‘The Two Popes’ is exhilarating and compelling

BY Ron and Leigh

It’s difficult to believe there is a critically acclaimed blockbuster with no action, heavy use of subtitles and very few sets, unless you count a recreation of the Sistine Chapel. It’s just two old dudes discussing theology. Really? This movie shouldn’t have a prayer. Yet, it’s not only exhilarating, but it’s also witty and even compelling.

Starring Welshmen Anthony Hopkins as German Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as Argentinian Cardinal Bergoglio (current Pope Francis), this is an intimate story of one of the most dramatic transitions of power affecting over a billion Catholics at that time.

Brazilian Director Fernando Meirelles (“Constant Gardner”) has created a peek inside the papacy, traditionally shrouded in secrecy. Similar to a wrestling match, this is a two-man show where each circles the other, initiating moves and countering his “opponent.” However, each is respectfully anxious to understand the other’s point of view.

The private conversations are admittedly conjectured, but based on actual historical events, speeches and published documents. Writer Anthony McCarten (“Darkest Hour”) states, “Hopefully, that speculation is inspired.” Yet, the intelligent discourse doesn’t attempt to convert the viewer to Catholicism or to any religious point of view. It simply provides eloquent dialog expressing opposing worldviews and the future of the church.

Frustrated with church policy, Cardinal Bergoglio comes to Rome to ask permission to retire. Instead, the pontiff has other plans for his cardinal. Facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective pope is considering his harshest critic to be his successor. But first, his holiness needs to better understand exactly where they differ and where they can find common ground.

Pope Benedict shares, “My doctor said I’m in good shape for 86, but very bad shape for a human being. I believe this was a joke.” These scholarly gentlemen come with different backgrounds and temperaments. The pope carries the more traditional hard-line approach while the cardinal takes a more progressive stance to most issues.

Behind Vatican walls containing ornate statues, exquisite frescos and magnificent ceilings, this odd couple discusses their contrasting views on divorce, birth control, homosexuality, celibacy, child abuse, inequality and even loneliness. When reminded of his former views, the cardinal insists, “I changed.” The pope argues, “No, you compromised!” The cardinal responds, “No, I changed, it’s a different thing.”

Finally, the Cardinal summarizes, “We are seeing a globalization of indifference where we think only of ourselves. We’ve become used to the suffering of others. No one in our world feels responsible. When no one is to blame, everyone is to blame.” Should they come to terms, their outlandish plan will shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

Jonathan Price has justly been nominated for an Academy Award. Due to their similar features, when Francis became pope in 2013, the Internet was filled with images of the two side by side. Price’s son asked, “Dad are you the new pope?” Beginning this project, Director Fernando Meirelles also saw the side-by-side pictures, which caused him to look up Price’s impressive acting credentials and offer him the role. It was a miracle.

“The Two Popes” is two hours and five minutes and rated PG-13 for thematic content and some disturbing images. This is an extraordinary showcase for Price and Hopkins, but also for Director Meirelles and Writer McCarten. For not preaching, this is a marvelous lesson for us all on how to conduct intelligent discourse on critical issues.

An old joke states the Sistine Chapel is so artistically ostentatious, there must be a thousand dollars of paintings on the ceiling alone. But, this is a serious and intelligent Netflix thriller that somehow ends with two popes drinking brewskis and watching futbol. Therefore, we’re ready to send up the white smoke, “Long live the two popes!”

Ron’s Rating: A
Leigh’s Rating: B