The Holy Screen: A Brief History of Popes in Film and TV
The papacy has long been a subject of fascination for filmmakers, with its grandeur, mystery, and intrigue making for compelling on-screen drama. From Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of Paul III in TV’s The Tudors to Jonathan Pryce’s sympathetic performance as Pope Francis in The Two Popes, actors have brought to life the complex characters of popes on screen. This article will explore the representation of popes in film and TV, from factual depictions to fictionalised accounts.
According to The Guardian, "everything about the papacy is cinematic – especially picking a new one, as shown in the wildly popular movie Conclave, with Ralph Fiennes as an unwilling contender for the top job." The article notes that "there is the mystery, the ritual, the vestments; the spectacle of a lone, fragile human being poised over an abyss of history and good and evil; the elevation of one flawed man to a position of supreme authority, an exaltation whose parallel to the crucifixion is sensed but not acknowledged." (The Guardian, "The holy screen: a brief history of popes in film and TV")
In the world of film and TV, popes are often portrayed as complex and multifaceted characters. Jeremy Irons played Alexander VI in The Borgias, a small-screen drama that highlighted the pope’s sensual refinement and hauteur. On the other hand, Rex Harrison’s portrayal of Julius II in The Agony and the Ecstasy was that of a stately and boring character, who was often at odds with Michelangelo, played by Charlton Heston.
The screen tradition of the unwilling or unworthy pope is a common theme in films. The Guardian notes that "the unwilling or unworthy pope is a screen tradition." (The Guardian, "The holy screen: a brief history of popes in film and TV") In The Two Popes, Jonathan Pryce’s performance as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who later becomes Pope Francis, is a prime example of this. The film imagines Bergoglio wanting to retire as Cardinal, only to be persuaded by Benedict XVI, played by Anthony Hopkins, to stay on.
In other films, popes are portrayed as more comedic characters. Robbie Coltrane’s David I in The Pope Must Die is a farcical comedy that takes its cue from the technicality that a new pope does not theoretically need to be a cardinal. Coltrane’s antihero is a rackety but basically honest priest who is accidentally elevated to the Holy See through a bizarre mistake.
The representation of popes in film and TV also raises questions about the patriarchy and misogyny of Catholic rule. Many female stars have played the legendary and mythic Pope Joan, who supposedly ruled with her gender a secret for two years in the ninth century. Liv Ullmann was Pope Joan in 1972, portraying a pale and determined character, an unworldly version of Joan of Arc.
As The Guardian notes, "to be pope is to take an above-the-title lead role in a problematic franchise which many think should be revamped." (The Guardian, "The holy screen: a brief history of popes in film and TV") The role of the pope is demanding, with the reviews coming in at the very beginning and the very end. Perhaps someone like Peter Morgan could create a new movie, entitled Great Again, in which Jonathan Pryce can reprise his great performance as Francis, taking his final meeting with a world leader.
The fascination with popes on screen shows no signs of abating, with new films and TV dramas continuing to explore the complex characters of popes. As the world waits with bated breath for the successor to Pope Francis, it is clear that the representation of popes in film and TV will remain a compelling and thought-provoking subject for years to come.
In conclusion, the representation of popes in film and TV is a complex and multifaceted subject, with a long history of portrayals on screen. From factual depictions to fictionalised accounts, popes have been brought to life by actors in a variety of roles, from the sympathetic and humorous to the comedic and outrageous. As The Guardian so eloquently puts it, "the holy screen" is a fascinating subject that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
