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'''''The Agony and the Ecstasy''''' (1965) is the tale of the creation of the ceiling fresco paintings for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The film is also the story of the trails and tribulations of the artist Michelangelo (CharltonHeston) and his patron, Pope Julius II (RexHarrison), as they spar over money, Michelangelo's art, inspiration and a bit of the politics of the time.
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!!The film has examples of:

* CelibateHero: Michelangelo's love is not women, but art, as Contessa D'Amici learns by the end of the film. Legend has it this was done as an alternative to examining Michelangelo's alleged homosexuality.
* ChurchMilitant: The goal of Julius II is to expand control of the papal states, in his belief that a more independent church shall better be able to create peace through Europe.
* ThatCloudLooksLike: God creating Adam, the inspiration for the famous fresco "Creation of Adam".
* CorruptChurch: Receiving "donations" in order to create cardinals.
* {{Deuteragonist}}: Pope Julius. He and Michelangelo might antagonize often each other but ultimately they want the same goal, a great painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
* DoingItForTheArt: Michelangelo; payment for him is important, but not critical.
* TheFilmOfTheBook
* NoSocialSkills: For all his artistic greatness Michelangelo has little to no understanding of what makes people tick.
* TheNounAndTheNoun
* ThePope: Julius II
* RunningGag / {{Catchphrase}}: "When can [I / you] make an end?" "When [you're / I'm] finished."
* [[UnflinchingWalk Unflinching Examination]]: Michelangelo and Julius II meet as the pope prepares to invade a city so they can discuss Michelangelo's new ideas for the chapel ceiling. As they go over the sketches, enemy artillery goes off around them.
* WarriorMonk: Julius II is introduced in the movie as a knight first, and as the pope second.
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