“We are mortal men … we cannot always be ideal.”
“The Conclave” — the thriller/drama film released in theaters this month — delves into the intrigue of the Catholic church, exploring the intricacies of the Catholic faith as a new Pope is chosen after the Holy Father’s death. As this momentous decision is being made in the conclave, each Cardinal accentuates his own sin nature — the same sin nature we are all born with. They represent the people in positions of power — especially in Catholicism and Christianity — that are held to higher standards.
It’s easy to forget that these leaders are only human too.
The film was directed by Edward Berger — who also directed “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a film dealing with the experience of soldiers in World War I. The two films highlight Berger’s tendency to gravitate towards serious works that take momentous events and show them in a more digestible way. Berger directs films where important world events are depicted through the eyes of average men.
In an interesting twist, Berger does not consider himself a religious man. In an interview, he spoke of the belief that, for him, religion is more about culture. “The Conclave” drew Berger in because of the power struggles that play out behind the scenes, rather than any religious factors.
One remarkable feature of the film was the muted, grayscale color palette, accented by a deep crimson shown through the Cardinal’s robes. To match the somber aesthetic, “The Conclave” soundtrack emphasized the suspense, as the Cardinals and the nuns waited for the decision concerning the new Pope and Cardinal Lawrence sought out the secrets of opposing candidates. This is where the thriller/drama genre comes into play: the suspenseful music and the film’s constant pace allow the plot to thicken, then gradually reveal the layers of deception and intrigue.
I went into the theatre expecting monotonous dialogue and a predictable plot, but “The Conclave” defied those expectations. As I sat back a few rows from the front, munching on popcorn and sipping a soda — my favorite guilty pleasure snack in the movie theatre — I was struck by the contrast between the suspenseful film and my casual approach to it. I knew very little of the Catholic faith, but I was expected to understand these Cardinal’s conversations and rituals. Thankfully, the movie was informative and accessible to viewers unfamiliar with Catholicism, leaving my Wikipedia search for the plot unnecessary.
As someone who mainly watches films with action, suspense and romance — plots that move through action rather than through dialogue — I expected to be bored out of my mind. How am I supposed to relate to the Catholic faith and the election of a new Pope?
Now I know the answer. I may not be Catholic, but I can relate to these men and women. In some ways, they are just like you and me; they have doubts and make harmful decisions.
First thing I learned: a conclave, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a private meeting” or “the assembly of Cardinals for the election of a Pope.”
A conclave in which a Pope is chosen sequesters the Cardinals who vote in order for all votes to be unbiased. The introspective quality of the film and the communication between specific actors only in the Vatican emphasizes this Catholic tradition. To contrast with the requirement for separation from the outside world, Cardinal Lawrence is kept informed of outside events — along with the mistakes of Cardinals in the running to become the new Pope.
For those outside the Catholic faith, awareness of Catholic traditions and current news may seem unnecessary. But there is value in knowledge of other religious traditions, and there are lessons to be learned. Even religious institutions can be corrupted by sin nature, and no one is perfect, despite the higher standards placed upon the behavior of religious authorities.
“The Conclave” did delve into politics and the corruption in the Catholic church, but that was not the primary theme of the film. Instead of the focus remaining on corruption in the church, I was fascinated by how each character captured regular men with everyday experiences in positions of power.
The film is set in the Vatican and displays timeless Catholic structures, imagery and religious attire. The actors portray regular men making an extremely important decision; the gravity of this choice is shown through the shots of silence or stillness as they struggle with personal beliefs or decisions. Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes — also known as the infamous Lord Voldemort — was a prime example of acting through minute expressions. Even as he makes decisions that bring different Cardinals’ past mistakes to light in order to influence the final vote, he wrestles with the complications this creates for his weak faith.
“I have a responsibility to God to make sure the decisions we make are the right ones,” Lawrence said.
This is his excuse throughout the film. The Pope had denied his resignation, so he took on the responsibility of ensuring that all facts that could disqualify the candidates for the position of Pope.
Cardinal Lawrence — a man willing to bend rules and morals for the good of the church — has the idea that the end justifies the means. However, he also is struggling with his faith. I do relate to this internal conflict, although I myself am not Catholic. People of faith, especially Christians and Catholics, are held to higher expectations, even by those outside the faith. One strike, you’re out. The world views you as past redemption, and your testimony as no longer valid.
“The Conclave” has an interesting take on the Catholic religion, and religion in general. Though this film could be seen as an attack on Catholicism, I didn’t view it as that. The focus of the film was not on corruption in the church. Instead — whether on accident or on purpose — “The Conclave” showed the flaws that religious people in positions of power are prone to. Though it was discouraging to see the many issues in the church, Cardinal Lawrence was a reminder that even as powerful people make mistakes or become corrupt, there is hope for the church. Hope came with Benitez and his innocence — the name he chose once elected Pope — from the greed for power that saturated the church.
The film represents the human flaws seen in the church, just as they are seen in others outside the church. The film felt like an attempt at accountability — but not as though it focused on bashing Catholicism. It served as a reminder that greed for power can corrupt the church, but it does not have to stay that way.
