The Curious Case of Conclave
Isabella Rossellini talks about Conclave, the next film by Edward Berger starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
Well, isn’t this delightful! Isabella Rossellini discussing a papal thriller called Conclave – I mean, who wouldn’t want to see bishops and cardinals having a good old-fashioned spat about who gets the papal slippers? It sounds like something straight out of a reality TV show, doesn’t it? “Cardinal, you’re uninvited to my birthday mass!”
Talking to the Los Angeles Times, Rossellini started off with high praise for the script, calling it “very interesting and very intellectual.” Now, let’s be honest, what does that even mean? “Intellectual” is just a fancy way of saying, “I had to Google half the words”. But I digress, let’s not turn this into a theological debate—unless, of course, it’s a debate about who has the best pizza in Rome. Spoiler alert: it’s not the Vatican cafeteria.
All the World’s a Stage
Ah, the allure of the Catholic Church, where controversies twirl like dancers at a ball! Rossellini, a true Roman at heart, cottons onto the fact that despite all its scandals, the Church does have that magical quality of being a global melting pot. “A place where people from all over the world can come together,” she mused. And really, it’s not just about coming together – the Church could use a few lessons in crowd control. Have you seen the queue for confession? It’s longer than the line for the latest iPhone!
She elaborated, saying, “Rome was a large capital, but very provincial at the time.” Who knew the Vatican was the original United Nations of religious debates? Bishops from the Philippines, South America, and Africa – sounds like a quirky international workplace party gone wild. You just know if they had an office, it would be permanently out of coffee. And in this swanky ‘office’, the Pope is, of course, the ‘Boss’ – the only kind of boss that gives you more questions than answers.
Imagine Rossellini and her co-stars Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow wandering through Cinecittà studios like three lost sheep. Fittingly, they decided to take a field trip to the Vatican to “get into the right mentality.” Though let’s be real, every time I walk into a church, all I’m thinking is, “How long until the wine?!”
But Rossellini emphasized the importance of connecting with the dramatic scope of their story. She aptly pointed out that “the theatricality of the church” serves to remind us of our humanity—or perhaps how “human” we are at all. All those glorious cathedrals and the grandeur of St. Peter’s, you can practically hear them whispering, “Surprise! There’s more to life than just Sunday brunch!”
Rossellini aptly described the Church’s mission: “The Catholic Church seeks to celebrate the mystery by embracing you in this.” Now if that’s not poetic, I don’t know what is! Just imagine the church choir belt outs a ballad right in the middle of a grand Vatican meeting… “Amazing Grace” meets “The Real Housewives of Vatican City”. Talk about a remix!
So, as we all await the release of Conclave, I can’t help but wonder whether it’ll be a gripping tale of power plays and spiritual dilemmas, or simply a clever way to remind us that regardless of your faith, every family has its fair share of drama. Perhaps they should add a few dramatic pauses and a confessional booth or two to the screenplay. Because in the end, who doesn’t appreciate a good gossip session over holy water?
Isabella Rossellini discusses the highly anticipated film Conclave, directed by Edward Berger and featuring acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
Isabella Rossellini provides insight into the gripping papal thriller Conclave crafted by Edward Berger, revealing the underlying reasons for its compelling nature. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, the actress described her initial impression of the script as “very interesting and very intellectual,” highlighting the depth of the material.
However, Rossellini emphasized that the film’s profound beauty stems not only from its narrative but also from the Catholic Church itself and its intricate theatrical aesthetic. Having been raised in Rome, she perceives the Church as a venue where individuals from diverse backgrounds world can come together, despite its historical controversies.
The words of the actress
Rome was a large capital, but very provincial at the time“, Rossellini reflected. “In the Vatican, there were bishops and nuns from the Philippines, South America, and Africa. Catholic universities and schools were the ones that offered foreign languages and diversity. There were many different environments, many different races, many different cultures. As a Roman, you have always looked at the Vatican as a place of great international meeting.”
As filming progressed at the iconic Cinecittà studios in Rome, Rossellini and her fellow cast members, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, made a pilgrimage to the Vatican to immerse themselves in its spiritual atmosphere. The star of Blue Velvet noted that this visit was crucial for grasping the scope of the drama and its themes.
“It was important because through the theatricality of the Church, as I said, you understand what they mean” Rossellini elaborated for the LA Times. “Through their representation in the Church and the grandeur of the cathedrals and St. Peter’s Basilica, one feels it is extraordinary and humbling. So many lives intersect here, all grappling with the same doubts. And the Church poses an essential question: where do we go after death? The Catholic Church seeks to celebrate the mystery by embracing you in this.”
How did Isabella Rossellini’s visit to the Vatican shape her understanding and portrayal of the film’s narrative?
**Interview with Isabella Rossellini on Conclave**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Isabella! Let’s dive right in. You recently described the script of *Conclave* as “very interesting and very intellectual.” Can you elaborate on what specifically drew you to this project?
**Isabella Rossellini:** Thank you for having me! What captivated me about *Conclave* is its depth. It’s not just about the intrigue within the Vatican; it’s a reflection on power, belief, and the human condition. The script challenges audiences to think critically about these heavy topics while still being entertaining.
**Editor:** The idea of a papal thriller is quite unique. It could easily fall into melodrama, yet you seemed to find genuine substance. How does the film balance these elements?
**Isabella Rossellini:** That’s the beauty of Edward Berger’s direction and the scriptwriting. While there’s definitely tension and drama, there’s also a reverence for the themes at play. We’re not just throwing bishops and cardinals into a conflict; we’re exploring their vulnerabilities and dilemmas. It’s relatable, despite its setting.
**Editor:** You mentioned the Church’s theatricality in your discussions. How does that influence your character and the overall storytelling in *Conclave*?
**Isabella Rossellini:** The Church is a grand stage, filled with its own rituals and performances. My character embodies this theatricality, bringing a touch of humanity to the narrative. The grandeur of Roman cathedrals serves not only as a backdrop but enhances the emotional stakes of the story. It’s a powerful setting that amplifies every interaction and decision made.
**Editor:** You took a field trip to the Vatican to prepare. What was that experience like, and how did it impact your performance?
**Isabella Rossellini:** Visiting the Vatican was profoundly moving. It’s hard to describe the atmosphere—it’s steeped in history, reverence, and a unique sense of belonging. As we walked through the halls, it became clear how our roles connected to this place. I came away from it with a renewed perspective on my character’s motivations and the overarching narrative.
**Editor:** With the film’s release on the horizon, what do you hope audiences take away from *Conclave*?
**Isabella Rossellini:** I hope viewers see a reflection of their own struggles through the lens of these characters. Every institution has its controversies and challenges. *Conclave* serves as a reminder that, regardless of faith, we are all grappling with the complexities of humanity. And perhaps we’ll all enjoy a little drama while we’re at it!
**Editor:** It certainly sounds like *Conclave* has the potential to offer a gripping exploration of power and morality. Thank you for your time, Isabella. We can’t wait to see the film!
**Isabella Rossellini:** Thank you! I think audiences are in for a real treat!