Conclave by Robert Harris

Movie tie-in review

I recently watched the movie Conclave, based on the book written by Robert Harris. He is one of my favourite authors, although, his latest publications aren’t as good as his earlier works.

I had misgivings about watching Conclave as I had enjoyed the book and the insight into how the cardinals voted for a pope and the politics behind it all. The book was well-written and well-researched, and its storyline kept me invested in the characters’ journey. If you haven’t read the book, I highly recommend you do.

Ralph Fiennes plays the main protagonist, Cardinal Lawrence, who has the unwieldy role of unravelling the political intrigue behind the ins and outs of electing a new Pope. It is a character driven story and Ralph Fiennes is exceptional in the role. A stellar cast backs him. Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and international stars. At no time is there a lull in the story. It is perhaps one of the best translations from book to film I have seen. I tend not to want to watch a movie that was first a book. The script falls short of the story and it doesn’t fully respect the storyline.

What I particularly enjoyed about the movie is how it is character driven. The perspective is unique to Cardinal Lawrence as he delves into the mystery and political intrigue and games played by the cardinals to manipulate the vote. Politics often features such behaviour. The cardinals were in seclusion and to hand in their mobile phones on arrival to the Vatican, although it did not stop them from gaining and giving favours to get votes from fellow cardinals who aren’t powerful), swaying people to vote a certain way despite the lies and pretence of change. Not to mention scare mongering, playing on people’s insecurities to secure their votes.

There is a scene in the movie where a nun brings tea to one cardinal who was a favourite to become Pope. There was a heated conversation between them, and of course, being a female and subservient to the cardinal, the nun’s complaint was almost dismissed. Almost. Cardinal Lawrence investigated the interaction and discovered an unpleasant history between the nun and the cardinal.

What I found fascinating reading the book was learning about the procedure behind voting for a pope. One of the main reasons I enjoy Robert Harris’ books is the research behind the story and he also interviewed a cardinal who provided the intel about what happens in the Vatican. The movie successfully translated this with scenes showing workmen installing shutters in the cardinals’ sleeping cells to isolate them from the outside world. How they locked the Sistine Chapel each time the cardinals voted. After the Pope died, they sealed his room, keeping it closed until the election of a new Pope. This added to intrigue and mystery of the story and gives insight, even if a miniscule amount of the secrets behind the Vatican walls.

I don’t watch movies that I read first, especially after watching It by Stephen King and Troy, the legendary story of the Iliad by Homer, both left me very disappointed. I had read many reviews of Conclave before deciding to watch the movie, and I am glad I did. Although, the ending differed from the book.

It is always a risk watching a version of a movie from a book that is a favourite. You have a unique vision of the characters, how the story plays out. After all, you create the film in your head from the words the author creates.

What are your thoughts on books that filmmakers have adapted into movies or streamed? Leave a comment below 😊

Movies, religion, research