Review of The Apostle (1997) by Davey M — 11 Mar 2012
One of the best religious films ever made. Duvall the actor has never been better; Duvall the writer-director shows a godlike compassion for and devotion to his characters--loving them without coddling them--that is all too rare in the movies and makes for an utterly transcendent experience.
The story could have been told in ninety minutes, but it's a blessing Duvall didn't go the route of commercial American cinema--instead he opts for a more meandering character- and tone-driven piece that, while more grounded in the American people and land than probably any Hollywood film ever made, feels distinctly foreign in its cinematic style.
It's a shame Duvall hasn't made more movies--the great performances he gets from his cast, his eye for composition and subtle camera movement and editing, his quiet intertwining of the naturalistic and the sublime is absolutely extraordinary, and "The Apostle" is a masterpiece.
This review of The Apostle (1997) was written by Davey M on 11 Mar 2012.
The Apostle has generally received positive reviews.
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