We Have a Pope

"We Have a Pope" is a captivating Italian drama film set around the sanctum of the Vatican City, and revolves around the subtle emotions, wrangling internal dilemmas, and the multifacetedness of human existence. Released in 2011 and directed by the master storyteller Nanni Moretti, the movie stars cinema legends like Michel Piccoli and himself. Moretti invests his signature wit and charm in crafting an entertaining, humorous, and thought-provoking narrative that appeals to a wide audience, regardless of their religious affiliations.

Michel Piccoli portrays the main character, Cardinal Melville, with aplomb. A man suddenly thrust into the position of Pope, his expert portrayal exudes a profound sense of humanness, making the audience relate to and empathize with his character. Nanni Moretti supports him brilliantly with his double role - director and actor — starring as a high-profile psychoanalyst brought in to cater to Melville’s emotional crises.

As you dive into the narrative, you find yourself plunged into Vatican City’s heart, where cardinals from all across the globe congregate to choose a new Pope. But when the chosen is Cardinal Melville, he's overwhelmed with the sheer magnanimity of the responsibility that comes with the role, leading to a deep sense of dread and reluctance that he can't shake off. This is when Moretti's character steps in, a psychoanalyst who tries to coax him into accepting his new destiny.

"We Have a Pope" then becomes an exploration of the human behind the robes and the spiritual significance attached to them. Moretti delicately balances themes of faith, responsibility, and the burden of expectation with a rich undertone of humor and pathos. The insight into Melville's fears offers an unaccustomed look into the strikingly human side of a character who’s otherwise considered divine.

Also, not lawfully allowed to abandon his divine endeavor and caught in the contradiction of wanting to be a mere man or the representative of God, Melville's character translates into a metaphorical dilemma of reality against destiny. As he grapples with his crisis, the incoming Pope takes an unexpected sabbatical from his role, embarking on an eccentric journey through Rome. Meeting different people and experiencing life from a different perspective, he develops a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of existence.

The film dexterously captures the inseparable duality of man and his roles—a sentiment that's universal to all human beings but articulated here through the unique predicament of a pope. Furthermore, the technically sound movie is bestowed with the fantastic performances of its cast. Piccoli’s acting prowess shines in this film – persuasively portraying the timid, fearful, and perplexed Pope-to-be without taking the character too far into caricature.

Moretti wields the baton of direction skillfully, blending faith, drama, and comedy in equal proportions. The cinematography takes you through the church’s majestic interiors and into the depths of Rome while underscoring the narrative's subtleties. And through his portrayal of the psychoanalyst, Moretti himself highlights the limitations of science against spiritual faith. His character's sense of helplessness before Melville's spiritual crisis adds another dimension to this theology-meets-psychoanalysis plot.

"We Have a Pope" is more than a religious drama; it's a human drama masterfully told using the canvas of religion. It gently questions religion, the prominence we give to spiritual leaders, and the burdens this mammoth responsibility carries. The movie employs a humorous touchstone to highlight profound societal and religious norms concerning the papacy.

The screenplay's strength lies in its ability to move viewers without being preachy, maintaining an earthly charm despite its spiritual undertones. The film stays away from glorification or vilification of religion, choosing instead to focus on the human aspect of the otherwise inscrutable Vatican.

In a nutshell, "We Have a Pope" is an endearing film that offers a distinctive blend of humor, humanity, faith, and introspection. It's a thoughtful reflection on the notions of duty and identity – seen through the lens of a flustered Pope-to-be, about a world he wishes to comprehend better before he is called upon to lead it. Not just a cinematic gem, the movie is also sure to leave audiences pondering about their roles in the world.