The Apostle

Robert Duvall, 1997 (133 mins, Cert. 12)

Robert Duvall wrote, directed and stars in a beguiling film about a quick-tempered revivalist preacher, whose anger explodes when his separated wife confirms their marriage is over. Losing both his church and family, he sets out on the road to redemption. With outstanding performances from Duvall himself and Miranda Richardson, Farrah Fawcett and Billy Bob Thornton, The Apostle is a perceptive, rich and beautifully observed piece of film making; amidst the Hollywood maelstrom, a breath of fresh air.
(Barbican publicity)

I expect Robert Duvall had a lot of fun making this film (which he also had a hand in producing), I certainly had a lot of fun watching it! Duvall delivers an outstanding performance as the charismatic bible-belt preacher of the title. The scenes of him preaching in full flight are an astonishing tour de force, and seem to have been at least partly extemporised. The story is straightforward enough, the delight comes from seeing Duvall doing his "schtick" and from the detailed portrayal of rural life in the Southern States. The tension in the final scenes is built up to quite a pitch, but the film closes on a humourous note. Refreshing and invigorating.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Monday, 15th June, 1998 (Barbican 1)