‘Conclave’: A stunning representation of Catholicism in cinema.
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Nominated for multiple BAFTA and Academy Awards for its cinematography, Edward Berger produces an extraordinary retelling of the monumental ‘Papal Conclave’ proceedings in Vatican City. This drama-filled sensation presents Cardinal Thomas Lawrence’s (played by Ralph Fiennes) navigation of the politics surrounding the search for the next pope. With a star cast including Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rosellini, Conclave is brilliantly acted, immersing the audience with a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ filming style and captivating narrative which unfolds into a political thriller.
While watching this film for the first time I was completely entranced by how attractive it was, some shots making me gasp and make a comment to my friends. However, the cinematography wasn’t the only thing I need to applaud; the attention-to-detail of the religious affairs following the pope’s death was masterful alongside the truthful representation of the politics which hides in the process. I am familiar with (and have loved) other Berger films but this takes the biscuit in terms of a combination of beauty and storytelling.
The Cinematography:
Adapting a well-loved book is no easy feat, however I do believe Edward Berger delivered on his interpretation of Conclave. With a colour palette heavily featuring black, white and blood red, the film feels thrilling from the start. This feeling is amplified further through still and wide-angle shots which help create the sense of a unifying force, presenting itself as unbreakable. Yet, small and insignificant in contrast to the job at hand. — These scenes, however, conflict with the low angle shots of solitary characters, to present them as powerful and intimidating, at significant points in the movie. This range of juxtaposing shots within the film creates an intense sense of unease which lends itself to the film’s overall theme of paranoia.
Talks of Religion:
While making a film which centres around religion is often hard as it struggles to juggle fact with fiction, Conclave was a film produced through heavy research and an extensive effort to be understanding and truthful to the sacred religious ritual. Making it easier and, to some extent, educational for the non-Catholic viewer.
Though, the religious representation has received mixed reviews. Some viewers, especially Catholic ones, have raised issues with the somewhat predictable and controversial bribery and sexual scandals which are raised in the film. However, with an interview with Kelsey Dallas, Berger confirms that plot “has to employ fiction. To be entertaining, you need to employ fiction,” showing us that while they made the respectful choice to represent the ritual as truthfully as they could - this is a film for all audiences, and its primary motive is to entertain.
Final Thoughts:
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If you are looking to watch a visually pleasing thriller with spikes of drama throughout, this is the film for you. The well-thought-out story brought to life by superb actors is one to please - not only all you film-buffs out there - but everyone; you don’t need to know anything about the ‘Papal Conclave’ before watching as this intricate construction of Catholicism will kindly invite you to learn.
My letterboxd review: 4/5
“The art that is Stanley Tucci = chefs kiss”