The Apostle

Robert Duvall's first directorial work since 1983, The Apostle serves more as an interesting character study than a well crafted story. Duvall plays Euliss 'Sonny' Dewey, a Texan preacher living a happy life with his beautiful wife Jessie (Fawcett). Suddenly his stable world collapses when he discovers his wife's affair with young minister Horace (Allen). Enraged, Sonny attacks Horace with a softball bat, putting him into a coma. He then packs up and leaves town, takes a new name, 'Apostle E.F.' and heads for Louisiana where he finds work as a mechanic for local radio station owner Elmo. In return, Elmo lets him preach on the radio. Not satisfied with this, E.F. starts to preach everywhere: on the radio, on the streets, and with his new friend, Reverend Blackwell (John Beasley) he starts a campaign to renovate an old church to house a new sect called the "One Way Road to Heaven." His charismatic, powerful sermons may have a profound effect over the churchgoers, but the big question is will he ultimately be able to save himself.

Duvall gives an outstanding performance, directing the film with an artful eye, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the subculture of the American South.

Simon C. Williams