A clever coffin of dead conventions, CONCLAVE is Julius Caesar in cardinal robes rather than togas, centring on the political power play to become pontiff, a necessity, it seems, that is the mother of convention.
A thrilling film nevertheless, CONCLAVE brings a star studded cast to this variant of venal Vatican vocational straining. Vying for the shoes of the fisherman are Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and a reluctant Ralph Fiennes as conclave convener, Thomas Lawrence.
Crook and staff take on new meaning as the jockeying for the prestigious position sees contestant cardinals stumble at the steeple when secrets of lapsed celibacy, suppressed Papal decrees and other misdeeds surface in a swirl of internecine intrigue.
Suspicion is raised as the present Pope lies in final repose and a near hysterical priest played by Jacek Koman confesses to Lawrence that he overheard a confrontation with Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay directly before the pontiffs demise and that Tremblay was tardy in reporting the death.
Tucci plays Bellini, an ambitious liberal progressive while Castellitto plays the formidable Cardinal Tedesco, a kind of Trumpian conservative who prays for the reinstatement of the Latin Mass, restore the dominance of Italians in the Church and make the Holy Roman Empire great again.
Thus do things reduce.
Into this blokey Papal bull pit comes a no bullshit nun, a superior mother superior, Sister Agnes, played with devilish, delicious relish by Isabella Rossellini. No vow of silence is going to stop her from serving the truth.
Based on the novel by Robert Harris and written for the screen by Peter Straughan, who co-write the splendid adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, CONCLAVE plays not unlike a Le Carre thriller with its factions, suspicions, secrets and lies.
Directed by Edward Berger, helmer of the multi award winning, All Quiet on the Western Front, CONCLAVE is a study in conflict and the perpetual battle between the better angels of our nature and the omnipresent power for mischief in high places.
