Billy Bob's Filmography
THE APOSTLE (1997)
Distributor
October Films
Director
Robert Duvall
Character
Troublemaker
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Movie Quote
TROUBLEMAKER: Will the Lord
forgive me?
Plot
On the lam from a murder charge, preacher Euliss
"Sonny" Dewey sets down roots in a tiny town in the
Deep South. Assuming the moniker "The Apostle E.F.,"
he builds a humble church called the Temple of the Living God, drawing a
small, but devoted congregation. As he continues to do what he does
best--the Lord's work--he struggles to confront his own sins and
his violent nature. When his cover is blown, Sonny
delivers a final sermon that is nothing short of astonishing.
What Billy Bob Gets To Do
As the little
church starts to attract parishioners from both sides of the
color line, a disgruntled, bigoted Troublemaker
picks a fight with Sonny. Sonny opens up an econo-sized can of whup-ass
on him. Later, the Troublemaker appears with a
bulldozer, ready to tear down Sonny's church. The
unflinching preacher sets a Bible down on the ground before the
bulldozer, challenging the Troublemaker to plow over the Good
Book. To everyone's surprise--most especially the
Troublemaker's--a miracle ensues. The
standoff between Sonny and the Troublemaker is breathlessly
reported on the local radio station by none other than Rick
Dial, who played Karl's kindly Christian boss in SLING
BLADE.
Backstory
Written, directed, and personally funded
by Billy Bob's
acting mentor, Robert Duvall, this drama about faith, the fallen,
and redemption deserved every accolade that came Duvall's way in 1997.
Outstanding cast includes Farrah Fawcett, June Carter Cash,
and Miranda Richardson, with appearances by Texas troubadour Billy
Joe Shaver, James Gammon, and frequent BBT player Walt Goggins. Duvall's preaching scenes are
accurately observed, profoundly moving, and present an uncondescending portrayal of
American charismatic fundamentalism.
Awards
(for THE APOSTLE)
The list is miraculous; here's
the IMDb
awards page.
Relevant Links
IMDb Link
Bomis
Links to several THE APOSTLE sites
Epinions review
William P. Coleman Mathetmatics Page
Robert Duvall Fan Page
Related Merchandise
Duvall's screenplay was issued
as a trade paperback by October Books. The inspirational
soundtrack is simply on fire for the Lord with cuts by Lyle
Lovett, Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Steven Curtis Chapman,
June Carter Cash, and Duvall himself on a number titled There
Ain't No Grave (Gonna Hold My Body Down). Don't be
surprised that Duvall sings. He won his Best Actor Oscar®
playing a country singer in TENDER MERCIES.
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