Conclave

Rome is abuzz with drama as the Pope dies, leaving the throne of the Holy See vacant. The dean, Cardinal Lawrence, has the onerous task of convening an assembly called the Conclave within three weeks, attended by a hundred cardinals from all over the world.

Director Edward Berger's perfect, convincing re-enactment transports us into this mysterious, hushed setting, far from the gaze of mere mortals. There are no flashbacks, and the chronological order of events is respected, allowing viewers to follow and understand the Conclave protocol from beginning to end. The low-angle shots let us take in the immensity of the hall in a single glance, and the close-ups of the cardinals accentuate the impression of being right inside this closed-door ceremony, as if we were there.

The costumes and scenery are very realistic, and the atmosphere becomes heavier as the successive votes progress, with clans, friendships, resentments, calculations and ambitions emerging. I particularly appreciated the performance of Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, who is the central pivot of the film. With his clear-sightedness and concern for justice, he brings a certain stability and sensitivity to the conclave, in the face of the growing tension of certain ambitious cardinals.

Sister Agnes, in charge of the cooks and played by Isabella Rossellini, adds a feminine touch and imposes her character when, for example, she disagrees with the eminent members of the conclave.  The classical music that accompanies the film, with notes from double basses and clarinets, among others, provides real moments of emotion.
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The film's two-hour running time seemed to me to be necessary, apart from a few short runs, to show the difficulties of holding a conclave, with its sometimes negative thoughts far removed from divine love, opposing ideas between the participants, rivalries, similar to a political battle, a particular election under pressure without outside intervention, with no one allowed to enter the room with the shutters closed.

The film could be classified as either an ecclesiastical documentary or a dramatic thriller with a touch of humor. We can imagine what a pope's election might be like, with the famous white smoke, but I couldn't really think of what was going on - the anticipation of the votes, the tensions - thanks to this film. Now we have a less vague, more precise idea, and we assume we're closer to the truth.

Conclave
Directed by Edward Berger
Written by Peter Straughan
Based on Conclave by Robert Harris
Produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael Jackman, Alice Dawson, Robert Harris
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini
Cinematography : Stéphane Fontaine
Edited by Nick Emerson
Music by Volker Bertelmann
Production companies: FilmNation Entertainment, Indian Paintbrush, House Productions
Distributed by Black Bear UK (United Kingdom), Focus Features (United States), SND (France)
Release dates : 25 October 2024 (United States), December 4 2024 (France)
Running time : 120 minutes

seen November 21, 2024 at Club Marbeuf

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