And for those not versed in Latin.... Our second film showing at The Cinema this week, which takes the Screen Tea slots on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, is the Italian comedy-drama We Have A Pope, named after the Latin phrase (Habemus Papam) that is used upon the announcement of a new pope in the Vatican. Directed, co-written by and co-starring the multi talented director, screenwriter, producer and actor Nanni Morretti, the film is set on the eve that a cardinal (Michel Piccoli) is elected, against his own will, as the new pope. With the faithful patiently waiting in St Peter's Square for the conclave's descision, the newly elected pope begins to suffer a panic attack and, with his advisors unable to convince him that he is the right man for the job, they seek the assistance of a renowned psyhciatrist (played by Morretti) to help overcome the pope's fear. The matter is not helped by the fact that he is also an athiest. As the film progresses, the pope begins to realise that the fear of responsibility can not be cured by treatment, but by facing it on his own. Will he have the courage to step onto St. Peter's balcony and present himself to his followers?
Premiering in competition at last year's Cannes Film Festival, this film was a huge success in its home country of Italy, opening second at the box office behind blockbuster animation Rio. Any shortcomings the film may have can be forgiven thanks to Piccoli's performance. Even at the grand age of 85, he embodies a pope riddled with grief, disappointment and and sad-eyed questing, making him immensely watchable.
Check out the trailer below:
We Have A Pope (PG) runs from Saturday 21st January - Wednesday 25th January.
See website for show times.
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