As a movie enthusiast with a deep appreciation for intricate narratives and masterful storytelling, I must say that “Conclave” is a cinematic gem that has left me absolutely spellbound! Having recently revisited Edward Berger’s breathtaking adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” I was eager to see how he would tackle such a diverse subject matter. The answer, dear reader, is with equal finesse and grace.
Film director Edward Berger, renowned for crafting one of the standout films of 2022 with a captivating reinterpretation of All Quiet on the Western Front, skillfully switches to a film primarily based within the Vatican. The movie, titled Conclave, is an adaptation from Robert Harris’s popular novel, showcasing Berger’s adaptability and providing one of Ralph Fiennes‘ most remarkable roles in his career. He is backed by a talented ensemble.
The critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film “The Two Popes” delved into the Vatican to portray the real events surrounding Pope Francis’ rise to power (portrayed by Jonathan Pryce). In contrast, this movie is a work of fiction that imagines the intricate maneuvers behind selecting a new pope following the demise of the previous one. Fiennes assumes the role of the Dean of the College of Cardinals, tasked with supervising the election process.
Screenwriter Peter Straughan (known for ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’) masterfully propels the narrative at a brisk pace. An ensemble of captivating characters surrounds Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence, with Stanley Tucci portraying an American cardinal who shares a strong connection with him. Both protagonists harbor suspicions towards the Canadian cardinal, played by John Lithgow, who is tirelessly advocating for the position of the next pope. However, it appears that his drive stems less from altruistic or divine motivations and more from personal ambition.
An unexpected candidate for the papal position is a Nigerian cardinal, portrayed by Lucian Msamati, and some within the Vatican are optimistic about the prospect of the first African pope. However, there are other traditionalist cardinals, such as the Italian contender played by Sergio Castellito, who are determined to thwart this newcomer’s attempts to overthrow the European power structure.
Furthermore, there’s an enigmatic figure hailing from Kabul, portrayed by Carlos Diehz. It seemed that none of the cardinals were aware of this particular priest’s existence, who apparently received an invitation to Rome from the late pope before his demise. The suspicion towards a Catholic cleric originating in a predominantly Islamic region is still prevalent among them, demonstrating how deeply rooted old biases can be.
In the face of escalating power struggles, a character portrayed by Isabella Rossellini – a nun – assumes a significant part in confronting the entrenched male authority within the Catholic Church. The movie delves into contemporary themes of sexual and racial biases within religious institutions, simultaneously shedding light on the lingering impact of the Church’s recent sex scandals.
Fiennes delivers an exceptional portrayal of a man who’s grappling with doubts about his religious beliefs due to the ongoing scandals, and when he becomes a leading candidate for the papacy, his inner turmoil deepens. It seems that he could be the most suitable choice, partly because of his insightfully expressed doubts, but there’s a chance he might not have the fortitude required for the role.
Berger skillfully manages each performance and establishes a vivid setting for this production. The Sistine Chapel and other Vatican areas were recreated at Cinecitta Studios, breathtakingly brought to life by cinematographer Stephane Fontaine and production designer Suzie Davies. Despite the captivating portrayal of the secluded, elegant Vatican, a darker world encroaches when a terrorist bombing in Rome poses an uncomfortably close threat. Editor Nick Emerson keeps the story moving swiftly. Volker Bertelmann, who won an Oscar for his score in All Quiet on the Western Front, showcases both his expertise and versatility with this composition.
Viewers who think they know the identity of the next pope might still find themselves taken aback by a surprising turn of events. This unexpected revelation aligns perfectly with the movie’s aim to blend the certainty of the past with an unforeseen, thrilling, yet crucial transition into a challenging and uncertain future.
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2024-08-31 17:54