I have already written a little bit about this movie in the review of my top five favorite movies of 2019, but I wanted to dedicate a full review to this movie, because it has had a massive impact on me.
“The Two Popes” was directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten. The movie follows a fictional account of the interaction between Jorge Bergolio, soon to be Pope Francis, and Joseph Ratzinger, aka Pope Benedict XVI, as they discuss their differing views on the status of the Catholic Church and how the almost 2,000-year-old institution fits into modern times.
This may have been my favorite movie of last year. I don’t think it was the best movie of last year, but I will 100% remember how I felt watching that movie for the first time. For some, I can understand how the premise of the movie might seem boring. After all, it is two old, white, religious men talking to each other about religion. Looking deeper into the movie, however, one will find a compelling narrative on the nature of progress and the subtle differences between compromise and change.
I’ll be the first to admit my love for this movie may be the result of a bias. I am Catholic and have been since the day I was born, so seeing my faith, warts and all, accurately portrayed on screen gripped me. The portrayal of the reformist and traditionalist viewpoints in the Church felt so real. Also, seeing monumental moments like Benedict XVI resigning from the papacy and the election of Pope Francis from a different perspective was really cool.
The movie itself was really well done. The cinematography was done in a similar style to a documentary, which grounded the film. The scenes carried a lot of weight because it seemed as though it were really happening. If I had to complain about the way it was shot, it would be the zooms. I really don’t like it when movies or TV shows have a zoom in them. I am usually okay with it when it is used for a comedic effect, such as in “The Office,” but when it is used in a drama, it’s hard for me to take it seriously.
The editing of the movie is spectacular. Not only does it add to the documentary effect, but it keeps the movie engaging, especially during scenes that could be considered slow or boring. For example, there is a scene where they use news coverage of Benedict XVI’s election and put “Dancing Queen” by ABBA over the pre-election rituals. Even during the voting scene, the rhythmic editing portrays passage of time, intensity and the anxiety of the voting process just perfectly.
The performances really sell the movie for me. When I saw ads for the movie, I thought it was an actual documentary because Jonathan Pryce, the actor who played Pope Francis, looks exactly like him. The performance goes deeper than just looks, however, as Pryce nails Francis’ mannerisms, humility and quiet charisma. Through Pryce’s performance, the audience understands why taking on the position of Pope would be such a struggle for him and how being a clergyman has affected his life in as many negative ways as positive. Anthony Hopkins as Benedict XVI is phenomenal. The audience gets the sense that this is a man that is as rigid as a plank of wood. He does not compromise or change unless he believes it is the right thing to do. That being said, his change over the course of the movie is believable, and you understand why he decides to resign from the papacy, even though the full reasons are not completely or explicitly stated.
I firmly believe this movie is one of the most impactful and important movies I have seen in a long time. It is a great reminder of how important it is to understand the other side and treat each other with respect, even though you may disagree with another person’s opinion or perspective. Please watch this movie; it is on Netflix, and I promise you it is worth it. “The Two Popes” gets two thumbs up from me.
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