Conclaveis a movie rooted in the medieval.
By design, this world looks positively ancient with its arcane customs and rituals.
They represent in a way the discourse we are having.
Liberals, conservatives; north, south; race, gender.
Theyre all sort of battling each other, and whoever wins will influence a lot of peoples thinking.
So its a big decision, a big ideological war.
We obviously didnt plan the movie to be released this year, Berger muses about the irony.
We have been making it for years and years, so its coincidental.
With that said, Berger didnt design this film solely to be a reflection of 2024.
But it is a strength.
Ive learned to embrace it as a strength, because it furthers discussions.
I think the worst thing about a leader is being a fundamentalist who doesnt listen.
Even in their marble environs, though, they are surrounded by the hum of fluorescent lights and modernity.
It also reflects an eye on the past and another on the future.
I think the Vatican is an incredibly interesting world because it is so secretive… but it represents anything.
It could be watching a boardroom, you know?
It could be anything where a top job is filled.
It was certainly my way in.
Conclave is in limited U.S. release now and opens in the UK on Nov. 29.
