Podcast Episode Summary: All Of It – "Revisiting 'Conclave' Ahead Of The Papal Election In Rome"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Stanley Tucci (Actor, Cardinal Aldo Bellini) and Edward Berger (Director)
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Available On: Amazon Prime

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the intricacies of the film Conclave, a drama that mirrors the high-stakes process of electing a new Pope at the Vatican. The conversation features insights from Stanley Tucci, who portrays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, and Edward Berger, the film’s acclaimed director.

Overview of Conclave

Conclave dramatizes the selection of a new Pope following the death of the current pontiff. Set in the Sistine Chapel, the narrative captures the tension as cardinals, divided along papal and political lines, vie to elect their successor. The main candidates include:

• A Staunch Traditionalist
• A Center-Right Conservative
• An Openly Homophobic Figure
• Cardinal Aldo Bellini (played by Stanley Tucci), a liberal and progressive voice reluctant to seek the papacy.

The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, four BAFTAs, and two Critics Choice Awards, including Best Acting Ensemble.

Casting and Character Dynamics

Edward Berger discusses the challenges and timing involved in casting for Conclave. He explains that securing Stanley Tucci took years due to the actor’s availability, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for Cardinal Bellini.

Edward Berger [02:39]: “He’s the right person... sometimes, you've scheduled your movies around fantastic people like Stanley.”

Stanley Tucci reflects on his preparation for the role, highlighting his deep connection to the character and the script’s timely relevance.

Stanley Tucci [03:32]: “I think the timing was absolutely appropriate because it mirrors a lot of what's happening in our world politically.”

Themes of Friendship and Trust

The friendship between Cardinal Bellini and Cardinal Dean Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is central to the film’s emotional core. Tucci elaborates on what binds these characters together:

Stanley Tucci [04:41]: “Sometimes you become friends... morally, they are twins... it's about trusting yourself and each other.”

Edward Berger adds that the actors’ real-life friendship enhances their on-screen chemistry, creating a dynamic interplay between differing personalities.

Edward Berger [07:25]: “They egg each other on and they would be... you just want to be really good if you're across from Stanley Tucci.”

Incorporating Humor into the Drama

While Conclave is fundamentally a drama, Berger discusses how humor is seamlessly integrated to break the solemnity of the setting. The unexpected introduction of modern elements, such as an espresso machine in the Sistine Chapel, serves to inject moments of levity.

Edward Berger [09:16]: “If I put an espresso machine... that could come with laughter.”

The presence of Isabella Rossellini’s character delivering a bold, humorous scene adds a relatable and humanizing layer to the high-tension environment.

Exploring Doubt and Self-Discovery

A pivotal moment in the film is Cardinal Lawrence’s speech urging cardinals to elect a Pope who harbors doubts, emphasizing the importance of uncertainty in leadership.

Stanley Tucci [14:32]: “He says the next Pope, someone who has doubts... invites discourse and wisdom.”

This theme resonates deeply with Tucci, who shares personal reflections on self-awareness and the human condition.

Stanley Tucci [13:30]: “He doesn't know himself yet... we all think we know ourselves, but we don't.”

Stanley Tucci’s Reflections on Religion

Tucci opens up about his personal journey with faith, contrasting his upbringing in the Catholic Church with his current secular views. His portrayal of Bellini is informed by his nuanced understanding of religion’s role in personal and public life.

Stanley Tucci [16:16]: “I don’t think that... I’m not a religious person, and that’s my choice.”

This candid admission adds depth to his character, highlighting the internal conflicts that Bellini faces.

Filming in Rome: Enhancing Authenticity

Filming Conclave in Rome was a deliberate choice to capture the city’s authenticity and its influence on the film’s atmosphere. Berger emphasizes how the local environment and interactions with residents enriched the storytelling.

Edward Berger [18:19]: “Rome became such an important element... humanity became the main driving force for the film.”

Scenes depicting everyday life, such as nuns enjoying coffee or archbishops engaging casually in cafes, underscore the film’s focus on humanity amidst institutional grandeur.

Relevance to Contemporary Politics

Released shortly after significant political events, including the US General Election and Germany’s chancellor losing a vote of confidence, Conclave gains additional layers of meaning. Tucci reflects on the film’s resonance with current global uncertainties.

Stanley Tucci [19:37]: “The world has not been here before... it's very scary... communication is polluted and distorted.”

While the film does not prescribe solutions, its portrayal of political intrigue and moral dilemmas mirrors the complexities of today’s political landscape.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart’s interview with Stanley Tucci and Edward Berger offers a comprehensive exploration of Conclave, unraveling its thematic depth, character dynamics, and timely relevance. The film not only entertains but also invites audiences to reflect on leadership, trust, and the human spirit in times of uncertainty.

Conclave is now available to stream on Amazon Prime, providing an insightful cinematic experience that captivates both culturally and contextually.

Notable Quotes:

• Stanley Tucci [01:31]:
  “Father Bellini... I could never live with myself.”

• Edward Berger [02:39]:
  “He’s the right person... sometimes, you've scheduled your movies around fantastic people like Stanley.”

• Stanley Tucci [04:41]:
  “It’s about trusting yourself and knowing yourself.”

• Stanley Tucci [13:30]:
  “We all think we know ourselves, but we don't.”

• Stanley Tucci [16:16]:
  “I’m not a religious person, and that’s my choice.”

• Edward Berger [18:19]:
  “Humanity became the main driving force for the film... trying to discover the humanity within.”

All Of It continues to be a platform that bridges culture and its creators, offering listeners an in-depth look into the stories and ideas shaping our world.