Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall: A Look at Their Iconic Roles in True Confessions and The Apostle
Image credits: Collider
The world of cinema has been blessed with numerous iconic performances by renowned actors Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall. One such film that brings these two Hollywood legends together is the 1981 neo-noir drama True Confessions, directed by Ulu Grosbard. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by John Gregory Dunne and loosely inspired by the Black Dahlia murder. In this film, De Niro and Duvall play brothers who are drawn together by a pair of grisly murders in 1947 Los Angeles, showcasing their exceptional acting skills as they portray complex characters with different faith beliefs.
True Confessions tells the story of an ambitious Roman Catholic monsignor named Des Spellacy (De Niro) and his hardened detective brother, Tom (Duvall). The two brothers have difficulty reconciling their chosen paths, with Des being a devout believer and Tom being a cynical cop who has lost his spiritual way due to the brutal nature of his job. As they work together to solve the murders, they are forced to confront their differences and justify their beliefs. The film's portrayal of the darker side of Los Angeles and the ugliness of the world is a testament to Grosbard's direction and the actors' performances.
In another notable film, The Apostle, Robert Duvall takes on the role of a preacher, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The movie, which Duvall wrote and directed himself, was a labor of love that started in 1962. Duvall's character is a complex, flawed individual who is called by God at a young age and becomes a respected minister. However, his family is torn apart by marital infidelity, and he must come to terms with his own imperfections. The film's themes of faith and redemption are deeply personal to Duvall, who drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in a churchgoing family.
Despite facing rejection from Hollywood producers, who believed that religion was not a subject that audiences wanted to watch, Duvall persevered and footed the bill for the film himself. The Apostle has since become a critically acclaimed movie, with Duvall's performance earning him an Oscar nomination. The film's success is a testament to Duvall's dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks to tell a story that he believed in. Both True Confessions and The Apostle are examples of the exceptional talent and dedication that Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall bring to their roles, and their performances continue to captivate audiences today.
Some notable works of Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall include:
- True Confessions (1981)
- The Apostle (1997)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Apocalypse Now (1979)
- The Godfather Part II (1974)
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