Cast
View AllBrian Blessed
as Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomin
James Faulkner
as Cardinal Guillaume D'Estouteville
Rolf Kanies
as Cardinal Bessarion
Manu Fullola
as Rodrigo Borgia
Dominic Boeer
as Orsinis Ritter
Nora Tschirner
as Vanozza
Holger Kunkel
as Cardinal Alain D'Avignon
Nicholas Irons
as Prospero Colonna
Brian Downey
as Cardinal Juan De Mella
Lolo Herrero
as Pedro Luis Borgia
Gaetano Carotenuto
as Captain Gaetono
Matthias Koeberlin
as Guiliano Della Rovere
Joseph Rutten
as Pope Calixtus III
Andrew Keilty
as Young Priest
Stacy Smith
as Pantasilia
Crew
Director
- Christoph Schrewe
Writer
- Paul Donovan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Conclave examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Christoph Schrewe brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Conclave took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2492 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Conclave shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Conclave, which focuses more on action than character development, The Conclave subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Lorenzino de' Medici and The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance explore similar territory, The Conclave stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 16, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $4,000,000