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Power, greed, corruption; all elements as human as violence, lies, and hypocrisy. It wouldn't be news, nor would it surprise anyone, if it weren't much of the plot that we see in Conclave, a film nominated for an Academy Award in several categories. Including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Screenplay. Personally, I won't lie to you, my experience with religious cinema has been spectacular. There are so many films that deal with those little things we don't see in cathedrals, monuments, temples, mosques, synagogues, or churches in the world....
However, in Conclave we witness something that I really love in a good thriller: conflict. Here the protagonists are the most privileged hierarchs in the modern history of mankind, none other than the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. The former Pope has died of natural causes, and the Church has been left bereft. It is of the utmost importance that the Conclave meets to elect the new King of the Church of God on Earth. And they are human beings not unlike you and me. Only with the conviction that they have been chosen to lead the souls of the world.
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Far from being (the cardinals, aspiring Popes) exemplary people, we can see how the Church is no different in its ways and power management to a similar dispute but within the classic mafia of all life. The desire to be in charge and have all the power is such that almost immediately we witness how the placid men of God are transformed into something more akin to the plot of an episode of Game of Thrones than the sweet bishop who gives mass on Sundays in the congregation closest to his home.
I will not overlook the impeccable work of Ralph Finnes, an actor I also have a soft spot for. I've been following him since Spielberg's Schindler's List, and it honestly doesn't surprise me to see how dynamic and talented he is. In Conclave, he is the guide of the council of cardinals. A sort of steward of choice and moral authority for the others. He is also the representation of the inquisitive and sceptical eye with regard to the very role of faith in people's lives. Stanley Tucci, another fantastic actor, doubles with Finnes, and within the film he has very solid lines that are impossible to miss and ignore.
But what is Conclave's contribution? For me, two things. Its beautiful cinematography, and the design of the characters. And also. The plot twist at the end is, to say the least, original and highly transgressive. That's why I think it's so acclaimed and highly regarded. It's impossible not to enjoy it. Believe me, the writer is someone who hates traditions and doesn't follow the Church too much, but it's the way this film is directed that makes it so peculiar. Its shots are haunting, symmetrical, beautiful from the colour palette and practically a work of Baroque. For the love of God, since next Sunday is the 97th Academy Awards, I invite you to give it a chance and judge it for yourself...
Oh, this will be really good. I like religious movies and some of the insights that they bring. I will watch this by the weekend. Thank you for bringing this here.
I have yet to see this film and I'm sure it will win the award for best film of the year. Thanks for the recommendation
I'm currently watching the movie so I'll read it as soon as I finish the movie and I'll probably write a review as well.
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@filoriologo(1/15) tipped @chris-chris92