Conclave film review

 Conclave is a religious thriller that explores corruption in the catholic church. The narrative follows Cardinal Lomeli who overseas the election and discovers hidden truth. This film represents Todorovs theory of equilibrium as the dis-equilibrium is shown through the Popes death and all the hidden actions and the equilibrium is restored through electing a new pope but it has a secret twist. The twist of the new Pope having female body parts perfectly links with Judith Butlers idea of gender performativity as authority in the conclave is with only men and females are not meant to be seen, this disapproves of Mulvey's male gaze as all attention is around the men and women are meant to be invisible, the absence of the traditional male gaze reinforces the idea of guilt and religion. The mise en scene represents traditional Catholic church and constructs power and secrecy within the film, the cinematography intensifies the atmosphere of the Conclave particularly during the bomb explosion and slowing down time. Representations and ideology are key to the film, this can be shown through Stuart halls theory of representation as the Vatican is shown as a place of power and control while having corruption through the different cardinals Overall, Conclave shows different representations and narrative of corruption during this event and the different ways people can convince others to vote for them ensuring they choose the right Pope.