Amazon.com

Robert Duvall's fascination with tango finds its expression in this labor of love, a film he wrote, directed, and stars in. Duvall plays a professional hit man on a job in Argentina. Forced to kill time instead of his target, he learns about tango, and meets a beautiful young dancer who teaches him the art. Seeing this precise, passionate dance, one feels no doubt it is worthy of Duvall's obsession. The hit-man plotline becomes less urgent as the movie goes on, and the director's loose, improvisatory approach makes for a certain sketchiness in scenes. But, like Duvall's marvelously odd The Apostle, the darn thing is intriguing. In leading lady Luciana Pedraza, Duvall has found a stunning partner--a slinky tango dancer and a beguiling actress. (One has no doubt she is worthy of his obsession, too.) This is a film from the "uneven" file, but like many such movies, it has its attractions. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Great performances, visuals, atmosphere
This film, directed by and starring Robert Duvall, is an odd hybrid between a suspense thriller and a dramatic character study. It also uses the sensual tango dance as a theme in itself. These elements do not always gel in this slow paced film, but I found it captivating all the same.
Duvall plays John, a contract killer who is sent to Argentina to kill a prominent general. He is reluctant to go, mainly because he doesn't want to miss his stepdaughter's birthday. His attachment to this young girl, which, the film suggests, may cross the line beyond paternal affection, is one of the many aspects of this complex character. If there is any point to the film that I could discern, it is that John is a person who lacks integration. It is Duvall's ability to portray this character that makes the film. He is moody, volatile, introspective and passionate, often in inappropriate ways. He is able to rationalize his violent profession by having the attitude that "it's just a job." When he sees a beautiful tango dancer (Luciana Pedraza, who also gives a great performance), he develops a new obsession. While stalking his victim in the streets of Buenos Aires, he gets to know the dancer and their often meandering conversations are some of the best scenes in the film. During the long stretches when there is not much going on, there is still a sense of lurking menace. John is in a foreign country and doesn't know if he can trust his employers. I actually appreciated the disjointed quality of the film, which might be a turnoff for some viewers. Real life does not always follow a formula the way most movies do, and it is refreshing to see events unfold in an unpredictable, haphazard way.

This is clearly an act of love for Duvall.
Robert Duvall is one of the best actors of the late 20th Century. We are aware of Duvall's versatility in movies in everything from "The Godfather" and "The Apostle" to "Gods and Generals." Few people outside the tango community know that he is a passionate tango dancer. It is obvious that this production was an act of love. This movie will probably not go into general release at your local theater. I really expect it to have a limited release. Notwithstanding that, my advice to you is to see it even if you have to drive two hours [one way] to go to a theater as my wife and I did recently. It was really worthwhile.

It is a movie that did not do well in the Toronto Film Festival in 2002. Because of that, certain portions of the film were re-shot in Buenos Aires. Even still, the movie provoked discussion on the Tango-L listserv. It has been criticized for its "weak" plot. I find the plot less complicated than Sally Porter's "Tango Lesson," and the style of dancing to be less of the "fantasy tango" style and more of the salon style that you see in Buenos Aires today. This movie will have definite appeal to milongueros and tango junkies, as well as some die-hard ballroom dancers.

I loved the dancing in the movie, and I really wish there was more of it. A few years ago, I was pleased to have seen some of the people in the movie dance several years ago at Duvall's farm in northern Virginia. This is the kind of dancing I like. I would love it if there were a "director's cut" of this movie available soon. I would be the first to buy it.

Where is Tango?
Where is Tango in this movie? Ah, yes, it's at the end, when the final credits appear. Everything else is just a bunch of extremely short clips, as if it were a TV commercial. Acting by all the characters is horrible. The plot is not too bad, but the script and editing are not good at all.

Yawn...
Obviously an endorsement for his girlfriend's passion...the tango. The dance scenes are the only thing worth watching. Unfortunately, Robert Duvall lacks the testosterone level to successfully portray an assassin, let alone dance the tango...Go Papito!

Fascinating
I was intrigued from beginning to end. It's laced with violence, moreso the precarious nature of being human, touching on nuances of community, human sexuality, relationships, psychology, and the meaning of dance. The Argentine tango is a fascinating culture in and of itself. Not for everyone, perhaps, but what is? Another fine film. ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Real Faith.
One of the best films of the 1990's is THE APOSTLE. Robert Duvall stars as the gifted Southern preacher, Sonny. Sonny has a great life: he loves his work, he has a beautiful family, and is loved by all in his community. Things turn sour, however, when Sonny discovers his wife is having an affair with the church youth pastor. Sonny goes into a rage, then begins a search for redemption as The Apostle.

This is a great film. It is also a movie that shows Christianity in a real and positive light. Part of this is due to the stellar cast: Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton, and Miranda Richardson. Also, many of the extras were real people, non-actors who were filmed while worshipping God.

Nevertheless, the majority of the film's success resides with Duvall. Besides starring, he also wrote, directed, and executive produced. He spent nearly 15 years trying to get this picture made before finally securing enough funding (largely from his own pockedt) to begin filming. Duvall's performance is phenomenal (he was robbed of an Oscar by Jack Nicholson) and his love and passion for the project are seen in the directing and writing as well.

THE APOSTLE is a great film with a moving story and powerful message. Thank you, Mr. Duvall and Praise the Lord.

"Move on over, moon and stars!"
"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

Duvall made me believe!!!
Quickly becomming my favorite film of all time.

Never has anyone captured the beauty and sincerity of story in film! This movie takes an intimate look at a personal situation in at an akward angle. Without preaching a message, a true look of an estranged minister who wanders into backwoods Louisiana and wins the hearts of the locals and gives them something to believe in again.

It doesn't take long to realize that every line, every shot, every character was carefully placed evolving seemlessly as if it were documented as a class project. I personally grew up in deep south Louisiana and Duvall could have been any one of my grandfathers or peers with the magnatude of perfection his character was portrayed. All the beauty and aura of the deep south paints a rich canvas for an addicting portrayal of characters.

Don't be fooled by the religeous theme, it's a beatifully written story of one mans struggles with his past and ambitions to re-establish himself finding comfort and support ministering.

Truely a masterpiece from the multitalented mind of a modern day Shakespeare. I hope there are many more to come from Robert Duvall

Faith & Reality
The Apostle (1997)

Robert Duvall, well known for his charismatic character Gus in Lonesome Dove, both stars in and directs this film. He plays the charismatic character of a minister named Sonny, who later renames himself through the sacrament of baptism: The Apostle E.F. The baptism through a rite of the church which should be attended by others is self-administered with only nature attending the event. The baptism does not change all of Sonny's ways and neither does his name change. It does however allow him to follow and live out his calling to evangelize for a time as an apostle; one called by God to do a specific vocation in the church, or in this case outside the established church. Like others in our society who have deluded themselves into the belief that by changing their name and geographical location they can escape justice for acts committed against the law and society. But eventually when the past catches up with them, as it does with E.F., then justice prevails.

A question that comes to mind is who pays or who is to blame? Is society to blame? Or are the constructs within society the culprit? There are usually two sides, if not more to every action. What Duvall accurately portrays in this film is that the double standard of the patriarchal system is still very much alive. His charismatic style which attracts others to worship at church is also used in another way in his home. His wife Jessie Dewey (Farrah Fawcett) knows his style of manipulation quite well as she refuses to pray with him when he asks, begs, and then orders her to. She resists thus asserting her independence from him. She is no longer a victim to and of his charm and charismatic ways. Thus the stage is set for his later behavior; drunkenness and jealous action. He tries to take by violence what he believes is his, by right of marriage; his wife and children. The act that he commits causes him to go into hiding, by running and covering up his identity. Yet his conscious gets to him, as he calls a friend several times to check on conditions at home. During this time of self-imposed exile he has no contact with his former life except through calls he makes to a friend. This friend informs him of two deaths; that of his former youth pastor and his (Sonny's) mother. The self-imposed exile cut Sonny off from his mother, to whom he was deeply devoted.

What caught my voyeur's eye is that Duvall successfully brought belief and faith to the film. Faith and belief in something outside of one's self will sustain and nourish a person; whether it be a relationship with a friend or God. People need the construct of community to live up to their full potential. Sonny proved this as his alter ego E.F. brought a caring sense of community to a depressed people, which helped them to restore and renew their own sense of worth, and relationship to God. In this way he lived up to the call of God within him, without the vanity of his former life as Sonny the Evangelist.
This film is a must have for those who would like to really see the reality of Christianity and faith lived out.

The Apostle's Epistle
Watch Robert Duvall's 14 year in the making, labor of love 'The Apostle - Collector's Edition' Written, directed, AND personally financed by Robert Duvall in 1998, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year effort on the part of its creator, who also cast himself in the starring role as the dynamic southern preacher Sonny AKA "The Apostle E.F."

Great supporting cast consisting of Farrah (The Burning Bed) Fawcett, Billy (Sling Blade) Bob Thornton, June Carter Cash as Sonny's devout, southern Baptist "mama" and the incomparable Ms. Miranda Richardson. Many of the minor roles are played by actual
southern ministers and their congregations.

This is a film not to be missed... Praise The Lord & Pass The Remote! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Written, directed, and personally financed by Robert Duvall, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year effort on the part of its creator, who also stars as the dynamic, God-fearing Texas preacher Euliss "Sonny" Dewey. Vibrantly authentic with its use of real gospel preachers and extras carefully selected from parishes of the deep South, the film treats its complicated characters with the kind of compassion and moral complexity mainstream Hollywood wouldn't dare muster. This is especially true in the case of Sonny, who responds to his wife's infidelity with a crime of passion that sends him on a new and uncharted quest for redemption. Under the assumed identity of "The Apostle E.F.," he settles in a tiny Louisiana town to revive an old church, where he undergoes a transformation of spirit and purpose that enlivens his community. But will the law catch up to him? Does he deserve to be punished? Fueled by Duvall's powerhouse performance, The Apostle refuses to praise or condemn its fascinating central character, leaving the proper degree of forgiveness up to the viewer. Further graced with superb performances by Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and Billy Bob Thornton, the film is clearly Duvall's labor of love. The Collector's Edition DVD features a full-length commentary by Duvall and The Journey of the Apostle, a documentary featurette about the making of the film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Real Faith.
One of the best films of the 1990's is THE APOSTLE. Robert Duvall stars as the gifted Southern preacher, Sonny. Sonny has a great life: he loves his work, he has a beautiful family, and is loved by all in his community. Things turn sour, however, when Sonny discovers his wife is having an affair with the church youth pastor. Sonny goes into a rage, then begins a search for redemption as The Apostle.

This is a great film. It is also a movie that shows Christianity in a real and positive light. Part of this is due to the stellar cast: Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton, and Miranda Richardson. Also, many of the extras were real people, non-actors who were filmed while worshipping God.

Nevertheless, the majority of the film's success resides with Duvall. Besides starring, he also wrote, directed, and executive produced. He spent nearly 15 years trying to get this picture made before finally securing enough funding (largely from his own pockedt) to begin filming. Duvall's performance is phenomenal (he was robbed of an Oscar by Jack Nicholson) and his love and passion for the project are seen in the directing and writing as well.

THE APOSTLE is a great film with a moving story and powerful message. Thank you, Mr. Duvall and Praise the Lord.

"Move on over, moon and stars!"
"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

Duvall made me believe!!!
Quickly becomming my favorite film of all time.

Never has anyone captured the beauty and sincerity of story in film! This movie takes an intimate look at a personal situation in at an akward angle. Without preaching a message, a true look of an estranged minister who wanders into backwoods Louisiana and wins the hearts of the locals and gives them something to believe in again.

It doesn't take long to realize that every line, every shot, every character was carefully placed evolving seemlessly as if it were documented as a class project. I personally grew up in deep south Louisiana and Duvall could have been any one of my grandfathers or peers with the magnatude of perfection his character was portrayed. All the beauty and aura of the deep south paints a rich canvas for an addicting portrayal of characters.

Don't be fooled by the religeous theme, it's a beatifully written story of one mans struggles with his past and ambitions to re-establish himself finding comfort and support ministering.

Truely a masterpiece from the multitalented mind of a modern day Shakespeare. I hope there are many more to come from Robert Duvall

Faith & Reality
The Apostle (1997)

Robert Duvall, well known for his charismatic character Gus in Lonesome Dove, both stars in and directs this film. He plays the charismatic character of a minister named Sonny, who later renames himself through the sacrament of baptism: The Apostle E.F. The baptism through a rite of the church which should be attended by others is self-administered with only nature attending the event. The baptism does not change all of Sonny's ways and neither does his name change. It does however allow him to follow and live out his calling to evangelize for a time as an apostle; one called by God to do a specific vocation in the church, or in this case outside the established church. Like others in our society who have deluded themselves into the belief that by changing their name and geographical location they can escape justice for acts committed against the law and society. But eventually when the past catches up with them, as it does with E.F., then justice prevails.

A question that comes to mind is who pays or who is to blame? Is society to blame? Or are the constructs within society the culprit? There are usually two sides, if not more to every action. What Duvall accurately portrays in this film is that the double standard of the patriarchal system is still very much alive. His charismatic style which attracts others to worship at church is also used in another way in his home. His wife Jessie Dewey (Farrah Fawcett) knows his style of manipulation quite well as she refuses to pray with him when he asks, begs, and then orders her to. She resists thus asserting her independence from him. She is no longer a victim to and of his charm and charismatic ways. Thus the stage is set for his later behavior; drunkenness and jealous action. He tries to take by violence what he believes is his, by right of marriage; his wife and children. The act that he commits causes him to go into hiding, by running and covering up his identity. Yet his conscious gets to him, as he calls a friend several times to check on conditions at home. During this time of self-imposed exile he has no contact with his former life except through calls he makes to a friend. This friend informs him of two deaths; that of his former youth pastor and his (Sonny's) mother. The self-imposed exile cut Sonny off from his mother, to whom he was deeply devoted.

What caught my voyeur's eye is that Duvall successfully brought belief and faith to the film. Faith and belief in something outside of one's self will sustain and nourish a person; whether it be a relationship with a friend or God. People need the construct of community to live up to their full potential. Sonny proved this as his alter ego E.F. brought a caring sense of community to a depressed people, which helped them to restore and renew their own sense of worth, and relationship to God. In this way he lived up to the call of God within him, without the vanity of his former life as Sonny the Evangelist.
This film is a must have for those who would like to really see the reality of Christianity and faith lived out.

The Apostle's Epistle
Watch Robert Duvall's 14 year in the making, labor of love 'The Apostle - Collector's Edition' Written, directed, AND personally financed by Robert Duvall in 1998, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year effort on the part of its creator, who also cast himself in the starring role as the dynamic southern preacher Sonny AKA "The Apostle E.F."

Great supporting cast consisting of Farrah (The Burning Bed) Fawcett, Billy (Sling Blade) Bob Thornton, June Carter Cash as Sonny's devout, southern Baptist "mama" and the incomparable Ms. Miranda Richardson. Many of the minor roles are played by actual
southern ministers and their congregations.

This is a film not to be missed... Praise The Lord & Pass The Remote! ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Real Faith.
One of the best films of the 1990's is THE APOSTLE. Robert Duvall stars as the gifted Southern preacher, Sonny. Sonny has a great life: he loves his work, he has a beautiful family, and is loved by all in his community. Things turn sour, however, when Sonny discovers his wife is having an affair with the church youth pastor. Sonny goes into a rage, then begins a search for redemption as The Apostle.

This is a great film. It is also a movie that shows Christianity in a real and positive light. Part of this is due to the stellar cast: Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Bob Thornton, and Miranda Richardson. Also, many of the extras were real people, non-actors who were filmed while worshipping God.

Nevertheless, the majority of the film's success resides with Duvall. Besides starring, he also wrote, directed, and executive produced. He spent nearly 15 years trying to get this picture made before finally securing enough funding (largely from his own pockedt) to begin filming. Duvall's performance is phenomenal (he was robbed of an Oscar by Jack Nicholson) and his love and passion for the project are seen in the directing and writing as well.

THE APOSTLE is a great film with a moving story and powerful message. Thank you, Mr. Duvall and Praise the Lord.

"Move on over, moon and stars!"
"The Apostle", starring Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and John Beasley, is an outstanding film, beautifully written and acted, breathtaking in its simplicity and yet imbued with complex and deeply etched characters, is a stunning and realistic portrayal of life inside a southern Pentecostal Christian community, and of one man's search for redemption.

"The Apostle" is Euliss "Sonny" Dewey, a Pentecostal preacher whose life is forever changed when he commits a horrific act of violence, a crime of passion committed in response to his wife's infidelity. The majority of this beautifully crafted film takes place in the small town of Bayou Boutte Louisiana. After fleeing from justice, Sonny, now self-baptized as "The Apostle E.F.," sets about resurrecting a small Pentecostal church near the town. This "church in the wildwood" had fallen into disuse after the retirement of its pastor, the Reverend C. Charles Blackwell (played by John Beasley). With his infectious smile, eternally effervescent personality, and obvious love for the Lord, the "Apostle E.F." soon sets this bayou community on its ear. In only a few weeks, the "One Way Road to Heaven," as the newly re-created church is called, has grown from only seven to over thirty members. Church members are involved in distributing food to the poor; the Apostle has begun a stirring "Holy Ghost Power" weekly radio broadcast.

Sonny's conscience constantly reminds him of the enormity of his crime, forcing him to deal with the issue of balancing God's love with God's justice. How he does this is perhaps the central theme of this marvelous film. How does Sonny react when the "long arm of the law" finally reaches out to bring him to justice? Watch this wonderful film to find out!

"The Apostle" was a labor of love for writer/executive producer/star Robert Duvall. It took Duvall fourteen years to see his pet project through to fruition; his commitment is readily evident throughout the film. His performance as "The Apostle" has tremendous depth and credibility. In this veteran actor's hands, the character of Sonny Dewey, with all its complexity, illuminates the screen. Other performances of note are those of John Beasley as the compassionate yet strong-willed Reverend Blackwell; and, in an excellent cameo appearance, June Carter-Cash as Sonny's mother. Only the performance of Farrah Fawcett suffers; her portrayal of Jessie Dewey lacks power. The character she portrays seems too unemotional and detached in every scene in which she appears.

"The Apostle" is a wonderfully sensitive, well crafted film which explores many issues confronting humanity: good versus evil; justice versus mercy; and virtue versus vice. This movie provides sensitive answers to pressing questions, and does so without ever becoming moralistic or "preachy." With a top-shelf screenplay and first-rate performances by an excellent cast, "The Apostle" is wonderful entertainment, as well as a movie with an important message.

Duvall made me believe!!!
Quickly becomming my favorite film of all time.

Never has anyone captured the beauty and sincerity of story in film! This movie takes an intimate look at a personal situation in at an akward angle. Without preaching a message, a true look of an estranged minister who wanders into backwoods Louisiana and wins the hearts of the locals and gives them something to believe in again.

It doesn't take long to realize that every line, every shot, every character was carefully placed evolving seemlessly as if it were documented as a class project. I personally grew up in deep south Louisiana and Duvall could have been any one of my grandfathers or peers with the magnatude of perfection his character was portrayed. All the beauty and aura of the deep south paints a rich canvas for an addicting portrayal of characters.

Don't be fooled by the religeous theme, it's a beatifully written story of one mans struggles with his past and ambitions to re-establish himself finding comfort and support ministering.

Truely a masterpiece from the multitalented mind of a modern day Shakespeare. I hope there are many more to come from Robert Duvall

Faith & Reality
The Apostle (1997)

Robert Duvall, well known for his charismatic character Gus in Lonesome Dove, both stars in and directs this film. He plays the charismatic character of a minister named Sonny, who later renames himself through the sacrament of baptism: The Apostle E.F. The baptism through a rite of the church which should be attended by others is self-administered with only nature attending the event. The baptism does not change all of Sonny's ways and neither does his name change. It does however allow him to follow and live out his calling to evangelize for a time as an apostle; one called by God to do a specific vocation in the church, or in this case outside the established church. Like others in our society who have deluded themselves into the belief that by changing their name and geographical location they can escape justice for acts committed against the law and society. But eventually when the past catches up with them, as it does with E.F., then justice prevails.

A question that comes to mind is who pays or who is to blame? Is society to blame? Or are the constructs within society the culprit? There are usually two sides, if not more to every action. What Duvall accurately portrays in this film is that the double standard of the patriarchal system is still very much alive. His charismatic style which attracts others to worship at church is also used in another way in his home. His wife Jessie Dewey (Farrah Fawcett) knows his style of manipulation quite well as she refuses to pray with him when he asks, begs, and then orders her to. She resists thus asserting her independence from him. She is no longer a victim to and of his charm and charismatic ways. Thus the stage is set for his later behavior; drunkenness and jealous action. He tries to take by violence what he believes is his, by right of marriage; his wife and children. The act that he commits causes him to go into hiding, by running and covering up his identity. Yet his conscious gets to him, as he calls a friend several times to check on conditions at home. During this time of self-imposed exile he has no contact with his former life except through calls he makes to a friend. This friend informs him of two deaths; that of his former youth pastor and his (Sonny's) mother. The self-imposed exile cut Sonny off from his mother, to whom he was deeply devoted.

What caught my voyeur's eye is that Duvall successfully brought belief and faith to the film. Faith and belief in something outside of one's self will sustain and nourish a person; whether it be a relationship with a friend or God. People need the construct of community to live up to their full potential. Sonny proved this as his alter ego E.F. brought a caring sense of community to a depressed people, which helped them to restore and renew their own sense of worth, and relationship to God. In this way he lived up to the call of God within him, without the vanity of his former life as Sonny the Evangelist.
This film is a must have for those who would like to really see the reality of Christianity and faith lived out.

The Apostle's Epistle
Watch Robert Duvall's 14 year in the making, labor of love 'The Apostle - Collector's Edition' Written, directed, AND personally financed by Robert Duvall in 1998, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year effort on the part of its creator, who also cast himself in the starring role as the dynamic southern preacher Sonny AKA "The Apostle E.F."

Great supporting cast consisting of Farrah (The Burning Bed) Fawcett, Billy (Sling Blade) Bob Thornton, June Carter Cash as Sonny's devout, southern Baptist "mama" and the incomparable Ms. Miranda Richardson. Many of the minor roles are played by actual
southern ministers and their congregations.

This is a film not to be missed... Praise The Lord & Pass The Remote! ... Read more