We Have A Pope

As many of you know the Pope is chosen by a group of Cardinals locking themselves away in a room and voting for one of them to take the top job. But what if the one chosen did not really want the job.

The most interesting thing about this film is that despite being set in the Vatican it is not a very religious film. The story is presented in such a way that it could be about anyone who is thrust into a job that he/she does not feel confident in doing. This job, however, is an incredibly important one and so the pressure can be really intense. In some ways this makes you question the voting process for Pope. Obviously they do not lobby each other for the job and so you may get it when you don't really want it. After the cardinal in this film is chosen he is asked if he accepts the job but he says 'yes'. I think because he is just so shocked at having been chosen. He then has to struggle with his decision and what he's going to do. Thankfully he is able to sneak away from The Vatican and go explore his old life to find out if he can work out what to do. The strange thing is that he doesn't really ask for God's help in making the decision. He does go to a church but he as I said there is very little religion.

The film is not all serious soul searching as there is some humour in it too. The Cardinals bring in a psychologist to help the new Pope but because of the rules of choosing the Pope he cannot leave until the new Pope goes to the balcony and announces himself. So this poor guy is stuck in The Vatican with a bunch of Cardinals. He does come up with a very funny way to pass the time. The media officer is also the only one who knows The Pope has escaped and he comes up with a funny rouse to make it seem like The Pope is still there.

Michel Piccoli is excellent as the poor man thrust into this position that holds so much responsibility. His performance is excellent and really heartbreaking. You come to understand his plight and the tough decision he has to make. Jerry Stuhr is very good as the media officer who must hide this secret. A very typical marketing type trying to spin the bad situation in a good way. Nanni Moretti is very funny as the poor psychologist who gets stuck in the Vatican.

Don't let the fact that the film is set in The Vatican turn you off. The story is a very universal one about being put in a position you're not comfortable with. It is also told really well too.