The Agony and the Ecstasy

The battle of wills between Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) and Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison) over the artist's painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling is depicted in this sumptuous historical drama, based on the novel by Irving Stone. Given little choice but to accept the assignment, Michelangelo fights fatigue and illness, faces accusations of blasphemy and heresy, and contends with harsh criticism leveled by the Pope. Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews co-star; Carol Reed directs. 138 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish.