‘He’s The Witness’: Conclave’s Ralph Fiennes Had An Unexpected But Important Approach In The Catholic Church-Centric Thriller

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for cinematic thrillers that delve deep into the human psyche, I must say that Edward Berger’s “Conclave” is an absolute gem. The film masterfully portrays the darker side of power struggles within the Catholic Church, and it’s a far cry from the pious image one might expect.

In the gripping film “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, we follow a group of cardinals from the Catholic Church convening in Vatican City to select a new pope. Despite their role being based on devotion and belief, these men find themselves embroiled in a power struggle marked by deceit and hidden agendas. The intricate plot revolves around Ralph Fiennes‘ character, Cardinal Lawrence, who presents an intriguing viewpoint for the movie as his journey is not about seeking power; rather, it’s about bearing witness to the chaos unfolding.

Earlier this month, during the online press day for the movie “Conclave” (currently showing in cinemas), I had the privilege of conversing with Ralph Fiennes about his unique character. Alongside director Edward Berger, we discussed the significant contrast at the heart of the film. I mentioned that Cardinal Lawrence serves as a stand-in for the audience, experiencing the drama as it unfolds, and Fiennes agreed with this perspective, expressing that he found this interpretation to be fitting.

You talked about Lawrence being a surrogate to the audience; I think that’s absolutely right. Lawrence is a witness. He listens and he listens to the evidence of what you call the clawing for power. It emerges – these other contenders for the role of Pope have secrets or have agendas, which Lawrence unwittingly, he’s the witness to their being unearthed, if you like.

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In the book “Conclave,” Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with supervising and administering the group responsible for electing the pope, a role that troubles him due to his waning confidence in the contemporary Catholic Church. It’s worth noting that his faith does not get strengthened by the apparent power-seeking behavior, gossip, and attempts of his peers to influence the philosophical direction of the religion.

As the acting progressed, Ralph Fiennes acknowledged that his director allowed him the freedom and chance to fulfill the character’s needs in his portrayal. This approach spotlighted Cardinal Lawrence as a figure who paid attention to others’ voices.

In retrospect, my relationship with Edward seems more nuanced than I initially realized during our recent discussion. It’s only now that I can see how he granted me the freedom to listen, which piqued my curiosity about the process. And truth be told, it’s been a delightful experience. He allows his actors the space to explore their roles on set, and having that sense of liberation was incredibly inspiring.

Indeed, Ralph Fiennes had the pleasure of observing extraordinary acting displays by talented contemporaries such as Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini on set.

Don’t miss out on one of the top films this year, “Conclave“, currently playing in cinemas nationwide. This is a must-watch movie that you should catch as soon as you can. As I mentioned in my glowing five-star review for TopMob, the movie’s surprising finale will leave your jaw dropped. The best way to steer clear of spoilers is simply to go and watch the film yourself.

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2024-10-31 01:09