The Agony and the Ecstasy 1965 Watch Free

HD 7.0 138 min

The Agony and the Ecstasy: Watch Free

Michelangelo’s Commission

The film opens in documentary style, chronicling the work of Michelangelo Buonarroti. It then follows Michelangelo, a renowned sculptor of the Republic of Florence in the early 16th century, and shows him at work on large-scale sculptures near St. Peter’s Basilica. When Pope Julius II commissions him to paint the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo resists because he finds the ceiling’s paneled layout of the Twelve Apostles uninspiring. Nonetheless, he is forced into taking the job.

Inspiration and Obstacles

During the initial attempt, Michelangelo is discontented with the results, and destroys the frescoes. He flees to Carrara and then into the mountains where he finds inspiration from nature. Michelangelo returns and is allowed to paint the entire vault in a variety of newly designed biblical scenes based on the Book of Genesis, which the Pope approves. The work proceeds nonstop, even with Mass in session.

Challenges and Triumphs

As months turn to years, Michelangelo’s work is threatened when he collapses due to fatigue. He is nursed back to health by Contessina de’ Medici, daughter of his old friend Lorenzo de’ Medici. After recovering, Michelangelo returns to work after learning he is at risk of being replaced by Raphael, whom the Pope commissions him to paint the reception rooms of the Papal palace.

The Pope’s Decision and Michelangelo’s Legacy

Meanwhile, the Papal States are threatened during the War of the League of Cambrai. Preparing for battle and having reached the limits of his patience, the Pope terminates Michelangelo’s contract, and has the scaffolding torn down. Raphael, impressed with the work in progress, asks Michelangelo to show humility and finish the ceiling. Michelangelo travels to see the injured and weakened Pope and pleads for him to restore the patronage. The tide of war turns in favor of the Papal States, as allies pledge to assist the Pope.

A Masterpiece and A Lasting Impression

A Mass is held in which the congregation is shown the completed ceiling, to a positive response. After the ceremony, Michelangelo asks to begin carving the Pope’s tomb. Realizing he has a short time to live, the Pope agrees. Together, the two admire the masterpiece until the Pope gives Michelangelo another commission to paint a new fresco behind the altarpiece to replace the dilapidated ones. As the Pope leaves, Michelangelo turns back to look at the space behind the altarpiece, where he would later paint his Last Judgement 25 years later.