Conclave

Conclave
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellito, Carlos Diehz and Isabella Rossellini
Director: Edward Berger
Scriptwriter: Peter Straughan, based on the novel “Conclave” by Robert Harris
Composer: Volker Bertelmann
Cinematography: Stephane Fontaine
Film Nation Entertainment and Focus Features
Rating: PG but beware of intrigue and for older teens
Running Length: 120 Minutes

Just when you thought every mystery had to have a detective and squad cars and meetings around the coffee table, comes an unusual mystery set in Rome and the intricacies of the catholic church. “Conclave” means in a locked space and references the Catholic Church as in electing a new Pope. The title gives it away, The theme of this movie is to elect a new Pope, and the audiences sees what goes on behind the scenes as the most powerful religious man on the planet has passed away and an election of mortals is underway to find a new most powerful religious man on the planet. This is almost a political arena, such as the American election of a new president and everything is out in the open. Here, everything is a secret and done quietly. The film is adapted from Robert Harris’s novel “Conclave,” and it is a thriller.

The pope has died of a heart attack, and following protocol, the College of Cardinals meets in secret for a papal conclave to elect a new pope. There must be a leader in this and it is Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes in a riveting role). Along the way, comes Archbishop Benitez from Kabul and no one knew he was a Cardinal until now. Doesn’t take long until there are four candidates. Tremblay (John Lithgow), Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), Bellini (Stanley Tucci) and Adeyenni (Lucian Msamati). The race is on. Now, information begins to come out about the candidates. The vote is considered complete when it is a two-thirds majority. Difficult to come by when opinions start to fly about. On the sidelines, comes another piece of information in the form of Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini) who was a housekeeper for the former pope. Though quiet in the shadows, she says “God gave us eyes and ears.” Rumors are tossed, secret meetings and in the midst, a suicide bomber at the Vatican. There is a puzzle here. What next?

This storyline runs well in the beauty and shadows of the Vatican. Everywhere is a piece of art, marble floors, and history enough to run through your veins. Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography is wonderfully done and takes the audience into papal history. Volker Bertlemann’s compositions fit right into the picture at the proper time. You can see the secrets in the shadows as the camera and music comb the Vatican.

Ralph Fiennes has his best role in a long time as the head Cardinal for the Conclave. How to decipher fact from fiction as the vote goes on and on. His facial expressions are well thought out. Stanley Tucci as Bellini, the Cardinal who dislikes some of the members, has a face of expression, also. Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Benitez is the surprise factor in the cast. Isabella Rossellini, as the lone woman in this group and always on the sidelines, has her moments to speak and her face is one of expression, also. In fact, this cast doesn’t need dialogues to portray what they are thinking. A marvel in acting. The story unfolds and goes in many directions only to be put on track again. There are surprises.

Four Tocks
Copyright 2024 Marie Asner