Conclave (2024)
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with organizing the conclave—the assembly of cardinals that elects a new pope following the death of the previous one—in “Conclave,” directed by German filmmaker Edward Berger. This film, described as a “Vatican-themed House of Cards,” delves into the high-stakes election process filled with betrayals and deceptions. Adapted from British author Robert Harris’s novel, the movie won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in March, building tension to an unexpected climax.
The Two Popes (2019)
Following Benedict XVI’s resignation, filmmakers became intrigued by the concept of two popes coexisting. In “The Two Popes,” Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles imagines a verbal duel between Anthony Hopkins, portraying a more authoritarian German pope, and Jonathan Pryce as the future Argentine pope who wishes to teach his predecessor tango.
On screen, the two men overcome their differences through Benedict’s piano skills and Francis’ passion for soccer. Among the main challenges Meirelles faced while filming, produced by Netflix, was shooting scenes without access to the Vatican City—a meticulously recreated studio set.
The Young Pope (2016)
Over ten episodes, Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino presents Jude Law as Lenny Belardo, an Italian-American prelate recently elected pope to general surprise. While cardinals expected an easily manipulated pope, Pius XIII displays a tormented, Machiavellian, and perplexing personality.
An ultraconservative who drinks cherry-flavored Coca-Cola, smokes in the Vatican halls, and grapples with childhood abandonment trauma, Pius XIII challenges the cardinals’ assumptions.
A second season, titled “The New Pope,” was released in 2020. It focuses on the election of a new pope, John Pablo III played by John Malkovich, while Pius XIII remains in a coma, emphasizing female characters, especially the Santa Sede’s communications director, portrayed by French actress Cécile de France.
Habemus Papam (2011)
Italian director Nanni Moretti’s “Habemus Papam” surprised audiences at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival by depicting a reluctant cardinal’s election to the papacy, two years before Benedict XVI’s resignation.
As white smoke signals the conclave’s outcome, eager faithful rush to see the new pope. However, Cardinal Melville, overwhelmed by his new role’s magnitude and responsibility, refuses to accept it and wanders the hallways before psychoanalysis services are enlisted to support him.
At 85, Michel Piccoli starred in this comedy that mocks the media and psychoanalysis.
Amén (2002)
In 2002, French-Greek filmmaker Costa-Gavras, known for political films, drew inspiration from German author Rolf Hochhut’s “The Vicar” (adapted to French by Jorge Semprún in 1963) and won the César for Best Screenplay the following year.
Set during World War II, a chemist hired by the SS discovers the reality of gas chamber atrocities. A devout Catholic, he unsuccessfully tries to alert Pope Pius XII with the help of a Jesuit (Mathieu Kassovitz). The film perpetuates the image of a cowardly pope complicit in the Nazi crimes’ silence.
However, this notion is nuanced by the Vatican and some historians who point out that Pius XII broke his silence three times and contributed to rescuing tens of thousands of Jews, especially in Italy.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a conclave? A conclave is the assembly of cardinals who elect a new pope following the death or resignation of the previous one.
- Who are some notable directors who have explored the Vatican in their films? Directors like Edward Berger, Fernando Meirelles, Paolo Sorrentino, Nanni Moretti, and Costa-Gavras have all incorporated Vatican themes into their films.
- What challenges did filmmakers face when depicting the Vatican? Filmmakers faced challenges such as limited access to filming locations, like the actual Vatican City, leading them to recreate settings in studios.
- How have films portrayed recent popes? Films like “The Young Pope” and “The Two Popes” have presented complex, unconventional popes challenging traditional expectations.
- What controversy surrounds Pius XII and the Holocaust? Some films, like “Amén,” perpetuate the image of Pius XII as complicit in silence during the Holocaust. However, this view is contested by the Vatican and historians who argue that Pius XII did break his silence and helped rescue Jews.
