus of the film in the slightest. What's of the largest import is the character of Sonny. It's unclear whether he actually changes over the course of the film, whether becoming The Apostle E.F. actually constituted a transformation or just a disguise. By the end of the film he's still a staunch mean son of a bitch, but the direction of his actions are toward the glory of God, as opposed to being fueled by his mortal soul. I suppose the verdict is in the hands of the viewer. I'm not convinced that he's conquered his sinful impulses. But I suppose it's a matter of faith.
The pinacle of the film is E.F.'s reaction to Billy Bob Thornton's character, billed only as 'Troublemaker'. This is a year after the two were in 'Sling Blade' together, and they're dynamic is electric. Simply a joy of film acting.
On the downside, 'The Apostle' is slow and deliberate. Not much happens through the course of the plot. If you're not excited by Duvall's performance, you will be bored by the pacing of this picture. Personally, I was enthralled from start to finish.
HBO OnDemand
Robert Duvall has undeniably had an epic film carreer. (?MASH?, ?The Godfather?, ?Network?, ?Apocalypse Now?, ?Sling Blade? and countless others.) Despite all of these accomplishments, ?The Apostle? feels like the feather in his cap.
Written, directed and starring Robert Duvall, ?The Apostle? is the story of a Pentecostal preacher confronting his demons, whether they be alcoholism, divorce or murder.
Duvall gives an absolutely convincing performance as Sonny a.k.a The Apostle E.F. When Sonny is preaching, I am completely enthralled, fully sold that Robert Duvall is a Pentacost inspiring his flock. His evangelical character runs complete through his behavior. Naturally, God plays a mammoth role in his life. But more than that, the pontification, optimism and domination that are necessary to rally a group to faith, run throughout his behavior even beyond the church.
The plot to 'The Apostle' isn't the focus of the film in the slightest. What's of the largest import is the character of Sonny. It's unclear whether he actually changes over the course of the film, whether becoming The Apostle E.F. actually constituted a transformation or just a disguise. By the end of the film he's still a staunch mean son of a bitch, but the direction of his actions are toward the glory of God, as opposed to being fueled by his mortal soul. I suppose the verdict is in the hands of the viewer. I'm not convinced that he's conquered his sinful impulses. But I suppose it's a matter of faith.
The pinacle of the film is E.F.'s reaction to Billy Bob Thornton's character, billed only as 'Troublemaker'. This is a year after the two were in 'Sling Blade' together, and they're dynamic is electric. Simply a joy of film acting.
On the downside, 'The Apostle' is slow and deliberate. Not much happens through the course of the plot. If you're not excited by Duvall's performance, you will be bored by the pacing of this picture. Personally, I was enthralled from start to finish.