Podcast Summary: The Book Review – "Adapting the Twists and Turns of ‘Conclave’"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Book Review
- Host/Author: Gilbert Cruz, Editor at The New York Times Book Review
- Episode Title: Adapting the Twists and Turns of ‘Conclave’
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- Description: Host Gilbert Cruz engages with top authors and critics to discuss the week’s top books and their adaptations into films and television. In this episode, Cruz converses with Peter Straughan, an acclaimed screenwriter known for adapting complex literary works into compelling screenplays.
Introduction to the Episode
Gilbert Cruz opens the episode by highlighting his long-standing interest in the adaptation process, emphasizing how books and movies synergize to create some of the best cinematic experiences. He introduces Peter Straughan, a seasoned screenwriter with notable adaptations such as Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011) and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy, leading up to his latest project, Conclave.
Notable Quote:
“Books and movies have always worked hand in hand and some of the best films of all time have been based on best sellers or works of high literature.” – Gilbert Cruz [00:38]
Background on Conclave
Peter Straughan discusses his latest adaptation, Conclave, a political thriller set within the secluded environment of the Vatican during a papal election. Based on Robert Harris's novel, the story delves into the intense machinations and power struggles among cardinals vying to elect a new pope. The film has garnered significant acclaim, receiving eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Notable Quote:
“It's a political thriller. It's from a book by Robert Harris, who's excellent at exploring the world of politics, but it's set in the world of a papal election, the sort of secret, closed world of a conclave.” – Peter Straughan [02:47]
Approach to Adaptation
Cruz inquires about Straughan's methodology in adapting a substantial and intricate novel like Conclave. Straughan humorously describes his initial approach as instinctive, using a pen to make scribbles and assemble narrative pieces organically. He emphasizes the mosaic-like process of deconstructing and rebuilding the story to fit the cinematic format, often preserving entire scenes when dialogue is strong, even if some trimming is necessary.
Notable Quote:
“It's almost like mosaic work. You know, you have all of these pieces. Sometimes they're going to be laid out in a very similar order to the book, sometimes in a completely different order.” – Peter Straughan [03:26]
Unlocking the Conclave’s Core
The conversation shifts to a pivotal moment in Conclave: a heartfelt speech by the protagonist, Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes). Straughan explains how this speech was instrumental in shaping the screenplay. Originally, Cardinal Lawrence delivers a carefully prepared homily but abandons it mid-delivery to speak from the heart, introducing themes of doubt and the dangers of absolute certainty. This moment resonated deeply with Straughan, leading him to further explore these themes within the narrative.
Notable Quotes:
“Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance.” – Cardinal Lawrence [05:47]
“Perhaps our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt.” – Cardinal Lawrence [06:03]
Relevance to Contemporary Issues
Straughan reflects on how Conclave mirrors current societal tensions around polarization and the lack of middle ground. He articulates how the film operates on multiple levels: a timeless political tale, a spiritual exploration of faith and doubt, and a commentary on modern societal divisions. This layered storytelling ensures the adaptation remains relevant and resonant with contemporary audiences.
Notable Quote:
“It feels very like what was happening in the contemporary situation to do with the polarization, increased polarization, the lack of middle ground.” – Peter Straughan [07:26]
Personal Connection and Character Development
Drawing from his Catholic upbringing, Straughan delves into the construction of Cardinal Lawrence’s character. He articulates how his personal background provided him with an authentic understanding of the religious and emotional nuances required to portray Lawrence’s inner struggles and search for meaning. This personal connection enabled Straughan to infuse the screenplay with genuine empathy and depth.
Notable Quote:
“Lawrence as someone straining to make contact again with God, that didn't feel like an alien figure. And I had a degree of sympathy for that search.” – Peter Straughan [08:20]
Translating Inner Thoughts to Screen
Cruz addresses the challenge of externalizing a character’s inner monologue in a screenplay. Straughan explains his strategy of "bulletproofing" early drafts, where he includes detailed descriptions that can later be pared down or visually represented by the actor’s performance. This approach allows room for actors like Ralph Fiennes to bring their interpretations to life without being constrained by excessive script direction.
Notable Quote:
“I put up more scaffolding than you need, than you hope that you're actually going to need.” – Peter Straughan [10:04]
Cinematic and Visual Storytelling
The adaptation’s visual elements are a focal point of discussion. Straughan describes the Vatican’s portrayal as striking and theatrical, emphasizing rituals and pageantry inherent to the Catholic Church. He conceptualizes the film’s structure as a stage where public performances and private negotiations coexist, enhancing the narrative’s dramatic tension.
Notable Quote:
“There's the stage in which people are performing in the elections, in the homily, the mask to a certain extent, and then there's backstage or wings where the masks are off to some extent.” – Peter Straughan [14:22]
Pivotal Scenes and Character Dynamics
A critical scene in the convent’s cafeteria serves as a turning point, where tensions among the cardinals explode, showcasing the collapse of their controlled facades. Straughan highlights how this scene encapsulates the film’s exploration of hidden emotions and the fragility of orchestrated unity.
Notable Quote:
“There's a sense that nobody can hide anymore, that this is no longer a normal conclave. Everything's collapsing.” – Peter Straughan [16:11]
Incorporating Silent Characters with Impact
The episode touches on the strategic use of silent characters, such as Sister Agnes, portrayed by Isabella Rossellini. Straughan discusses how subtle moments, like a lone nun’s silent observation, can carry significant narrative weight without explicit dialogue, enhancing the film's depth and thematic resonance.
Notable Quote:
“It's so precise, the little change that crosses her face. And again, you just thank God. That's... You don't need lines. You don't need lines. It's all there to be read.” – Peter Straughan [17:59]
Balancing Fidelity and Creative Freedom
Straughan elaborates on the delicate balance between staying true to Robert Harris’s original work and introducing creative elements to enhance cinematic storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of gradually transitioning from the book's structure to a film-centric narrative, ensuring that the adaptation aligns with the medium's strengths without compromising the source material's essence.
Notable Quote:
“It's always just this balancing process. So there were times when we thought, okay, let's add a little bit of filler so, you know, There's a couple of scenes that we added that we just... To kind of build that kind of tension.” – Peter Straughan [18:47]
Adaptation Challenges: Linear vs. Complex Narratives
Comparing Conclave to his previous works like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Wolf Hall, Straughan discusses the varying challenges of adapting linear versus complex, character-dense narratives. While Conclave benefits from a straightforward storyline, his other projects required immense compression and character management to translate intricate plots into coherent screenplays.
Notable Quote:
“If it's something that's to do with human actions, then you can turn it into drama.” – Peter Straughan [22:51]
Future Aspirations and Desired Projects
Concluding the conversation, Straughan expresses his desire to adapt Hilary Mantel’s A Place of Greater Safety, a novel about the French Revolution. He conveys his deep appreciation for the book and his aspiration to bring its rich historical narrative to the screen.
Notable Quote:
“It's another book by Hilary Mantel which is called A Place of Greater Safety, about the French Revolution, which she wrote Before Will Fall. And I read long ago and loved, and I've loved it ever since and always wanted to do it.” – Peter Straughan [23:42]
Closing Remarks
Gilbert Cruz wraps up the episode by thanking Peter Straughan for his insights into the adaptation process, particularly regarding Conclave. Straughan reciprocates the gratitude, leaving listeners with a deep appreciation for the intricate work involved in transforming literary masterpieces into engaging films.
Notable Quote:
“Thank you so much for joining the book review podcast. Peter Straughan talking about Oscar nominated screenplay Conclave. Thank you so much for being here.” – Gilbert Cruz [24:07]
Conclusion: This episode of The Book Review provides a comprehensive exploration of the adaptation process through Peter Straughan’s experience with Conclave. Listeners gain valuable insights into balancing fidelity to the source material with creative cinematic storytelling, the importance of character development, and the challenges of translating complex narratives into engaging screenplays. Straughan’s reflections underscore the delicate artistry required to adapt literature effectively, making this episode a must-listen for fans of both books and films.