As the film begins, the
cardinals gather to choose a successor to the late pontiff. Not me,
many of them silently pray.
We may doubt the capabilities of our
presidents and prime ministers to lead, but they themselves never seem
to. But what of a pope,
elected without a campaign? Could it be that the man chosen might find
himself ill-prepared and not up to the job? This is the basis of this
gently comedic film in which Michel Piccoli plays the temperamentally
unsuitable compromise candidate, a frustrated
actor with the role of his life, and stage fright.
The premise seems
farcical, or satirical, but the approach taken here is otherwise. It may
not be Vatican approved, but it’s not too likely to offend the
faithful. Piccoli brings a dignity to his role as one
befuddled by his unexpected fortune. Meanwhile, the Vatican is in limbo. What should the public be told?
Might a therapist help? While the reluctant pontiff tries to recall his past, the nonbelieving psychologist (Nanni Moretti, also the film’s director) finds himself strangely at home among the holy men. This is a very slight film, but it’s a pleasant one.
viewed 5/10/12 7:00 pm at Ritz Bourse and reviewed 5/11/12
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