Robert Duvall is a powerhouse off and on screen here. In addition to producing, writing and directing this piece, he also stars, and his character is almost always on screen. In fact, it's this nearly myopic attention to the one character here that makes "The Apostle" both interesting and yet seemingly lacking.

Duvall plays a preacher named Sonny. He's one of those loud, verbose and powerful ministers who really can blow the doors off the church. Duvall spends several moments on screen simply preaching the Bible. Although it can feel you're in a southern tent revival at these times, it still is awesome to watch. There are times when Duvall's conviction in the Gospel he is pontificating upon almost converts you if, like myself, you are a nonbeliever.

But Duvall's Sonny has a dark side as well. Again, Duvall's script and acting here is awesome as his character is not evil, but human. Duvall isn't making some sort of cynical, venomous indictment of modern Christianity or evangelists. What he brings forth here is an essay upon the nature of good and evil within one man. The things that Sonny does which show his human qualities in a bad light are things that many of us might do and it is in this subtle drama that we come to question ourselves and our beliefs. We also question right and wrong as well as the true nature of the Gospel as it relates to community as exemplified by the body of the church.

Duvall's character breaks Commandments here, not in an evil, horrific way, but in simple humanistic ways. Yet his character also saves souls and makes people and communities whole. His conversions of the souls of Billy Bob Thorton and Walt Goggins are awesome spectacles. But herein lies the rub. We don't know enough about these characters to truly appreciate there conversion. Duvall shows us only what happens as if we are witnessing it for ourselves. When he talks to a man about starting a church in a new community, the man ask why he should trust Duvall. We, like the man, cannot tell if Duvall's Sonny is trustworthy or not either. Like the man, we have to find faith within ourselves and take the time it takes to be able to trust the character. When Sonny makes the climactic conversion of a sort of innocent type character, we know nothing of this person, really. So Duvall is, again, simply showing us the apparent conversion. The acting is so powerful and the characters so focused that we can see the deeply profound impact of the act, even if we don't fully understand all the intricacies of this character's story. Where he comes from is not important. What is important is that he is changed. He has been enlightened. His life has new meaning to him and he is deeply touched by the experience. Again, as awesome as this is, it can leave the viewer hungry for more background information and exposition.

Duvall directs in a quiet and straightforward manner. He's script is awesome enough to be easily transferred onto film. One of his most wondrous techniques is to have Sonny talk out loud (to the Lord), praying in the same manner in which he preaches, so that we understand what he is feeling very clearly. Duvall's film may be wordy at times and there is no great thrilling and dramatic moments, but it is still an awesome spectacle.

Duvall also surrounds himself with many awesome actors. Many of these are unknown black actors that are simply remarkable. They give Sonny's church and his preaching such heart. We want to go to this church Sonny builds and meet these people. Lead by Sonny, they are a warm and beautiful congregating and we long to be accepted by them and held in their soft and loving bosom. This church is an awesome church, and it's creation, seemingly from nothing by Sonny, is again an attempt to show him as a wonderful and spiritual and helpful man in opposition to his "human" qualities.

The notable names in the film are also quite good. Although Farrah Fawcett has what turns out to be a small role, it is no less important and interesting. Fawcett's character gives Duvall's Sonny much of his motivation so it is important that the chemistry between them creates the right amount of tension. In Fawcett's hands, this works well. Thorton, also in a small role, is nonetheless remarkable turning, with Duvall, what could be a hokey and unbelievable sequence into a remarkable and moving moment in the film. Their power together, the sheer magnitude of the moment they bring us is astounding. June Carter Cash has a minor role (her first in 10 years) on screen as Sonny's mother and although she looks quite old, her love for her son, which is again important to the film, shines through her aged facade. It's good to see her on screen.

"The Apostle" isn't a film for everyone. Some may be put off by the lengthy revival-type preaching which permeates the film. Still others may not be able to see the subtleties in Duvall's piece. But for those who can appreciate a verbose yet delicate dissertation on the nature of man in the modern spiritual world, it's quite intriguing.

Note:

Also with Miranda Richardson, John Beasley ( as Reverend Backwell), Billy Joe Shaver (as Joe) and Rick Dial, who starred with Thorton in "Slingblade."

Although there is little score music in the film, what is there is composed by David Manfield.

With songs by Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton, Storyville and Little Leo. Of course, many traditional hymns are sung.

Review written in 1998

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