Conclave

Official poster

Conclave. (Edward Berger, director; starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini.) Based on the novel by Robert Harris.

Conclave takes us into the drama and secrecy of a papal election through the tormented soul of Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes). Exasperated by Vatican intrigue and plagued by doubt he longs to retire. The unexpected death of the pope means that instead he must pilot his fellow cardinals through the ensuing conclave.

From all parts of the world, cardinals descend to take part in this ancient, secretive rite. Tension, anger, worry are written on Fiennes' face as he copes with the ensuing rivalries. Among the cardinals worldly ambition marches arm in arm with a deep concern for the future of the church.

A gravelly-voiced Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellito) bellows that it is time to restore the certainties of the fortress church. Opposing him is Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) who proposes a full liberal menu but falters irresolutely. Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) assumes that it is time for Africa to take the lead. Later there will be a deeply moving scene in which Cardinal Adeyemi is reduced to tears.

The tension is heightened by the claustrophobia when the cardinals are enclosed for the duration. Communication with the rest of the world is cut. Scarlet-robed cardinals whisper in piazzas and corridors. Cardinal Lawrence launches the conclave with a sermon arguing that absolute certainty is the greatest sin. He calls for a Church more aware of its own frailties, less self-assured, a Church of greater humility. Frailty and humility are soon on display. Some of the leading candidates have come to the conclave with compromising secrets that Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes' anguished face working overtime) forces into the open after some ruthless sleuthing.

A hitherto unknown Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) created in pectore (secretly) by the pope cuts across the conservative-liberal axis by speaking of the misery he witnessed in his work among the victims of warfare and famine. He challenges the conclave to think about the necessity of compassion.

What direction will the cardinals choose? The outcome of the conclave follows the novel with a startling plot twist which deliberately leaves us in a situation of ambiguity. The plot twist is preceded by a bomb blast which shatters the windows of the Sistine Chapel, and as the cardinals sit and vote a slight breeze coming through the windows stirs up their papers. We are meant to understand that a new spirit will blow through the church.

There has been careful attention to detail. Full marks for including the Eastern Rite cardinals, properly attired. Yet there are some jarring moments. I think I saw Tedesco vaping in the Sistine Chapel. A cardinal would not refer to Muslims as 'animals' and it is unlikely he would address a nun as 'my child'. Speaking of nuns, Isabella Rossellini delivers a delightful cameo as Sister Agnes. Her gimlet eye and determined demeanour remind you of every mother superior you have ever known. By contrast an African nun is literally voiceless, despite playing a key role in the unfolding drama. Probably the symbolism was intended.

The full, colourful panoply of Catholicism is on display. Critics have used phrases like 'visually stunning' which suggests a degree of fascination with Catholic liturgy. If so it is a reminder of the power of ritual and symbol that Catholics take for granted. But we could do without the moody music which alerts us to every significant development.

The film bowls along, carrying us with it. Of course the issues are simplified and the divisions are ramped up, to make a story. This is the Hollywood way. It might be said that the film holds a mirror up to the Church. Well, up to a point. The opening sermon by Cardinal Lawrence calling for a more tolerant, tentative Church free of dogma would be a Church remade in the image of the world. The assumption is that this would be a better Church. But what would it then have to offer that would be different or distinctive? At times the film seems to hint a bigger questions about Western culture itself.

At the end of the conclave Cardinal Lawrence looks up to see all the shutters rise suddenly and light flood in through the windows. It is a sign of hope.

See the official trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX9jasdi3ic