CONCLAVE – ADAPTATION OF A ROBERT HARRIS NOVEL (2016) BASED SOLELY IN THE VATICAN, ROME.

Award winning actor Ralph Fiennes takes on the lead in this interesting saga about voting in a new Pope in Rome’s Vatican where there is a conclave of eminent Catholic clergy from around the world. Playing Cardinal Lawrence, he is one of the people who could be voted in to be the next Pope. He plays an Englishman which is a different nationality to the one itemised in the original book.
In a fictional story, 72 hours are featured in this film directed by Academy Award winner Edward Berger (All Quiet on The Western Front) . The controversial take on these matters addressed in the story have elicited objection and criticism of the story line from various quarters. Essentially the movie chugs on at a leisurely pace with little disruptions appearing from time to time and in one scene there is a reptile which brings some kind of s diversion to the story about the election of the new Pope which covers several scenes of voting. Until a new Pope is voted in, the smoke from the Vatican chimney comes out grey and when the new Pope is voted for, the smoke comes out white which is being watched by many outside the Conclave.
Cardinal Lawrence is cast as an Englishman who is being voted for and it is clear he does not wish to be the next Pope. However because of his position he is privy to secrets and stories which merit his intervention with various members featuring in the saga which keeps the audience aware that even in The Vatican, issues do not always run smoothly. There is also a scene or two where outside terrorism is involved but this does not seem to stop the process coming to a conclusion, as a new Pope IS voted in. However this is not without exquisite drama and surprise as just like in current political parties in our own fair country, Cardinal Lawrence is advised by an informer of very controversial news about the new Pope. No spoilers other than this in this review!
Described in a Guardian review as “a high camp gripper, like the most serious Carry On film”, the cast features a number of very well know names, including Stanley Tucci playing Bellini the liberal, Sergio Castelitto as Tedesco and John Lithgow as Tremblay. Sister Agnes played by Isabella Rosselini steals the scene on more than one occasion – no more spoilers here though! Some of the processes of voting in the new Pope are disrupted by terrorism but it does not seem to affect the carry ons which is a tad surprising.
I feel sure there may be a gong or two for chosen members of the cast or crew so keep that in mind. The acting in the film is superlative. However please remember that this is said to be an entirely fictional story. ENJOY.
Penny Nair Price