Cinema Revisited: The Apostle (1997)

The Apostle

Directed by Robert Duvall. Cast: Robert Duvall, Todd Allen, June Carter Cash, Farrah Fawcett, Bill Bob Thornton. Released 1997. 134 minutes

Robert Duvall spent decades trying to get this film made, and his auteurist approach to "The Apostle" is what makes its overall presentation, and its many intimate details, so impressive. Duvall is a stereotypical holy roller preacher who wavers from evangelistic bellowing to a general muttering that he believes keeps him connected to the holy spirit.

The character he plays is both complicated and layered, responding to a series of unfortunate events by unraveling until he's completely wacked out. He loses his wife, his children, and his congregation. Having hit bottom, he relies on his faith to climb back. Relocating, he preys upon backwoods superstition and creates a church that flourishes, until an incident from his past ends this momentum.

Duvall's title role character is not a cynic whose bible-based histrionics are a ruse to gain attention or fortune. He is a disturbed man who believes his own status and has the charisma to convince others.

As a director, Duvall pays careful attention to even the tiniest and most specific details. His placement of the camera, his succession of shots, his use of light, darkness, and color, go beyond the rudimentary approach found in the work of most actors who experiment behind the camera. Duvall really does have an auteurist vision and it allows him to tell the story more effectively.

Over two hours long, and with a narrative that meanders once its characters and conflict are established, "The Apostle" never loses interest. We connect with the central character, despite our misgivings, and are fascinated by how effortlessly he is able to create followers by utilizing the sort of preaching that buoyed such past screen characters from Elmer Gantry to the Steve Martin vehicle Leap of Faith.

Duvall's character is more than bluster, and his direction extends well beyond the ordinary. The Apostle is an impressive achievement with good supporting performances by Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, John Beasley, Walton Goggins, and, in a surprise cameo, Billy Bob Thornton. And, good though she is, June Carter Cash is decidedly miscast as Duvall's mother being that she is only a year-and-a-half older than he is.