Introduction
The film The Agony and the Ecstasy by Carol Reed is devoted to the life and work of Michelangelo Buonarotti, the outstanding Italian artist of the epoch of the Renaissance. The film portrays the conflict of the artist and Pontiff Julius II. The film depicts the atmosphere and spirit of the epoch of the Renaissance.
The Review of the Film
The Agony and the Ecstasy represent the historic film depicting the important events in the European history of the XV-XVI centuries. At the beginning of the film, we get to know about Michelangelo Buonarotti and his major works. The historic period depicted in the film is characterized by the flourishing of art and culture in Italy.
Cole (1987) states that “art into art, the development of one artist’s work from that of another was the major characteristic of Renaissance style” (p.21). The masterpieces of Michelangelo Buonarotti are considered to be the brightest examples of that period.
The movie reveals certain facts about the art of the Renaissance. In particular, the creation of the extensional compositions and the usage of the deep colors were among the prominent features of that time. It was the period when artists eulogized the beauty of the human body. They emphasized the freedom and strength of the man.
I have heard about the artist before watching the film. However, I have not known much about his life. In The Agony and the Ecstasy, certain episodes from artist’s life are shown. However, while watching the film, you are not following his life path from birth to death. The author concentrated her attention on the conflict of Michelangelo and Pope Julius II. Pontiff was considered to be an authoritative and militant ruler. “Julius II has also gained an enviable reputation as a patron of arts.
Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo gave to the world some of their greatest masterpieces while in his service” (Pope Julius II). Bramante was an enemy of Michelangelo. It was due to his craftiness, Julius II discharged Michelangelo from the work on the creation of Papa’s sepulcher. And it was the occasion for their conflict which was solved only in 1506.
The film depicts Michelangelo as an outstanding personality. He was known by his bold and freedom-loving character. Undoubtedly, the author of the film emphasizes his numerous talents. He was not only an artist, but also a sculptor, architect, and poet. In this context, it is relevant to cite Irving Stone, the author of the book The Agony and the Ecstasy, on which the film was based. “No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him” (Stone 1961, p.19).
In my opinion, The Agony and the Ecstasy is a very interesting film. The name of Michelangelo Buonarotti is known to many people but not everyone knows something about his destiny. Although the film presents only certain episodes from his life, it helps us to understand what kind of personality Michelangelo was.
Conclusion
In order to sum up all the above mentioned, it should be said that the film The Agony and the Ecstasy depicts the historic period of the epoch of the Renaissance in Italy. The central theme of the film is the conflict between Michelangelo Buonarotti and Pope Julius II. The film is based on the book with the same name by Irving Stone.
References
Cole, B. (1987). Italian Art, 1250-1550: The Relation of Renaissance Art to Life and Society. New York, USA: Harper & Row. Pope Julius II (n.d.)
Stone, I. (1961). The Agony and the Ecstasy. New York, USA: New American Library.