Warning! Spoilers for Conclave’s ending.
The Superiority of the Conclave Film Over the Book
David Gibson, the esteemed Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, shares his perspective on why he finds the film adaptation of Conclave to surpass the original novel. The narrative dives into the intricacies of Cardinal Lawrence, who is entrusted with organizing a conclave following the death of the current pope. Since its release, the film has garnered widespread critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Notable actors in the film include Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.
During an insightful interview with GQ, Gibson expresses his dissatisfaction with the conclusion of both the book and the film, labeling them as “absurd”and “superfluous.”Despite this, he appreciates the film’s portrayal of its characters, ultimately concluding that it is a superior interpretation compared to the novel.
I liked the movie! It struck me as much better than the book, which I read when it came out several years ago. The novel’s dynamics were all rather one-dimensionally political, and the big twist at the end — which is of course quite absurd — dominated the plot. In the film, the human dynamics of these holy and flawed characters really came out, and the ending was almost superfluous.
That said, I have to stipulate that all conclaves are, by their nature, absurd. I mean, 120 — more or less — scarlet-robed guys go into the Sistine Chapel and are locked away until one of them emerges as the pope, after secret ballots and Latin oaths and white smoke funnelled through a farmhouse chimney. There’s a reason why novelists and filmmakers love ‘Pope Fiction’ as I call it — it has built-in drama and is really a tribute not only to the fascination the papacy attracts but also its power.
Conclave’s Shocking Twist Ending
Exploring Cardinal Benitez’s Unique Role
The film offers a revealing insight into the cardinal election process, highlighting the ambition and strategies of various characters. From the outset, it becomes clear that some cardinals demonstrate greater eagerness to be nominated as the next pope, notably Cardinals Bellini, Tremblay, and Tedesco, who actively seek allies for their campaigns. In sharp contrast, Cardinal Benitez enters the conclave early on and is portrayed as a more virtuous figure.
In a pivotal moment towards the film’s conclusion, Cardinal Benitez delivers an inspiring speech that results in his nomination as the new pope. The narrative takes a startling turn when he confides in Cardinal Lawrence about being intersex—a revelation that underscores the complexity of his character. It is revealed that the previous pope recognized Cardinal Benitez’s intersex status and had arranged for a hysterectomy, a procedure that Benitez ultimately chose to forgo, opting instead to embrace his authentic self.
Our Perspective on Gibson’s Insights Regarding Conclave’s Conclusion
A Symbolic Shift for the Catholic Church
Throughout Conclave, numerous characters engage in discussions contrasting the Catholic Church’s traditional values with the necessity for modernization. Many argue that in order to maintain relevance, the Church must evolve alongside contemporary society. Thus, Cardinal Benitez’s revelation as intersex serves as a monumental statement at the film’s conclusion, symbolizing a potential for progressive change within the Church. This groundbreaking moment, though not universally acknowledged, signifies a significant step towards inclusivity in Conclave.
Source: GQ
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