Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: 'Conclave' Editor Nick Emerson

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nick Emerson, Editor of Conclave
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Podcast: All Of It, hosted by WNYC
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Introduction to Conclave and Nick Emerson

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the intricate world of film editing with Nick Emerson, the acclaimed editor of the thriller Conclave. Conclave has garnered significant attention, securing a nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film features stellar performances by Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini, with Emerson himself nominated for Best Editing and recently awarded the BAFTA for the same category.

Nick Emerson's Journey from Television News to Feature Films

Emerson begins by recounting his unconventional path to feature film editing.

[01:38] Nick Emerson: "I actually started in television news and then ultimately moved from television news into documentary film. ... there was little stepping stones that finally sort of got me to feature films."

His transition involved extensive work in documentary filmmaking, where he honed his storytelling skills—a foundation that proved invaluable in narrative cinema. Emerson highlights the importance of narrative structure, regardless of the medium:

[02:32] Nick Emerson: "The narrative, from a narrative point of view, it's similar. ... it's still got to have dramatic peaks and troughs and so forth."

First Impressions of Conclave and Collaboration with Director Edward Berger

Upon reading the script for Conclave, Emerson was immediately captivated by its blend of sacred rituals and spy thriller elements, drawing parallels to classics like All the President's Men and Alan Pakula's The Parallax View.

[03:27] Nick Emerson: "My first thought was, I really want to do this. ... it was just such a page turner. It was so thrilling."

The collaboration with director Edward Berger was instrumental. Emerson emphasizes the significance of developing a strong editor-director relationship, especially when working remotely from London while Berger was on set in Rome.

[04:37] Nick Emerson: "It's really about just being able to spend time with the director ... understanding what his desires for the film were."

Editorial Approach and Creative Decisions

Emerson discusses the meticulous nature of editing Conclave, balancing structure with creative flexibility. He provides an example of shaping the arrival sequence of the cardinals:

[05:55] Nick Emerson: "We thought, well, maybe we could take that out. ... we just make it into a montage of all these things sort of coalescing together."

This approach underscores Berger's openness to exploring various editing avenues to enhance the film's narrative depth.

Crafting the Thriller Pace in a Ritual-Driven Story

Maintaining a thriller's suspense within the structured setting of the Sistine Chapel required careful pacing. Emerson explains strategies to sustain tension:

[10:53] Nick Emerson: "We were aware that we wanted it to have a certain pace ... keep the tension and keep people on the edge of their seats."

He details the balance between holding shots longer for dramatic effect and cutting swiftly to maintain momentum, ensuring each conclave ritual feels fresh and engaging.

Highlighting Character Development: Cardinal Lawrence and Bellini

A significant portion of the discussion centers on portraying Cardinal Lawrence's internal struggles and Stanley Tucci's character, Cardinal Bellini. Emerson explains how editing emphasizes Ralph Fiennes' nuanced performance:

[13:24] Nick Emerson: "We always wanted to keep it in his point of view ... so much of it is about the way that Edward shoots Rafe as well."

The interplay between camera placement and actor performance creates a compelling visual tension, allowing audiences to delve deeper into Lawrence's reluctance and moral dilemmas.

Ensuring Supporting Characters Shine

Emerson also addresses the importance of giving prominence to supporting characters, particularly the nuns who play a crucial role in the conclave's dynamics. By meticulously placing scenes and ensuring Isabella Rossellini's character has a strong on-screen presence, the editing process highlights their contributions without overshadowing the main narrative.

[18:40] Nick Emerson: "We were careful that it just had to be placed. ... what a wonderful performance. She's amazing."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Emerson reflects on the collaborative process and the satisfaction derived from shaping a film that balances tradition with suspenseful storytelling. He expresses gratitude for working with a director and cast that shared his vision for Conclave.

[20:28] Alison Stewart: "That was my conversation with Nick Emerson, the Oscar nominated editor of Conclave."

Teaser for Next Episode

Alison Stewart hints at the next episode, which will feature a conversation with Oscar-nominated costume designer Linda Muir, discussing the detailed craftsmanship behind bringing a vampire story to life in Nosferatu.

Notable Quotes

• Nick Emerson on Narrative Similarities:

  [02:32] "The narrative, from a narrative point of view, it's similar. ... it's still got to have dramatic peaks and troughs and so forth."

• Emerson on Editing as Storytelling:

  [10:53] "We were aware that we wanted it to have a certain pace ... keep the tension and keep people on the edge of their seats."

• On Collaborative Editing with Berger:

  [04:37] "It's really about just being able to spend time with the director ... understanding what his desires for the film were."

• Highlighting Supporting Characters:

  [18:40] "We were careful that it just had to be placed. ... what a wonderful performance. She's amazing."

This episode offers an insightful exploration into the art of film editing, showcasing how Nick Emerson's expertise and collaborative spirit contribute to the success of a critically acclaimed thriller like Conclave. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced decisions that shape cinematic storytelling.