Conclave
DECEMBER 20-23
Salina Art Center Cinema
Without seeking the reputation of a “chameleon” among actors, Ralph Fiennes has quietly built an awesome range: he made a big impression in Schindler’s List as sociopathic Nazi commandant Amon Goeth; over 30 years later, Fiennes portrays Cardinal Lawrence, a devout, contemplative figure who’s light years away from that breakthrough role.
Goeth was the embodiment of evil, a man without conscience, while Cardinal Lawrence is all conscience—and conscientiousness, as it’s his task to oversee the vote for a new Pope when the old Pope dies under mysterious circumstances.
The major pursuers of the job are openly progressive Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), pious power-seeker Trembley (John Lithgow), staunchly conservative Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), and the rather odious Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati)—looking to become the first Black Pope. Based on the page-turner by Robert Harris, Conclave sounds like it would be a dry-as-dust procedural but in fact it’s supremely entertaining: a potent cocktail of political intrigue, mystery, conspiracy thriller, powerhouse acting, sober meditation on the sins of the Catholic Church, and a wry commentary on our current state of polarizing elections and candidates of questionable character.
Directed by Edward Berger, who helmed the recent All Quiet on the Western Front adaptation, Conclave is precise and masterfully paced, making sure we’re fully invested in the characters (including Isabelle Rossellini as crusading Sister Agnes) before tightening the screws: who will become the new Pope? And more importantly: will that person reveal an evil side?
Full of twists and turns, including a final revelation that’s legitimately surprising, Berger’s film is a thoughtful, intelligent look at what differentiates faith and religion—perfectly portrayed by Fiennes with rock-steady conviction and quiet charisma.
Conclave is rated PG for mature themes and smoking.
Description and Narration: David Cooper