directed by Edward Berger
I watched this film some months ago, but I wasn’t sure whether I should write about it. On the one hand, I find it a quality production, on the other, I knew that if I wrote about it, I would have to mention the topic of religion and it’s something I’d prefer to avoid. But considering the fact that we’ve just witnessed a real-life conclave, I feel like it’s a good time to remind you about this film. Perhaps some people from Vatican wouldn’t like to put a spotlight on it, but here I am to put the whole arsenal of lights. As you might be guessing from the title, this is a story about a conclave that has to be organised due to the death of the pope. If you’re not a religious person, let me just add that a conclave is the assembly of cardinals (so very important men in Vatican) who elect the pope. So the film starts with the death of the last pope and such meeting has to be organised to choose a new one. And that’s where the rollercoaster of mysterious events begins. You see, a lot of people, especially very religious ones, may believe that those men there are truthful, with pure hearts and only best intentions. However, this story shows that no matter whether it’s presidential election or pope election – there’s drama, there’s conspiracy and there’s business. Because even if all those cardinals wear beautiful costumes and carry a Bible everywhere, they are still people and people are almost always the same. We may observe how different approaches to religion and faith those candidates for the new pope have and what they do in order to win in the end. And sometimes, they do things that perhaps wouldn’t be praised by the man they normally believe in. This film is very intense and presents what’s there, behind the closed doors. From the cinephile point of view, it’s wonderful because of two main reasons to me. First, the camera work. The shots are quite unusual and sometimes the camera is way too close to the actors, which has its pluses because we may feel even more overwhelmed by the actions and the emotions. And yes, I find it a big advantage, because the point of this film is to make us feel uncomfortable about what happens there on a daily basis. Second, the cast and the acting – it’s marvellous and I’m definitely not surprised about those Oscar nominations because they were well-deserved. Perhaps if the Academy members had watched all the films, they would have voted for “Conclave”. But as we know, the only job they have as those members hasn’t been done properly so far. Let’s hope they’ll actually see what they’re voting for before next year. Back to the film, from my personal point of view it is an important production, because it shows something that a lot of people ignore or pretend not to see. I’m not religious and yes, I am against religious organisations, because I believe they do not use their potential in the right way. What they proclaim is incredibly noble, but at the same time, I see no actions along with that. When I see all those men in expensive costumes and gold rings telling us to take care of others, while the only ones they care about are themselves, then I’m sorry – I prefer to be an atheist who gives a hand to those in need. I don’t need any religious label to be a decent human. I don’t need to read any fat books to know that if someone is hungry, we should feed them. I wish the same number of people who watched yesterday’s pope election could at least for a moment look at the ones in need and perhaps do something good. That’s what the world needs. Anyway, enjoy the film and maybe reflect on the reality we’re living in.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 