“Conclave,” a fictional account about the election of the pope, was welcomed by audiences in theaters this fall. Not only is the film a box office success, but critics believe many of the performances may be worthy of Academy Awards. America offered readers an analysis from Christopher Bellitto, a historian at Kean University, as well as a closer look at the film from John Anderson, who reviews films for the magazine. The analysis and review provoked online readers into a thoughtful discussion.
My reaction to this film was mixed. I loved the acting in this movie, especially that of Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, but was not at all impressed with the plot. As a frequent consumer of mysteries and thrillers, I was disappointed especially in the last 30 minutes of the film. I found the cardinals to be stereotypical caricatures, and the focus on their ambitions made the film into a political thriller. It was set within the majesty and ancient rites of the church but lacked in the spirituality I would hope all the cardinals would radiate, even as flawed men. Even as a political thriller, though, the film’s promised “surprises” fell flat with me and seemed like a too-pat ending by an author who had written himself into a corner.
Teresa McLendon
I loved the movie. I love how it ended. I loved how it compared someone who has experienced war and could project a loving presence with someone willing to go to war.
Freida Jacques
Great review, and it’s interesting to read what elicited laughter from the crowd watching the movie with you. I laughed out loud at a different point—in response to the surprise as it was revealed.
My laughter was entirely involuntary, and I wonder now if those around me thought it was derisive, when in fact, it was pure delight. Having been immersed in Robert Harris’s rich storytelling, the exceptional cinematography and the intense contrast between the roles of the cardinals and the nuns during the conclave, I was completely caught off-guard by the denouement. As the revelation sunk in, I was filled with joy—and the whole movie left me very hopeful.
I know other Catholics have been disappointed or even outraged by the ending, but I am optimistic that most will be lifted up by this great work of theological imagination.
Lisa Woodall
This film will challenge Catholics who still have a Catholic grade school understanding of the church’s form of governance, including the role of cardinals in their relationship with the pope. It will delight those who see the church as alive and open to the world. Through the stress and turmoil of this human process, it becomes clear that, true to his promise, Christ the Lord has been present through his Spirit to bring about the results that he has planned for his church. Aware of their humanity, [the cardinals] still remain open to the work of the Spirit among them.
It becomes clear that, as an institution, the church is unique and remarkable and while truly in the world, at the service of the world, she is not of the world. Another force is at work in her to accomplish the plan of God on Earth. “My thoughts are not the same as your thoughts, and my ways are above your ways,” says the Lord. As it was, and is and ever shall be. Amen.
Elizabeth Riebschlaeger, C.C.V.I.
While informative, Christopher Bellitto’s historic review of our Catholic conclaves points out the quaintness of an exclusive (as in non-inclusive), seemingly-but-not-really-democratic process. All happening while half of the baptized members of our church are not male.
Mary O’Neill
I watched the movie and, contrary to other commenters, I thought it was interesting and well done. After all, it was not produced as a documentary but as a fictional movie. As a reasonably informed Catholic, I took it as such and enjoyed it.
James Okraszewski
Having just finished the book, which appears to vary in some details from the movie (which I’ve yet to watch), I had the same reaction to the conclusion as you note in your review for the film. I thought Mr. Harris’s sense for Catholic clerical spirituality and Vatican culture was excellent. The book reminded me of 1963’s The Shoes of the Fisherman, which was similarly hard to put down. (Oh, and good on you Mr. Anderson, for not giving away the ending.)
Alfred Chavez
