My neighbor who has read the book says there’s a whole lot more background and detail on all aspects of the plot, including the twist. The movie did kind of spring it on us.
I watched it again last night and noticed stuff I didn’t before (not surprisingly).
One thing that struck me-- and I wonder how this will play out in the real Conclave that will start on May 7. Seeing the Cardinals in a group, whether in the Chapel or the dining room or just milling about in the various courtyards, in such a large group of fairly elderly men, not one of them used a cane, walker, or wheelchair. I’m guessing verisimilitude was deemed less important than keeping a clear focus on the proceedings. The camera shots were all so clean and streamlined, to have someone dealing with a walker would have pulled focus and diminished the overall artistic impact. Director’s choice, and I’m good with it. I’m around old people and there are plenty of canes and walkers here at The Home, so it just struck me as odd in the movie.
Here’s an interesing 11-min video that analyzes the film as a work of art.
