The Agony and the Ecstasy U

The Agony and the Ecstasy  Cover
Duration:
138 mins
Year produced:
1965
Director:
Carol Reed
Cast:
Charlton Heston
Rex Harrison
Diane Cilento

The ceiling of the famous Sistine Chapel is celebrated throughout the world  – but for Michelangelo, the painter responsible for this artistic wonder, completing the masterpiece was an exhausting and sometimes nightmarish process. The film centres on Pope Julius, who is desperate to leave a lasting mark on the world long after he dies – and so asks Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Chapel. But the Pope's constant demands to hurry up and finish the grand ceiling make the experience almost intolerable for the great master.

Average rating:
This film has not been rated yet

Write a review >

Fascinating facts

While playing Michelangelo, Charlton Heston put a steel rod into his nose, so that it would look more like the painter’s – which was broken.

Related films