The Apostle

A detailed Summary of The Apostle

Robert Duvall is a powerhouse off and on screen here. In addition to producing, writing and directing this piece, he also stars, and his character is almost always on screen. In fact, it's this nearly myopic attention to the one character here that makes "The Apostle" both interesting and yet seemingly lacking.

Duvall plays a preacher named Sonny. He's one of those loud, verbose and powerful ministers who really can blow the doors off the church. Duvall spends several moments on screen simply preaching the Bible. Although it can feel you're in a southern tent revival at these times, it still is awesome to watch. There are times when Duvall's conviction in the Gospel he is pontificating upon almost converts you if, like myself, you are a nonbeliever.

But Duvall's Sonny has a dark side as well. Again, Duvall's script and acting here is awesome as his character is not evil, but human. Duvall isn't making some sort of cynical, venomous indictment of modern Christianity or evangelists. What he brings forth here is an essay upon the nature of good and evil within one man. The things that Sonny does which show his human qualities in a bad light are things that many of us might do and it is in this subtle dram

Duvall directs in a quiet and straightforward manner. He's script is awesome enough to be easily transferred onto film. One of his most wondrous techniques is to have Sonny talk out loud (to the Lord), praying in the same manner in which he preaches, so that we understand what he is feeling very clearly. Duvall's film may be wordy at times and there is no great thrilling and dramatic moments, but it is still an awesome spectacle.

The notable names in the film are also quite good. Although Farrah Fawcett has what turns out to be a small role, it is no less important and interesting. Fawcett's character gives Duvall's Sonny much of his motivation so it is important that the chemistry between them creates the right amount of tension. In Fawcett's hands, this works well. Thorton, also in a small role, is nonetheless remarkable turning, with Duvall, what could be a hokey and unbelievable sequence into a remarkable and moving moment in the film. Their power together, the sheer magnitude of the moment they bring us is astounding. June Carter Cash has a minor role (her first in 10 years) on screen as Sonny's mother and although she looks quite old, her love for her son, which is again important to the film, shines through her aged facade. It's good to see her on screen.

Duvall's character breaks Commandments here, not in an evil, horrific way, but i

Some common words found in the essay are:
Duvall's Sonny, Carter Cash, Sonny He's, Lead Sonny, Robert Duvall, Walt Goggins, Farrah Fawcett, duvall's sonny, , human qualities,

Approximate Word count = 913
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Movies

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The Apostle

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