The Two Popes ***** (2019, Jonathan Pryce, Anthony Hopkins, Juan Minujín) – Movie Review

Director Fernando Meirelles’s fascinating true-life biographical comedy drama The Two Popes (2019) is one of the films of the year, with Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins both on scalding form as the liberal future Pope Francis and the conservative Pope Benedict who try find common ground behind Vatican walls in 2012. They are chalk and cheese politically, but they have on thing in common. They both want to retire. It sounds serious, and it sometimes is, but mostly it is charming, humorous and deliciously subtle.

The odd couple actors share great chemistry. Their sparring is a delight, and with Anthony McCarten’s brilliant screenplay they have the dialogue to turn it into a tour de force. The Two Popes runs 125 minutes, but it never flags, it never falters.

Pryce has the main role, with more to do, and his scenes alone are super strong. But, when Pope Benedict (Hopkins) summons his harshest critic Cardinal Bergoglio (Pryce), the movie’s sparks really fly. It could be a two-hander stage play at this point. But instead, Meirelles turns it into a epic slice of movie-making.

I have to say, with respect and regret, that both Pryce and Hopkins can be the most variable of actors. But, when they are good, they are very very good. And so they are here. Actually they are mesmerising! Well, they are canny enough, and talented enough, and have been around long enough, not to let a golden opportunity slip like this through their fingers.

Obviously, Anthony McCarten wasn’t actually behind Vatican walls in 2012, so the true-life drama is merely inspired by true events. If his inspired invented dialogue isn’t what the Two Popes actually said to each other, it clearly should have been.

The Two Popes was nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Pryce), Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Hopkins), Best Screenplay Motion Picture (McCarten) and Best Motion Picture – Drama. It was nominated for five BAFTA Film Awards. It was nominated for three Oscars; Best Performance by an Actor (Pryce), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Hopkins) and Best Adapted Screenplay (McCarten). It didn’t win a single one.

Brazil born director Meirelles made City of God [Cidade de Deus] (2002) and The Constant Gardener (2005).

© Derek Winnert 2019 Movie Review

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