A sculptor who didn't want to paint
Added 10/5/2009
Based on Irving Stone's novel, this film gives us a somewhat fictionalized account of the professional relations between Pope Julius II and Michaelangelo. They don't make movies like this anymore. It begins with a short historical introduction, focusing on the work of the artist. Several of Michaelangelo's sculptures are featured. The extraordinary life-like detail of his statuary in marble is incredible. Even more astounding, is the fact that he carved some of these masterworks at the age of 17!
Having explored a number of museums in the past, and remembering some of the truly laughable excuses for "modern art" submitted for our perusal, I had to ask myself: How many modern "artists", in our modern age, would be capable of emulating such work? In fact, how many 17 year olds, in our time, could/would aspire to even attempt such works? Oh, how far Western art has fallen...
The story commences as Michaelangelo, primarily a sculptor, is commissioned (coerced) into the vast project of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Disgruntled and initially un-inspired by the Pope's original concept, Michaelangelo flees Rome, and the Pope sends forth his soldiers to arrest him.
However, while hiding in the mountains, Mike finds his inspiration, and returns to his client with an even better plan for the ceiling...
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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A new look at an old clasic
Added 9/15/2009
I have not seen this movie in 20 years or so. Now as an adult i was fascinated by the way the "antagonism" between the Pope and Michelangelo bring out the best in each other. They have a very masculine way of goading the other to succeed, survive and make their mark on culture and the church.
I was also struck by the powerful statement made by the woman who was "working the night shift" when Michelangelo was being sought out. She said, "If you knew Michelangelo, you know you would not find him here." It was a subtle and powerful statement to his integrity as a man in an age where it would be easy for hollywood to slip in a slight on his character in the middle of the movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Tedious but interesting film.
Added 9/13/2009
Hollywood's version of early italian politics and art. With Charleston Heston and Rex Harrison as stars, the film is interesting to watch but it is rather tedious at times. A good film for a rainy day with a cup of tea.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Wonderful old classic
Added 5/18/2009
What can I say, other than state that this movie was superb when it was released and was a joy to watch again.
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I've waited for over 3 decades to read this again...
Added 5/10/2009
I was in high school when this book first found it's way into my reach - not that I was reaching all that much for `books' in those days...
This work taught me a new appreciation for patience and for the joys of relaxation through reading.
To find a gently used copy of this story in such fine shape (while the shape of most things in my world have come to change quite a bit...) is truly a gift.
I will slide back in time once again, while taking up this great piece of literature - maybe all the way back to the painting the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A sculptor who didn't want to paint
Added 10/5/2009
Based on Irving Stone's novel, this film gives us a somewhat fictionalized account of the professional relations between Pope Julius II and Michaelangelo. They don't make movies like this anymore. It begins with a short historical introduction, focusing on the work of the artist. Several of Michaelangelo's sculptures are featured. The extraordinary life-like detail of his statuary in marble is incredible. Even more astounding, is the fact that he carved some of these masterworks at the age of 17!
Having explored a number of museums in the past, and remembering some of the truly laughable excuses for "modern art" submitted for our perusal, I had to ask myself: How many modern "artists", in our modern age, would be capable of emulating such work? In fact, how many 17 year olds, in our time, could/would aspire to even attempt such works? Oh, how far Western art has fallen...
The story commences as Michaelangelo, primarily a sculptor, is commissioned (coerced) into the vast project of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Disgruntled and initially un-inspired by the Pope's original concept, Michaelangelo flees Rome, and the Pope sends forth his soldiers to arrest him.
However, while hiding in the mountains, Mike finds his inspiration, and returns to his client with an even better plan for the ceiling...
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
A new look at an old clasic
Added 9/15/2009
I have not seen this movie in 20 years or so. Now as an adult i was fascinated by the way the "antagonism" between the Pope and Michelangelo bring out the best in each other. They have a very masculine way of goading the other to succeed, survive and make their mark on culture and the church.
I was also struck by the powerful statement made by the woman who was "working the night shift" when Michelangelo was being sought out. She said, "If you knew Michelangelo, you know you would not find him here." It was a subtle and powerful statement to his integrity as a man in an age where it would be easy for hollywood to slip in a slight on his character in the middle of the movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Tedious but interesting film.
Added 9/13/2009
Hollywood's version of early italian politics and art. With Charleston Heston and Rex Harrison as stars, the film is interesting to watch but it is rather tedious at times. A good film for a rainy day with a cup of tea.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
