Agony & Ecstasy

For Cinema, Arts, & Theology class we are exploring the life and work of various artists in reality and on film. In The Agony And The Ecstasy Charlton Heston plays a somewhat petulant Michelangelo, squaring off against Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison). Their relationship is actually quite touching. For some reason I found myself more empathetic towards the Pope. I know, I know, tortured artists must be anti-social, defiant, self-absorbed, etc. Interesting themes of calling vs. burden, ego vs. humility, and, well, love. Why do we subject ourselves to an emotion that exposes us to such lows and highs, such agony and ecstasy?

Looper

I was skeptical about seeing Looper. I thought a man literally battling his future self would be foolish. I was wrong.

It possesses many strengths and advantages inherent in the genre of Science Fiction (exploration of the obtuse, cool future gadgets, etc.) but none of its weaknesses (mercurial pacing, flat acting, etc.). The questions it raises about destiny, love, and what is worth living (or dying) for are rather profound. I want and love completely different things than I did even 5 years ago; I can't imagine 25 more.

Also, there were no less than three moments in the film that had me leaning forward, about to fall out of my chair, doing the Home Alone style face, complete with my palms on my cheeks. Very unpredictable and engaging!