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A review by jacob_edwards985
Conclave by Robert Harris
4.0
The Conclave is so innately interesting to me. It’s such a fascinating old-world feeling tradition that I’m surprised more artists haven’t used it as a setting for political drama.
Harris does an incredibly good job at utilizing the metaphysical weight of such a decision from the perspective of the Cardinals. The book feels oppressive, trudging, and full of spiritual heft. Lomeli is a wonderful main character and following his internal journey was one of the better aspects of this book.
I think Benízia is also an incredible character. Every time he spoke he exuded wisdom and it felt so inevitable that he would come to a position of respect. The twist at the end, while somewhat silly on its face, is made elegant by the correspondence of Lomeli and Benízia - he has clearly come to terms with it himself and shows a level of awareness that proves he was the correct choice.
All of this said, I think the movie takes what the book had and elevates it. I was hyper aware of the movie while reading this book - it can certainly stand on its own, but certain moments felt underwhelming in comparison to their film counterparts. Lomeli (Lawrence) has a speech about doubt; given as a homily in this book, but given in a much more profound manner in the movie. Had I not seen the movie first, I likely would have not gravitated towards the weight of that speech as I did when watching the film. I also think the end of the movie is done significantly better. Lawrence’s smile at the end shows the completion of his arc and the cementing of his spiritual sureness in that moment. The book leaves his counterpart in this incomplete feeling stage. Perhaps this will grow on me though.
I will say, the casting for the movie was unbelievably good. It is absurd how well each actor portrays the feeling you get with each character.
Harris does an incredibly good job at utilizing the metaphysical weight of such a decision from the perspective of the Cardinals. The book feels oppressive, trudging, and full of spiritual heft. Lomeli is a wonderful main character and following his internal journey was one of the better aspects of this book.
I think Benízia is also an incredible character. Every time he spoke he exuded wisdom and it felt so inevitable that he would come to a position of respect. The twist at the end, while somewhat silly on its face, is made elegant by the correspondence of Lomeli and Benízia - he has clearly come to terms with it himself and shows a level of awareness that proves he was the correct choice.
All of this said, I think the movie takes what the book had and elevates it. I was hyper aware of the movie while reading this book - it can certainly stand on its own, but certain moments felt underwhelming in comparison to their film counterparts. Lomeli (Lawrence) has a speech about doubt; given as a homily in this book, but given in a much more profound manner in the movie. Had I not seen the movie first, I likely would have not gravitated towards the weight of that speech as I did when watching the film. I also think the end of the movie is done significantly better. Lawrence’s smile at the end shows the completion of his arc and the cementing of his spiritual sureness in that moment. The book leaves his counterpart in this incomplete feeling stage. Perhaps this will grow on me though.
I will say, the casting for the movie was unbelievably good. It is absurd how well each actor portrays the feeling you get with each character.