"I always call you Jesus, you always call me Sonny. This Sonny talking."
November 6, 2011 2:40 PM Subscribe
"Thirty minutes into the screening, studio executives began leaving the theater to wheel and deal outside."
In the early 1980's, Robert Duvall wrote a movie script about a subject he loved dearly. It languished for 15 years. Then he put five million dollars of his own money down to make it. It was called, The Apostle. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13.)
In the early 1980's, Robert Duvall wrote a movie script about a subject he loved dearly. It languished for 15 years. Then he put five million dollars of his own money down to make it. It was called, The Apostle. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13.)
Love that movie.
posted by MikeMc at 2:45 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by MikeMc at 2:45 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
The Apostle E.F., apparently I need to watch this.
posted by efalk at 2:48 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by efalk at 2:48 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
This really is a very unusual, obviously heartfelt, film. Highly recommended.
posted by stinkycheese at 2:51 PM on November 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by stinkycheese at 2:51 PM on November 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
The apostle moved me a lot when I first saw it - if it isn't overrated it is as least underwatched.
posted by Dmenet at 2:58 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Dmenet at 2:58 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm sometimes baffled why some things are and stay up on Youtube, and other things get yanked. Is it just that they stay if no one complains?
posted by crunchland at 2:58 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by crunchland at 2:58 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Pretty good movie. Generated a lot of buzz when it was first released. Only complaint about it is I took someone to see it as a first date, think it ruined my chances.
posted by Ad hominem at 3:10 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Ad hominem at 3:10 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
A movie that left me thinking about it for days - which of course is the sign of a great movie.
posted by Ber at 3:19 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Ber at 3:19 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
The Apostle is a great movie. A quiet little project from a great actor which relies entirely upon the craft of acting and a quality script for its impact. And it has one heck of an impact. I've told innumerable people about it, not sure any of them ever actually watched it.
Glad to see it's getting some love here on the Blue.
And yes, Assassination Tango is also good, for all the same reasons.
posted by hippybear at 3:38 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Glad to see it's getting some love here on the Blue.
And yes, Assassination Tango is also good, for all the same reasons.
posted by hippybear at 3:38 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Dmenet: "...and of course I meant underrated"
I wish I'd simply read down a few lines and saw this because I probably spent a full 30 seconds trying to figure out what you meant.
On the plus side, it made me think a lot about this movie, which I probably haven't thought about since it came out. I remember being absolutely taken into the world it created and, though it was hailed for its performances, I was interested in the screenplay more... though I can't remember why and look forward to watching it to be sure.
That said, the acting was something else, and the fact that it went unmentioned in the Farrah Fawcett obit thread a few years back was a big old fail on all our parts.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:41 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wish I'd simply read down a few lines and saw this because I probably spent a full 30 seconds trying to figure out what you meant.
On the plus side, it made me think a lot about this movie, which I probably haven't thought about since it came out. I remember being absolutely taken into the world it created and, though it was hailed for its performances, I was interested in the screenplay more... though I can't remember why and look forward to watching it to be sure.
That said, the acting was something else, and the fact that it went unmentioned in the Farrah Fawcett obit thread a few years back was a big old fail on all our parts.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:41 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Crunchland: pretty much. If the rights holder complains it gets taken down. Many people fail to understand that YouTube would love to make all the videos available to all the people, it is rights holders who refuse to let this happen.
posted by Ayn Rand and God at 3:49 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by Ayn Rand and God at 3:49 PM on November 6, 2011
Duvall is one of those actors who can make you believe that he is really living the part. The Apostle is a great movie - I've probably watched it ten times. The subtleties and things left unsaid really draw me in for some reason.
( I actually had a small brush with Robert Duvall. I used to be sales rep with a high-end millwork shop in Northern Virginia. About 15 years or so ago, we were hired by Duvall to make a full-blown western bar for a party he was throwing at his home in The Plains, Va. I actually got to meet him while we tweaked and changed things to his satisfaction. He came off as a genuinely nice guy, which was a very pleasant surprise. I was already a fan, but I'm probably a bigger one now because of that.)
posted by Benny Andajetz at 3:54 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
( I actually had a small brush with Robert Duvall. I used to be sales rep with a high-end millwork shop in Northern Virginia. About 15 years or so ago, we were hired by Duvall to make a full-blown western bar for a party he was throwing at his home in The Plains, Va. I actually got to meet him while we tweaked and changed things to his satisfaction. He came off as a genuinely nice guy, which was a very pleasant surprise. I was already a fan, but I'm probably a bigger one now because of that.)
posted by Benny Andajetz at 3:54 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
One of very, very few films to approach the subject of religion in a serious and intelligent manner. Also, full of great performances. Farrah Fawcett! Billy Bob Thornton! Shane from The Shield!
posted by Rangeboy at 4:00 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by Rangeboy at 4:00 PM on November 6, 2011
The actors who played the fellow tent-preachers were in fact... tent-preachers. (Don't know if this is mentioned in the links or not; sadly I DNRTFA yet.) And they were awesomely real. Natch.
posted by IAmBroom at 5:12 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by IAmBroom at 5:12 PM on November 6, 2011
Like all good movies, this deserves to be watched in something better than YouTube.
posted by Ideefixe at 5:21 PM on November 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Ideefixe at 5:21 PM on November 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
Although Duvall did not direct it, Tender Mercies is also a great film.
You have all seen it right?
Here is a YT clip.
posted by dougzilla at 6:32 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
You have all seen it right?
Here is a YT clip.
posted by dougzilla at 6:32 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
I got to work with RD earlier this year. He had a small part in a movie I was an electrician on. Usually, during a take, most of the people onset are taking that moment to relax, breathe, grab a snack from crafty, prepare for the next shot, etc. When Robert Duvall acts, everyone stops what they're doing and pays attention. You can't help but pay attention, he's just that captivating.
posted by mollymayhem at 6:35 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by mollymayhem at 6:35 PM on November 6, 2011 [4 favorites]
I enjoyed this movie when I saw it a few years ago, though I had a hard time getting past the constant awareness that Duvall sounded exactly like my grandfather the whole time. Kinda freaked me out.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:27 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:27 PM on November 6, 2011
I love Robert Duvall, but I don't know if it's because I love Robert Duvall or because I love Augustus McCrae. His performance in the Lonesome Dove miniseries is one of the best embodiments of a character I've e ever seen.
posted by Mavri at 7:28 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Mavri at 7:28 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Just finished watching Crazy Heart which Duvall directed and starred in with Jeff Bridges. It was a good movie. Also, I'm agreeing that Duvall's performance in Lonesome Dove is incredible.
posted by Hop123 at 8:00 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by Hop123 at 8:00 PM on November 6, 2011
The short bus from The Apostle has stayed with me forever. Loved the church, loved the little bus. What a movie. Thanks for this post.
posted by jessamyn at 9:27 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 9:27 PM on November 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Such a good movie. And very memorable; I saw it just once about 15 years ago when it came out and I can recall most of the plot very easily. Did Duvall get any Oscars for The Apostle?
posted by zardoz at 10:47 PM on November 6, 2011
posted by zardoz at 10:47 PM on November 6, 2011
Duvall appeared in "Sling Blade" and Billy Bob Thornton appeared in "The Apostle" as favors to each other. (Where Rick Dial fits into it, I have no idea.)
The Apostle is easily one of my 3 favorite films. It's been years since I've seen it. Thanks for the reminder.
posted by themanwho at 11:02 PM on November 6, 2011
The Apostle is easily one of my 3 favorite films. It's been years since I've seen it. Thanks for the reminder.
posted by themanwho at 11:02 PM on November 6, 2011
I remember when this came out. I wasn't interested because I had never seen a religion-themed movie that was good. Still haven't, actually. I'm going to have to give this a shot now.
posted by Leta at 5:43 AM on November 7, 2011
posted by Leta at 5:43 AM on November 7, 2011
You want good Duval performances? He was in this one film yeeears ago with James Earl Jones, in which it turns out they are long-lost siblings. Tremendous performances from both in a movie that could have been more about the gimmick of the setup, but turned out to be a really touching film.
Can't remember the name of it, but I recommend it.
posted by grubi at 7:06 AM on November 7, 2011
Can't remember the name of it, but I recommend it.
posted by grubi at 7:06 AM on November 7, 2011
This is one of my favorite movies. It's also very difficult for me to watch, because I relate to this character so strongly. No, I'm not a preacher, but I am a flawed man (just like the rest of you) who strives daily to be, well, better at being a good person, husband, father, and member of our society. I both succeed and fail, every day.
This movie speaks to the fact that we are all flawed. Claiming to be a Christian or Jew or Muslim or whatever doesn't obviate the need to work on improving ourselves and the relationships we have and make with others. The title means nothing other than yoru alignment to a set of beliefs. It doesn't mean we don't screw up, royally, while striving to improve, either.
Watch this movie. It's a gem.
posted by legweak at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
This movie speaks to the fact that we are all flawed. Claiming to be a Christian or Jew or Muslim or whatever doesn't obviate the need to work on improving ourselves and the relationships we have and make with others. The title means nothing other than yoru alignment to a set of beliefs. It doesn't mean we don't screw up, royally, while striving to improve, either.
Watch this movie. It's a gem.
posted by legweak at 9:42 AM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Just finished watching Crazy Heart which Duvall directed and starred in with Jeff Bridges.
(Crazy Heart was written and directed by Scott Cooper, not Robert Duvall.)
posted by incessant at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2011
(Crazy Heart was written and directed by Scott Cooper, not Robert Duvall.)
posted by incessant at 9:53 AM on November 7, 2011
I'm sometimes baffled why some things are and stay up on Youtube, and other things get yanked. Is it just that they stay if no one complains?
Ditto. There are a lot of full-length feature films broken into 10-minute chunks on YouTube.
What's up here? Is it OK to likewise post to a movie or album download on Mediafire just b/c the content creator hasn't filed a dmca complaint?
Is it OK to post a link to download Drums Between the Bells to the Brian Eno thread?
What excludes YouTube from the community prohibition on violating IP law in spirit?
(If this The Apostle content is explicitly authorized by October Films/Focus Features/Whatever, I retract.)
I mean, Nashville is a great movie too. Here are parts 1 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
It's only my2c, but I would nix any posts to YT videos with such disclaimers:
"If you are the COPYRIGHT OWNER of the performances / images / music in this video, I kindly ask you to contact me requesting to delete the video BEFORE lodging a complaint with the Youtube administration. I WILL DELETE THE VIDEO IMMEDIATELY. I thank you."
Just because the links aren't likely going to be there for very long. Again, justmy2c.
Good movie, regardless. So is Watership Down.
You want good Duval performances? He was in this one film yeeears ago with James Earl Jones, in which it turns out they are long-lost siblings.
Not that long ago. A Family Thing. Yes, also very good. Duvall is one of the best, imo.
posted by mrgrimm at 9:55 AM on November 7, 2011
Ditto. There are a lot of full-length feature films broken into 10-minute chunks on YouTube.
What's up here? Is it OK to likewise post to a movie or album download on Mediafire just b/c the content creator hasn't filed a dmca complaint?
Is it OK to post a link to download Drums Between the Bells to the Brian Eno thread?
What excludes YouTube from the community prohibition on violating IP law in spirit?
(If this The Apostle content is explicitly authorized by October Films/Focus Features/Whatever, I retract.)
I mean, Nashville is a great movie too. Here are parts 1 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
It's only my2c, but I would nix any posts to YT videos with such disclaimers:
"If you are the COPYRIGHT OWNER of the performances / images / music in this video, I kindly ask you to contact me requesting to delete the video BEFORE lodging a complaint with the Youtube administration. I WILL DELETE THE VIDEO IMMEDIATELY. I thank you."
Just because the links aren't likely going to be there for very long. Again, justmy2c.
Good movie, regardless. So is Watership Down.
You want good Duval performances? He was in this one film yeeears ago with James Earl Jones, in which it turns out they are long-lost siblings.
Not that long ago. A Family Thing. Yes, also very good. Duvall is one of the best, imo.
posted by mrgrimm at 9:55 AM on November 7, 2011
Is it OK to likewise post to a movie or album download on Mediafire just b/c the content creator hasn't filed a dmca complaint?
Not really no. We're really into MeTa territory with this one, but any time someone links to something that we're pretty sure is copyrighted we do a judgment call sort of thing, deciding what to do. Mediafire downloads [and scribd docs, for the most part] aren't okay because they're not really linking to something on the web, just a file on the internet somewhere. We also can't check to see if they're self links in the same way but that's pretty secondary. In any case, if you want to talk about this more in depth please feel free to take it to MetaTalk which is where we should be talking about policy, not in someone else's thread about something else.
posted by jessamyn at 10:07 AM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Not really no. We're really into MeTa territory with this one, but any time someone links to something that we're pretty sure is copyrighted we do a judgment call sort of thing, deciding what to do. Mediafire downloads [and scribd docs, for the most part] aren't okay because they're not really linking to something on the web, just a file on the internet somewhere. We also can't check to see if they're self links in the same way but that's pretty secondary. In any case, if you want to talk about this more in depth please feel free to take it to MetaTalk which is where we should be talking about policy, not in someone else's thread about something else.
posted by jessamyn at 10:07 AM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Duvall was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for this performance, and the film won several Independent Spirit awards, including two for Duvall in directing and acting.
posted by DandyRandy at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2011
posted by DandyRandy at 11:14 AM on November 7, 2011
No Duvall love pile-on is complete without the underrated Wrestling Ernest Hemingway
But yeah, the Apostle. Amazing movie.
posted by lumpenprole at 11:15 AM on November 7, 2011
But yeah, the Apostle. Amazing movie.
posted by lumpenprole at 11:15 AM on November 7, 2011
So much respect for Mr. Duvall's work. So little respect for Mr. Duvall's intellectual property rights.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 1:17 PM on November 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 1:17 PM on November 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
I enjoy and appreciate Robert Duvall's work, but it always freaks me out exactly how much he talks like, walks like and looks like my dad did. Even the little chuckle sound he makes while he's thinking on camera. Whoa.
posted by halfbuckaroo at 4:07 PM on November 7, 2011
posted by halfbuckaroo at 4:07 PM on November 7, 2011
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