
Pop Culture Happy Hour
Conclave
Oct 30, 2024
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Andrew Lapin, senior reporter for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, discuss the film 'Conclave,' featuring Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal in a nail-biting papal election. They delve into the film's mix of political intrigue and humor, while examining its social commentary on the Catholic Church today. The guests shed light on character complexities, the portrayal of gender dynamics, and the film's handling of themes like faith and doubt, all through a witty lens.
22:13
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Quick takeaways
- 'Conclave' intricately explores the secretive process of papal succession while highlighting the power struggles and hidden agendas among the cardinals.
- The film effectively combines dark humor with serious themes, maintaining an engaging narrative that reflects on the Catholic Church's relevance today.
Deep dives
The Intrigue of Papal Succession
The film 'Conclave' centers around the fictional death of a pope, igniting the intricate process of selecting his successor. This story unfolds within a tightly sealed conclave of cardinals, each vying for power and influence amidst hidden agendas and deep-seated rivalries. Notable characters include Cardinal Lawrence, who orchestrates the conclave, and Cardinal Tremblay, who presents a potentially treacherous option for the papacy. Through these characters, the film cleverly intertwines suspense with political maneuvering, as it explores the complexities of faith, power, and the underlying tensions within the Catholic Church.
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