Movies

Review: In ‘Conclave,’ a quest to elect a new pope leads down some less-than-holy pathways

BBG News

As a movie buff with over three decades of cinephile adventures under my belt, I must say that “Conclave” is a fascinating exploration of power dynamics within the hallowed halls of the Vatican. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and stellar performances by an ensemble cast transport you right into the heart of this ancient institution.

In the near future, the cardinals confined within the Vatican walls, as portrayed in “Conclave” by Edward Berger, will face a significant decision: Should they select the candidate who aligns with their convictions? Or should they aim to prevent a conservative leader from gaining control? It’s best when these objectives coincide. While you might have been considering this question regarding other elections, here I’m referring to the unique electorate within the walls of the Vatican.

Based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, “Conclave” is a captivating drama that delves into the intricate power struggles within the formal process of choosing a new pope. It’s filled with underhanded schemes among the cunning cardinals and hushed gossip among the influential figures, reminiscent of Alan J. Pakula’s style. Instead of being a deep philosophical exploration, “Conclave” is more like a thrilling, scandalous novel about the papacy.

Cardinal Lawrence (portrayed by Ralph Fiennes) assumes the responsibility of overseeing the conclave following the demise of the pope – a role he seems hesitant to undertake. Achieving the white smoke signal can only occur when one cardinal secures a 72-vote majority, and guiding this contentious group of ambitious, power-hungry individuals towards that number may necessitate an extraordinary demonstration of tactful diplomacy, perhaps even a divine intervention or two.

It’s likely that choosing a pope would be less challenging for a cardinal with fewer scruples. Regrettably, Lawrence finds himself in a difficult position as he must elect the appropriate pope, made even more complex by the fact that questionable rumors and scandals surround three of the leading contenders: the manipulative Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), the overly smooth Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), and the ultra-traditional, incessantly vaping Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto). Nevertheless, Lawrence leans towards supporting the subtly progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who is hesitant about taking on this role.

An unexpected visitor disrupts the conclave: a cardinal clandestinely chosen by the pope. The enigmatic Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz), archbishop of Kabul, suddenly appears without notice, causing a stir and creating tension as he emerges as an unanticipated strong contender for the position.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that while Lawrence publicly denies the role due to a personal dilemma, some spectators suspect he’s secretly yearning for it. Fiennes, who delivers an understated performance that seems almost agonizing, skillfully allows a glimmer of optimism to pass over his meticulously crafted visage. If fortune favors him with the win, this tantalizing subplot might become reality. This exquisite, understated narrative thread, masterfully woven by Fiennes, is undeniably the heart and soul of the film.

In a setting reminiscent of high school drama, the power struggles unfold like lunchroom gossip and playground squabbles, yet are tempered by the grandeur of centuries-old tradition: robes, votes, and rank. Director Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) brings a contemporary flair to the film’s aesthetic. Production designer Suzy Davies paints a scene with bold reds, whites, and blacks – harsh, gleaming surfaces that exude a chilling coldness. Cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine leverages the Vatican’s grand scale and scope to create stunning compositions, using gradual zooms to amplify the tension in the confined environment. The intense strings of composer Volker Bertelmann’s score effectively capture the gravity of the situation.

Although the movie boasts impressive filmmaking techniques and strong performances, it obscures the truth that its storyline is rather shallow and absurd, with plot twists that diminish the complexity of the central philosophical dilemma. The script appears to tackle the issue of whether the church can evolve and accommodate modernity, but instead of fostering introspection, it lays out the questions and answers in a straightforward manner. “Conclave” fails to stimulate deeper thought; rather, it presents all its questions and solutions in a direct way, followed by numerous unexpected events that strangely receive equal levels of shock value, despite not residing on the same ethical spectrum.

The movie “Conclave” might appear thought-provoking at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it’s more of a standard thriller. It delves into the intricate details of the Vatican, which is notoriously secretive. However, while its script raises questions about wider social and political issues, it doesn’t offer any fresh perspectives. Essentially, it suggests that cardinals are much like ordinary people, but it doesn’t go much further than that basic idea.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-10-24 17:31

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