Telluride: Could ‘Conclave’ Be the Film that Finally Brings Ralph Fiennes an Oscar?

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As a gamer with over two decades of immersion in the cinematic universe, I can confidently assert that Conclave, the latest masterpiece from Edward Berger, is a game-changer. The film’s intricate narrative, reminiscent of a high-stakes strategy video game, had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The performances by Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, and Isabella Rossellini are nothing short of epic – it’s as if they’ve been leveling up their acting skills in some secret RPG.

The movie titled “Conclave,” directed by the acclaimed German filmmaker Edward Berger, who gained recognition for his Oscar-winning adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” unveiled its world premiere at the Herzog Theatre during Telluride Film Festival on Friday night. Preliminary reactions to the film suggest that a rather sparse Oscar race may have just found a potential leading and all-round contender.

The movie, adapted by Peter Straughan from Robert Harris’s 2016 novel about the turbulent events following a pope’s unexpected demise and the ensuing chaotic selection process, is quite challenging to summarize. I guess “dramatic thriller” fits, although it includes elements of humor and terror as well, with numerous unexpected turns that should be kept under wraps. Some are comparing it to “Dangerous Liaisons,” while others liken it to the peculiar films of Yorgos Lanthimos.

It’s hard to deny that the film excels on every front. The seasoned actors, as expected, give exceptional performances, with lead actor Ralph Fiennes standing out particularly. He portrays a cardinal appointed dean of the conclave and grappling with a deep crisis of faith. (Is there another actor who hasn’t yet received an Oscar? His roles in “Schindler’s List,” “Quiz Show,” “The English Patient,” “Sunshine,” “The End of the Affair,” “The Constant Gardener,” “In Bruges,” “The Reader,” “The Hurt Locker,” and countless “Harry Potter” films prove his versatility. Frankly, this performance is as intricate and skillfully executed as any of those.)

The notable actors John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, Isabella Rossellini, and others are wholeheartedly backing Fiennes. They play cardinals confined in the airtight Sistine Chapel, where discussions occur, while Sister Rossellini watches discreetly from the sidelines. Reminiscent of Berger’s previous film, this production boasts breathtaking visuals due to the exceptional work by production designer Suzie Davies and cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine. The film also features a remarkable score by Volker Bertelmann, who won an Oscar for his powerful and memorable score in All Quiet.

Focus Features plans to premiere the film “Conclave” in selected cinemas on November 1st. Following this, they will distribute it more widely, a strategy that appears sensible given the likely attention and anticipation it will generate during the upcoming awards season.

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2024-08-31 06:24