#my conclave posts

[omg-they-were-clavemates]

The Conclave movie made several important changes from the book, including the fact that in the book it's a window in the vestibule outside of the Sistine Chapel that gets blown in.

Changing this to a window inside the chapel:

Is more visual and visceral

Creates arguably the most dramatic/cinematic shot in the film

Literalizes the hand of God within the narrative

Serves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit & inspiration/visual reminder to both the audience and the curia that Benítez is meant to be pope

but most importantly

Covers the cardinals in dust and sexy little forehead cuts

I love that for them.

[omg-they-were-clavemates]

Poor Thomas, he's trying his best.

It's a sticker

[omg-they-were-clavemates]

Aldo Bellini's biggest sin is not realizing he's in a story with a chosen one. In agreeing to try to be elected, and then in seceding his nomination to support Tremblay, he's doing what you're supposed to do. He's not letting great be the enemy of good! He's refusing to let a fascist take control even if the other candidate isn't perfect!

When literal lives and your dad's late pope's legacy and millions of people's place within the church is at stake you are actually not supposed to wait for a savior. You are supposed fight with the tools you have.

Except he's in a work of fiction with a Jesus-allegory character. Benítez is the right choice for pope, but to just assume that? To assume you'll be saved from the brink of fascism by a third party candidate divine intervention? That would have been the irresponsible choice.

[omg-they-were-clavemates]

So is prayer a form of meditation? The way Lawrence talks about it, it seems to be? But I'm only familiar with prayer as "a thing you recite" and he's not, like, forgetting the words to the Hail Mary. He talks about noise, distraction, trouble concentrating, not hearing the voice of god. I have so many thoughts & questions about this.

[omg-they-were-clavemates]

Just watched Fountain of Youth and why was Stanley Tucci being cryptic in Vatican City for one scene in the middle of my mediocre treasure hunt movie??!!

I know I could have been watching Conclave. I'm well away I could have rewatched Conclave. You didn't have to come into my house and remind me