Focus Features’ gripping thriller, Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, takes viewers inside the hallowed halls of the Vatican during a papal conclave. Adapted from Robert Harris’s novel by screenwriter Peter Straughan, the film offers a captivating look at the power struggles and hidden agendas within the Catholic Church.
Starring ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence,a man wrestling with his faith and a potential ascension to the papacy,Conclave delves into the complex dynamics of this secretive process. As the cardinals gather to elect a new pope, Lawrence confides in his fellow cardinal, Bellini (Stanley Tucci), who harbors his own ambitions for the highest office.
The film, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival before its October theatrical release, explores the internal turmoil of Lawrence, who is thrust into a position of immense responsibility. “I remember the moment when I thought, ‘Oh, I want to do this.’ It was when Ralph’s character — he’s called Lomeli in the book — is giving a sermon before the voting has started, and he says, basically, ‘Give us a Pope who doubts’,” Straughan told Deadline.
“This was a few years ago, but we were already well on the way to the world we’re in now. The world we’re in now is a very polarized world. And I feel as I’ve got older, I’ve become much more suspicious of certainty. It truly seems to lead far too easily to contempt for others, and to violence, as we’re seeing all the time now.So, there was something about that reluctant hero — a doubting, uncertain hero — that felt very interesting and sympathetic to me.”
The film’s tense narrative unfolds over 72 hours, mirroring the real-time pressure of the conclave. As the cardinals cast their votes in each round, unexpected obstacles arise, shifting the balance of power and revealing the depths of their ambition. The internal conflicts of the cardinals are mirrored by the external chaos erupting in Rome and other cities, where terrorist attacks become a tool for political manipulation by the openly racist Cardinal Tedes.
<video src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_VIDEO_ID" width="640" height="360">video>Conclave is a compelling exploration of faith, power, and the human condition, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church.
Get ready for a gripping political thriller as “Conclave” unveils the clandestine machinations within the vatican walls. This highly anticipated film, directed by edoardo De angelis, delves into the intense power struggle that ensues following the death of the Pope.
The story centers around Cardinal Giancarlo Giannini, portrayed by the acclaimed Italian actor, Pierfrancesco Favino. Giannini finds himself thrust into the heart of a fierce competition as cardinals from around the world converge for the papal conclave. Each cardinal harbors their own ambitions and secrets, making the selection process a treacherous game of alliances and betrayals.
adding to the intrigue, “Conclave” features a stellar ensemble cast, including John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Carlos Diehz, Merab Ninidze, and Isabella Rossellini.
“I wanted to explore the human side of these powerful figures,” De Angelis shared in a recent interview.”The film is not just about the politics of the Vatican, but also about the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by these men.”
Adding another layer of complexity, the film delves into the influence of external forces, as a shadowy figure, played by Stefano Accorsi, attempts to manipulate the conclave for his own agenda.
“Conclave” promises to be a captivating cinematic experience, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Vatican and the intense pressures faced by those who seek to lead the Catholic Church.
A Script Worth Reading
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of ”Conclave,” the full screenplay is now available for readers to explore.
Prepare to be captivated by the intricate plot twists, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes that make “Conclave” a must-see film.
## The Inner Sanctum: An Expert Interview on ”Conclave”
**World Today News:** Acclaim and intrigue surround Focus Features’ new thriller, *Conclave*, which delves into the heart of the Catholic Church during a papal conclave. to unpack this gripping narrative and its timely themes, we sat down with screenwriter Peter Straughan.
**World Today News:** Peter, your adaptation of Robert Harris’s acclaimed novel *Conclave* for the big screen has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of power dynamics and internal struggles within the Vatican. What drew you to this story?
**Peter Straughan:** For me, the essence of *Conclave* lies in its exploration of doubt and uncertainty in a world increasingly defined by polarization.When I first read the scene where Cardinal Lomeli (Ralph Fiennes) preaches for a Pope who doubts, it resonated deeply.
In a world increasingly plagued by certainty and its often hazardous consequences, the idea of a leader grappling with doubt felt both refreshing and vital. This reluctance,this introspection,made Lomeli a deeply sympathetic character to me.
**World Today News:** The film unfolds within a 72-hour timeframe, mirroring the intense pressure of a papal conclave.
How did you approach structuring the narrative to convey this urgency and claustrophobia?
**Peter Straughan:** We wanted to trap the audience within the cloistered walls of the Vatican alongside the cardinals.
The ticking clock of the conclave, combined with the escalating external threats, creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia and escalating tensions. The external chaos, including the terrorist attacks orchestrated by the openly racist Cardinal Tedes, reinforces the internal power struggles and adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.
**World Today News:** Ralph Fiennes delivers a captivating performance as Cardinal Lawrence, a man torn between his faith and his potential ascension to the papacy.
Can you tell us about the collaborative process of bringing this complex character to life?
**Peter Straughan:** Ralph brought an incredible depth and nuance to Cardinal Lawrence. His ability to convey both strength and vulnerability created a compelling portrait of a man wrestling with immense duty and his own doubts.
From our early conversations, we explored the character’s inner conflicts – his struggle with faith, his desire to serve the Church, and his personal ambition. Ralph inhabited these complexities with a remarkable authenticity.
**World Today News:** *Conclave* is a timely and thought-provoking film that raises vital questions about faith, power, and doubt in a world grappling with uncertainty.
What message do you hope audiences take away from this powerful story?
**Peter Straughan:** Ultimately,
_Conclave_ is a story about humanity. despite the grand setting and weighty subject matter, it’s fundamentally about individuals facing arduous choices and grappling with their own fallibility. I hope the film encourages viewers to embrace doubt, to question dogma, and to acknowledge the complexity of the human experience.
**World Today news:** Thank you,Peter,for sharing your insights into this remarkable film.
