‘Conclave’ Director Edward Berger On How Vatican Power Politics Mirror U.S. Presidential Election

As a seasoned gamer with a keen eye for intrigue and a penchant for unraveling complex narratives, I find myself captivated by the parallels between Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’ and the recent political shift within the Democratic Party. The director’s insight into the ruthless power politics at play in the Vatican mirrors the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that saw Vice President Kamala Harris replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.


In simpler terms, Director Edward Berger suggests that the secretive power struggles depicted in his film ‘Conclave’, a Vatican-set conspiracy thriller, share similarities with the recent event where U.S. President Joe Biden was succeeded as the Democratic Party nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Monday, the German filmmaker informed the crowd at the Toronto Film Festival that the screenplay for his Vatican-set mystery-thriller had actually been penned prior to the recent U.S. presidential election.

However, it’s a narrative about humans that includes some of the power dynamics that might lead to the Democratic Party candidate being chosen instead of Nancy Pelosi ensuring this change,” Berger explained, alluding to the ex-House Speaker suggesting she desired an ‘open process’ to replace President Joe Biden before Vice President Kamala Harris could take over from him as the Democratic Party nominee.

As a gamer, I just got word that Berger’s sequel to “All Quiet on the Western Front” had its grand unveiling at Toronto, following a debut at Telluride. This Vatican-set thriller, filled with suspense and intrigue, features acting heavyweights like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. Starting November 1st, we’ll be able to catch this masterpiece on the big screen, courtesy of Focus Features.

Berger contends that a papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals secretly chooses the next Pope, can be just as ruthless as politics anywhere. “I’m really curious about how individuals maneuver for the top position, the ordeals they face, and the principles they may compromise,” Berger shared with an audience at the Princess of Wales Theatre, discussing his adaptation of Robert Harris’ suspenseful story.

In a fresh take,

The director of ‘Conclave’ emphasized that the character should undergo a profound personal development, reflecting experiences of self-doubt, second-guessing decisions, and introspection about life – aspects we can all identify with,” (paraphrased)

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2024-09-10 01:55