The Apostle (1997)

When this movie came out in 1997, I was a young man who had just found his way into church for the first time in my adult life. I specifically was someone who had always been turned off to church and faith because I had grown up in a place where often times churches were charismatic, a style that never interested me very much. When I was nineteen I started attending a Presbyterian church that was a whole different atmosphere than what I had always known. The service was very structured and organized, and a long story short I found myself at home in a place with a much more reserved style of worship experience.But with that going on in my personal life at the time, it made it difficult for me to want to see "The Apostle", a film that to me looked like it was promoting the style of religion that I had struggled with all my life. So I never saw the film when it was in theaters or while it was still popular.Fast forward to 2014, and I've matured a fair bit. I still have my own preferences about church and religion, but I am not as judgmental as I once was. And so with that in mind, I sat down to watch this film on Netflix a couple of weeks ago.What I found in "The Apostle" was a delightful film, one that is evangelical in its own way, and one that certainly does portray the charismatic church style that I struggled with so much in my youth. But whereas in 1997 I might have had a visceral reaction to that, in 2014 I was able to sit down and watch the film and view it as art. And boy am I glad that I did.Robert Duvall gives a dynamic performance in this movie. It's impossible to see him as himself, because he completely becomes the character. As the movie progresses Duvall has several extended scenes where he's preaching in church, and the performance is amazing. Regardless of whether one appreciates the Christian faith or the charismatic movement, Duvall makes the viewer believe that he is the preacher. It's a bit eerie in a sense, and some might find it uncomfortable given the subject matter--but then you realize that this is the same guy from "The Godfather" movies, and that's when it hits you that this is an amazing feat of acting in a well made film.All that said, "The Apostle" may be a bit foreign and hard to watch for some people who have an averse reaction to matters of faith or who are uncomfortable with Christianity. But even those folks should be able to appreciate the film for its artistic expression, if they can just get past the religious element (which is of course the dominant theme of the film).If you are able to appreciate the film, either as a work of art or as an evangelical film in its own right, then you may agree that it deserves a high rating. Thus my 9/10 stars.

Having lived in and adapted to a number of cultures around the world, I found myself amazed at the variety of interpretations that could be applied to this film depending on which flavor of Koolaid you had been drinking most recently. The depiction of fundamentalist Christians was spot on - the good, the bad, and the ugly. If this film has a flaw, it may be that it is too ambiguous. It does not condemn the judgment of a congregation who worships a semi-charlatan nor really justify the actions of a woman who has been used and manipulated by a sweet-talking devil. As such, it perpetuates a lot of the mythology that continues to allow charismatic Christianity to flourish, and does the parts of the country still under thrall to this a disservice. To the extent that it exposes the evil that the hero worship of very human and flawed leaders - who profess direct contact and support from divinity - can do, it is a pretty good flick.

The Apostle will primarily appeal to those 30 and older. Robert Duvall is the only reason for seeing this movie. Otherwise, I found this movie extremely boring and slow. Robert Duvall's performance makes this movie worth watching to see terrific acting. This is my third preaching movie seen today. I think that I am all preached out. This is a good movie to see in the afternoon if you want to stay awake for the entire film. I usually enjoy watching Robert Duvall in his movie roles. This role makes him both a villain and a hero. Most of the time I remember Robert Duvall as mostly the villain in a movie. Bring plenty of munchies for this film. Enjoy.

After bringing scores of souls to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, evangelical Texas preacher Robert Duvall (as Euless "Sonny" Dewey) finds his Christian career threatened by infidelity. Cheating wife Farrah Fawcett (as Jessie) wants a divorce. Enraged, Mr. Duvall takes a fatal swing at Ms. Fawcett's young lover Todd Allen (as Horace). On the run from the police, Duvall changes his identity to "Apostle E.F." and begins a new preaching career in partnership with retired Louisiana minister John Beasley (as Charles Blackwell). Success includes a radio show, which is eventually heard by...The opening scenes include Duvall as a boy, which may not be clear (unless you watch it a second time). The setting is 1969, and jumps ahead with no notification. There is also something odd about mother June Carter Cash, who possibly likes to play possum. Another early concern is that Duvall, who also wrote and directed, holds back on his character's own sexual indiscretions. These are referenced as "wanderin' eye" and "womanizing" in the script, but a concentrated attention is required. Consequently, Fawcett appears to be the wicked home-wrecker. She also wants to steal Duvall's congregation...Duvall's preacher is a violent, vociferous and self-centered liar. However, he does appear to be a genuine believer. Why he avoids accepting responsibility for taking life and entering into adulterous affairs, while yearning to keep his family together, is not as important as the need to preach. Mr. Beasley and possibly Miranda Richardson (as Toosie) seem to be quietly aware of the ruse. In the dark, but acting stellar, are surprisingly unsaved mechanic Walton Goggins (as Sam) and born-again best friend Billy Joe Shaver (as Joe). Billy Bob Thornton has a glorified cameo. Duval's characterization is excellent.******* The Apostle (9/6/97) Robert Duvall ~ Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, John Beasley, Walton Goggins