Although the protagonist of the film is the high-ranking pope, and more than one hundred cardinals who live in the Vatican. Two-thirds of the scenes in the film also take place in the Holy See in the Vatican. However, as far as the subject matter is concerned, it is not a serious religious subject, but closer to a humanistic ethics film. The newly-elected pope was unable to speak to his own people, escaped from the Holy See and walked away from the people. This is the beginning of the whole story. The old man began to introspect in the communication with the psychologist, and found that he had practiced to the top of his faith, but he had never done what he wanted to do. Through contact with all kinds of people, I finally awaken the inner self. And more than one hundred other pope candidates had to be closed in the Holy See because of his escape to prevent the information from leaking; he was accompanied by a psychologist who was troubled by being the "best" himself. This group of people lives freely, and even the initially anxious psychologists are also actively adjusting to get along well with everyone.
This is probably not the first time that the audience has seen mysterious spaces such as the ascenic room on the high walls of the Holy See, the small playground, the garden, and the Pope’s bedroom. But it should be the first time that I have seen so many high-ranking bishops living like ordinary elderly people in the community's elderly recreation center. The director uses a variety of small plot dialogues to strip these people from the cloak of divine intentions one by one, and show the audience their childlike innocent humanity. I would think "Don't choose me" in my heart, I would care about winning or losing in card games, and I would also want to escape from the collective to play on my own. Taking off their bright red bishop's cloak, no one in life uses the Bible as a guide to life according to the book. This has to do with the director being an atheist.
The creation of the character of the Pope has subverted the Catholic Church's image of keeping the Pope locked in a "deep boudoir" for thousands of years. Not only did he push him into the folks, but he also highlighted his shrinking and unconfident character. Even the dreams of the past are actors who are extremely opposed to the seriousness of the priest. And in life, he is a person who can't even pass the exam and is considered to have no talent. To be honest, shooting this movie in the Vatican and showing it in Cannes really makes people sigh the tolerance of Europeans for film themes. There seems to be no taboo. Or is it that the church also intends to reshape its image in the new century? Get closer to the people?
No matter what, the end is the complete disintegration of the divinity. The pope who traveled a circle did not become stronger and courageous, returned to the right path, and fulfilled the requirements of the "superego". Instead, follow the "self", resign to all the people, and face your own heart. The director obviously believes that it takes more courage to face himself than to be the pope. In fact, this film can also be interpreted as a choice between utilitarianism and constant moral standards. Should we choose the profitable "happiness" or should we give up the motivation of moral behavior and release the "good". Nanni Moretti gave his answer within the scope of philosophy.
The film scenes are very orthodox, but the mood has always been relaxed and humorous, just like the previous style of the former Palme d’Or Best Picture and Best Director winner. Although there are no major ups and downs, the tension of the drama is relaxed and relaxed, and the various contrasts and analogies are remarkable, which fully demonstrates the director's skill. Such a special subject can be handled so cleverly and clumsily, I believe that the redemption may not be too small.
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