Agony and the Ecstasy, The (1965)

The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965), directed by Carol Reed.

It's not a complicated story. Sculptor Michelangelo doesn't want to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel but -- after much wrangling with the Pope -- he becomes obsessed. Both men understand each other better after their multi-year ordeal.

Two distinct characters by two very different actors:

Some beautiful locations and a few battle scenes, although since we know little about the factions it doesn't grab us much.

A twelve minute documentary intro surveys Michelangelo's sculptures.

Alex North score.

Superb Blu-ray. 2.20 aspect ratio. I see pulsing in brightness in some dark scenes, not a big issue.

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