Synopsis
After his happy life spins out of control, a preacher from Texas changes his name, goes to Louisiana and starts preaching on the radio.
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Cast
- Robert DuvallEuliss Dewey
- Farrah FawcettJessie Dewey
- Miranda RichardsonToosie
- John BeasleyBrother Blackwell
- Walton GogginsSam
- Billy Bob ThorntonTroublemaker
- June Carter CashMrs. Dewey Sr.
- Billy Joe ShaverJoe
- Rick DialElmo
- Todd AllenHorace
Recommendations
- 100
Chicago Reader
Duvall’s direction of a mix of professional and nonprofessional actors, especially in the extended church sessions, is never less than masterful. - 100
Chicago Sun-Times
Duvall's screenplay does what great screenwriting is supposed to do, and surprises us with additional observations and revelations in every scene. - 100
Christian Science Monitor
Avoiding the clichés and condescension that characterize many films on religious figures, the movie is at once a compelling drama and a thoughtful look at faith-related issues on personal, social, and cultural levels. - 100
Entertainment Weekly
Unusual, unhurried tour de force--a seamless match of strong artistic vision and physical performance. [19 Dec 1997, p. 52] - 100
L.A. Weekly
An effortlessly complex portrayal that relishes the contradictions and complexities of someone capable of both exalted and debased behavior, a shape-shifter it is possible to be fascinated, repelled and compelled by, all at the same time. - 89
Austin Chronicle
Whether strutting like a bantam rooster for the Lord, fervently calling himself a “genuine Holy Ghost, Jesus-filled preaching machine,” or humbly acknowledging the folly of his actions, Duvall inhabits the character of Sonny, completely disappearing into the man's skin. - 80
Empire
Nothing can make an agnostic squirm like full-on religion but by loading his central character with lay weaknesses as well as spiritual strengths, Duvall invests the near-documentary style film with an everyman appeal. - 63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
A too-perfect mirror of its creator, The Apostle's greatest strength doubles as a singular weakness -- in the end, it feels like an immaculate forgery.
