Conclave is captivating as it offers a suspenseful insight into the sort of political drama played out behind the curtains whenever the College of Cardinals gathers to select a new pope. It is well above most cinematographic movies in the sense that it allows a group of excellent actors to strut their stuff. However, in terms of a thriller, it is quite unrealistic and slightly ridiculous in having a not-very-mysterious mystery with no suspense whatsoever. The ending does not work, but perhaps it would if Conclave had been marketed as a historical piece taking place several decades or centuries back in time.
Politics and differences in philosophy cause it. Muddling tactics in the background can also cause the opinions of different candidates to shift from one ballot to another throughout the election until, at one point, a nominee has secured enough support to win (2/3 of votes which equals 79 votes). Conclave does its job as it is done through an item of how realism could be. Just that it looks like it’s convincing to represent it. Almost like a good gauge of time. It isn’t like every scene is thrilling, but the movie is interesting.
The direction boosts the content. All the actors considered best do not miss the mark. Ralph Fiennes also gives a sympathetic depiction of British Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Chairman and Administrator of the College of Cardinals who convenes and presides over the conclave. To this role, Fiennes brings due modesty, suggesting a man at odds with himself when he has to cast his vote. Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow manage to shine and there are also some strong performances from Isabella Rossellini and a few others (Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, and Carlos Diaz).
Cardinals Aldo Bellini, Goffredo Tedesco, Joseph Tremblay, and Mindono’s Loshua Adeyami seem to be the strongest candidates for the papacy. Aldo Bellini is the representative of the political left. He would also keep the reforms of his predecessor in case he was to take office. This is opposed by Goffredo Tedesco who is a racist and homophobic Italian and an opponent of Vatican II’s reforms. And then in between them are Joseph Tremblay and Goffredo’s friend Loshua Adeyami from Nigeria who has close ties with Tedesco. From the race also come two dark horses; Lawrence, along with an unknown cardinal from Kabul Vincent Benitez also rise, who Lawrence fans would have a soft spot for as he is the one who replaces the image of Aldo Bellini, who is loved by liberals. As expected for the first time in the election, none of the contestants have the closest number of votes, but this changes slowly as time goes on. Lawrence had his hands busy preparing in his role as the organizer when rumors against his several candidates emerged, sounding fabrications entirely. Lawrence stood for democracy after all, reminiscent of the movie Hercule Poirot.
The highlight of All Quiet on the Western Front can be considered none other than Berger who is also the film’s director. He is also best known for his skills which primarily focus on the twisting cinematography which adds more spice to the movie. All the credits that he is endowed with have a tinge of melodrama. One can say that he takes his time until the momentum slowly builds in the third act to drag the spectators into the action. In as much as the cast determines the fate of the character by predicting that an actor will obtain 79 votes, we can say there are other sub-plots in the movie that kick one’s desire or dominance. But myriad questions such as the role surrounding Tremblay may raise doubts in certain fans, as to whether they are plot holes or purposely inserted.
Due to the cast and the religious tones of the movie one can argue that the movie is more professional and greater than it presents itself. Although it acknowledges some of the splinter groups within the Catholic Church, it inclines towards a more liberal approach. Still, I think the setup of actors from the Vatican can be compared to watching myself in the mirror, and all that was left to my satisfaction was the final 20 minutes. The potential to conclude in a frustratingly overemotional televised finish because the final 20 minutes did not live up to the theme of a movie centered around 12 Angry Men remains hidden in the shadows of the beginning and the ending.
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