The holy screen: a brief history of popes in film and TV, from Peter O'Toole to Robbie Coltrane
Briefly

The article explores the cinematic representation of the papacy, particularly the recent film 'Conclave' featuring Ralph Fiennes. This portrayal emphasizes the gravity, ritual, and spectacle surrounding the election of a new pope, drawing parallels between historical and fictional depictions. Iconic actors like Peter O'Toole and Jeremy Irons have portrayed popes in various productions, often highlighting their complex natures. The article posits that these portrayals are shaped by the blend of historical facts with dramatization, offering a deeper understanding of the weight of such authority and its cinematic interpretations.
The papacy's cinematic nature is on full display in Conclave, highlighting the rituals, the drama, and the profound weight of choosing a new pope.
Portraying the pope in film often leans towards the dramatization of historical figures, where many actors have shown renditions of complex, sometimes nefarious, papal personas.
The emergence of a new pope is a grand spectacle, marked by ritual and expectation, deeply portrayed in various cinematic representations throughout history.
The tension between history and fiction in papal portrayals underscores the layers of authority, morality, and the personal struggles of those in such powerful positions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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