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Powerful

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

i waited to see this movie. i guess i was afraid. i watched "the apostle" tonight! it gripped me from the first turn of the reels. i have always adored robert duvall! "convicts" is also one of his best roles! and, let us not forget "lonesome dove"! i could not believe the fact that he also directed this movie, as well. i know it was made back in 1997, but, i just saw it tonight. robert duvall-you are one of the finest actors to ever come out of the back woods of this great country of ours! the tragedy is you did not make more movies in which you were also given the chance to direct! i take my hat off to you, fine sir! hats off, gentlemen, to a genius!!

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

A troubled preacher on the Salvation circuit is railroaded out of his spot in the local church by his cheating, vindictive wife; he does some soul-searching, eventually starting his own parish out of a ramshackle building in the sticks which he slowly renovates. Robert Duvall wrote, directed, and stars in this somewhat lofty character study which begins with some fiery church-worshiping (set in the past), leading incongruously to the present where Duvall stops at a car accident to pray for the dying. The wayward early scenes, with Farrah Fawcett as Duvall's spouse and June Carter Cash as his mother, are so scattershot and marred by confusion, it's unclear what the characters mean to one another--or to us. It takes a long time for Duvall to blend what he most wants to see into this heady mix: ordinary folks finding strength and salvation in communal prayer. His little asides would surely be sneakier and funnier if the editing didn't linger over everything so long, yet Duvall proves to have a capable way with his extras and actors if not his narrative. The film is really just a colorful, energetic bushel of scenes in search of a product. As a filmmaker, Duvall may not know much on how to package a film such as this, though his conviction is apparent in the attempt. ** from ****

There is one compelling reason to see "The Apostle," and that reason is Robert Duvall.Duvall directed himself in this story about an evangelist who embarks on a self-assigned mission to save souls when his own life goes wrong. Duvall gives a scorching, blistering performance in the title role, sinking deeply into his character until you feel like Duvall the actor no longer even exists. He also proves himself to be a competent director, even though that hasn't been a calling he's pursued subsequently.It's just criminal that Jack Nicholson beat Duvall for the 1997 Best Actor Award with a performance like the one he gives in "As Good as It Gets." Grade: A