Episode 48: The Agony and the Ecstasy, Guest Starring Fry and Bry from Pontifacts

Have you ever wanted to watch a movie about paint drying? You’re in luck. Sara and Rena are joined by Fry and Bry from Pontifacts to discuss the “will he or won’t he” tale of Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel starring the NRA’s Charlton Heston and alleged murder and confirmed monster Rex Harrison as Michelangelo and Pope Julius II, respectively.

And that’s it. That’s the plot. Will he finish the painting? 

We discuss why the movie opens with a 15-minute long art lecture, warrior popes, Charlton Heston’s bummer political journey, leeches, awkwardly inserted hetero love stories, and so much more in this delightful discussion about a truly boring movie. 

The Agony and the Ecstasy is directed by Carol Reed, stars Charlton Heston as Michelangelo, Rex Harrison as Pope Julius II, Diane Cilento as Contessina de’Medici, and Harry Andrews as Bramante.

Sources mentioned in this episode include: 

Michaelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, by Ross King 

And of course, Pontifacts, a brilliant podcast that can be found here: https://pontifacts.podbean.com/ 

Spoiler Warning: We spoil everything. And we enjoy it. 

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