David Gibson, the Director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, explains why he believes the Conclavemovie is better than the book it is based on. The story of Conclave follows Cardinal Lawrence, who is tasked with organizing a conclave of cardinals to vote for a new pope after the death of the previous one. The film has received exceptional reviews since its release, and currently has a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast of Conclaveincludes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. Conclave is based on the 2016 novel of the same name, which was written by Robert Harris.
In an interview with GQ, Gibson admits that he didn't enjoy the ending of the book or movie, describing them as "absurd" and "superfluous." However, he states that he appreciated the human dynamics of the characters in the movie more, and ultimately believes the film is better than the novel. Read Gibson's full quote below:
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 Twist Ending Is Shocking
Cardinal Benitez Is Intersex In Conclave
Conclave provides a behind-the-scenes look at the process of electing a new pope. From very early on in Conclave, it becomes evident that some cardinals are much more ambitious than others, and actively campaign to be nominated as the next pope. Characters like Cardinals Bellini, Cardinal Tremblay, and Cardinal Tedesco rally their allies in an attempt to become the new pope. However, Cardinal Benitez surprisingly joins the conclave near the beginning of the film, and proves to be much more virtuous than the aforementioned characters.
Cardinal Benitez chose to continue to live in the body that God designed for him.
At the end of Conclave, after a powerful speech, Cardinal Benitez is the one who is nominated as the next pope. In a shocking twist, Cardinal Benitez reveals to Cardinal Lawrence that he is intersex. The previous pope knew that Cardinal Benitez was intersex and arranged for him to have a hysterectomy, but Benitez decided not to go through with the procedure. Instead, Cardinal Benitez chose to continue to live in the body that God designed for him.
Conclave's Twist Made For A Powerful Ending
Many characters in Conclave have debates about the traditional values of the Catholic Church versus how it will progress and move forward in modern times. Certain characters believe that the Catholic Church has to adapt to still have an impact on modern-day society. Therefore, the reveal that Cardinal Benitez is intersex was quite powerful at the end of the film. The new pope being intersex, even though everyone is not aware of it, represented a major step forward for the Catholic Church in Conclave.
Cardinal Lawrence leads the secretive papal election at the Vatican, where he uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the Church's foundation as leaders gather from around the world.
Image via Focus Features
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