Cinema, as art, is a window to other worlds, a reflection of who we are and an invitation to question what surrounds us. Like any other artistic manifestation, films are a vehicle for the director’s message, a reflection of his or her perspective on the world that invites reflection, interpretation and, sometimes, controversy.
Edward Berger, director of Conclavedoes not avoid controversy; hugs her. In a recent interview, he expressed his hope that his film, a political thriller set in the Vatican, would be the subject of debate. “Controversy is always good,” said the director.
“Controversy means debate. Controversy means difference of opinion that leads to a fruitful discussion, and I always embrace that. Hopefully not everyone will have the same opinion and hopefully we’ve made a movie that’s open enough to give room for interpretation and for people to discuss it. That is a dream for a filmmaker,” explained the creator.
The film, which features performances by Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini, presents a story focused on the election of a new Pope, an event surrounded by secrets and manipulations within the Catholic Church. In the plot, the cardinals become pieces in a power game that, beyond ecclesiastical politics, reflects internal struggles and human strategies.
Watch the Conclave trailer:
The process of creating Conclave has not been without its challenges, especially since the film could not be shot in the Vatican. Berger was forced to recreate settings such as the Sistine Chapel and the House of Saint Martha at the Cinecittà studios in Rome.
Although the director feels liberated by the awards obtained with All quiet on the fronthas assured that this recognition has not changed his approach towards direction. “You never know” if a movie will be successful, he explained. “Every time it’s different and every time it’s surprising. I try to put everything aside and just focus on what I want to do.”
Con Conclave, Edward Berger It not only aims to entertain, but to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of power, politics and the Church. In a world where large productions seek to avoid risk, the German director chooses and seeks controversy, knowing that it is a powerful tool to generate dialogue.
Conclave It already had its theatrical release in the United States, and will soon do so in Spain on December 20. Meanwhile, in Mexico it will arrive in January, and in Argentina in February.
