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Tatler Asia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Holy performances: 10 actors who've played the Pope with flair
2. Jonathan Pryce – 'The Two Popes' (2019) Above 'The Two Popes' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope Francis (Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio) Mood: Humble tango uncle turned spiritual powerhouse Before he became the Pope Francis, Bergoglio was a Jesuit who challenged the system from within. Jonathan Pryce portrays him with warmth, humour and moral gravity. Imagine your most thoughtful philosophy professor suddenly getting the keys to the Vatican. Whether discussing football or forgiveness, Pryce's Francis radiates humility without losing steel, showing how reform can wear a smile but still carry a spine. 3. Jude Law – 'The Young Pope' (2016) and 'The New Pope' (2020) Above 'The Young Pope' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo) Mood: Calvin Klein model with a divine complex Forget meek papal predecessors. Jude Law's Pope Pius XIII is a chain-smoking, cherry Coke-loving enigma who treats sainthood like a high-fashion campaign. Lenny Belardo isn't just the youngest pope ever; he's also the most mysterious, operating somewhere between messiah and pop star. Law's performance is unapologetically stylised, with just enough spiritual anguish to make the arrogance poetic. And yes, the slow-motion walk in full papal regalia set to LMFAO is a cultural reset. Also read: 6 definitive Sherlock Holmes performances on screen 4. John Malkovich – 'The New Pope' (2020) Above 'The New Pope' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope John Paul III (Sir John Brannox) Mood: Velvet-draped trauma in human form Where Jude Law was fire, John Malkovich is smoked glass and lingering incense. His turn as the deeply wounded, oddly droll Pope John Paul III is like watching a man quietly burn in couture. Brannox is a reluctant pope, more interested in tailoring than theology at times, and Malkovich lends him an air of aristocratic disillusionment. This is papal ennui wrapped in ecclesiastical embroidery—and it's weirdly magnificent. 5. Michel Piccoli – 'Habemus Papam' (2011) Above 'Habemus Papam' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Cardinal Melville Mood: Existential crisis in a biretta In Nanni Moretti's offbeat and unexpectedly tender Italian film, Michel Piccoli plays a cardinal who is elected pope and immediately panics. What follows is not a tale of power, but of paralysis. Melville wanders Rome incognito, dodging duty like it's a papal plague, and Piccoli brings heartbreaking nuance to a man who's supposed to be infallible but feels deeply, achingly human. It's a quiet masterpiece about the cost of calling. 6. Finlay Currie – 'Quo Vadis' (1951) Above 'Quo Vadis' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Saint Peter (the first Pope, technically) Mood: Original martyr with a fisherman's heart and a prophet's gravitas Finlay Currie plays Peter, the original keeper of the keys, in this Technicolor Roman epic. As lions roar and Nero fiddles, Currie's Peter offers moral clarity with solemn intensity. He may not have the modern Pope's Swiss Guard, but he's got sandals, scripture and a deep sense of duty that would make any Vatican Instagram post look shallow. 7. Robbie Coltrane – 'The Pope Must Die' (1991) Above 'The Pope Must Die' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope Dave Mood: Accidental pope with divine comedy timing This irreverent British satire sees Robbie Coltrane as a bumbling priest who accidentally becomes Pope. While Coltrane plays the lead, Tom Conti appears as the actual pontiff—before chaos ensues. It's Monty Python meets Vatican politics, and while purists might wince, it's a reminder that sometimes the collar's too big for comedy to ignore. 8. Jon Voight – 'Pope John Paul II' (2005) Above 'Pope John Paul II' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope John Paul II Mood: Academy Award gravitas meets Vatican gravitas Jon Voight took on the role of Karol Wojtyła in the latter half of this well-received CBS miniseries, tracing the pope's journey from World War II-era Poland to the Holy See. While Cary Elwes handled the younger years, it's Voight's performance—measured, deeply human and spiritually weighty—that anchors the series. He didn't just impersonate the pontiff; he embodied the man's moral resolve and inner warmth. So convincing was his portrayal that Pope Benedict XVI reportedly invited him to a special Vatican screening. A rare case of method acting meeting actual blessing. 9. Albert Finney – 'Pope John Paul II' (1984) Above 'Pope John Paul II' (Photo: IMDB) Role: Pope John Paul II (Karol Józef Wojtyła) Mood: Gravitas in a cassock, with BBC-level seriousness Albert Finney tackled the life of Pope John Paul II with a quiet intensity in this 1984 television biopic. From his youth in Nazi-occupied Poland to his election as one of the most beloved modern popes, Finney plays the pontiff with spiritual depth and political clarity. The film, produced with Vatican cooperation, is earnest and reverent: less holy spectacle, more historical prestige drama. Finney's performance shines particularly in moments of moral resolve, capturing the strength and compassion that defined John Paul II's papacy. 10. Franco Nero – 'The Pope's Exorcist' (2023) Above 'The Pope's Exorcist' (Photo: IMDB) Role: The Pope (inspired by John Paul II) Mood: Vatican meets horror thriller, with a side of incense and Latin chants In a very different tonal universe, Franco Nero plays an unnamed Pope in The Pope's Exorcist , opposite Russell Crowe's demon-battling Father Gabriele Amorth. Though not explicitly called John Paul II, the character is clearly modelled after the real-life pontiff under whom Amorth served. Nero's papal portrayal adds a grounding calm to a film filled with blood, banshees and baroque exorcisms. He spends much of the movie consulting dossiers and praying gravely from his richly appointed study—a papal figure of faith and restraint, acting as the Vatican's spiritual compass while hell breaks loose.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exploring the Cinematic Portrayal of Popes: 10 Must-See Films and Series
Incredible films, series that dive deep into the life of popes The passing of Pope Francis has reignited global curiosity around the stories of popes, both real and fictional that have been immortalized on screen. From gripping political thrillers to emotional character studies, the role of the pope has long fascinated filmmakers and audiences alike. Through different lenses, these projects explore the spiritual weight, political intrigue, and personal struggles of those who hold the highest position in the Catholic Church. Here's a look at ten unforgettable films and television series that depict the world of the papacy in all its complexity: 'Conclave' (2024) As real-world Vatican officials prepare for an actual conclave, Conclave offers a timely and captivating fictional mirror. Directed by Edward Berger and featuring stellar performances from Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci, the movie unravels the intricate politicking and secret maneuvering behind the election of a new pope. Tense and atmospheric, it delivers a story rich with suspense and moral ambiguity, making it one of the most talked-about political thrillers of the year. ' The Two Popes ' This beautifully crafted film examines the unlikely friendship and philosophical clashes between two of the Catholic Church's most iconic figures — Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. It is played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, the movie captures the internal struggles and human vulnerabilities of the leaders behind the robes. Even though it takes dramatic liberties, it humanizes the papacy in a way few films ever have. 'The New Pope' A sequel to The Young Pope , this stylish and daring series brings John Malkovich into the fold as Pope John Paul III while Jude Law reprises his role as the enigmatic Pope Pius XIII. Intrigue, scandal and a striking visual aesthetic make The New Pope a must-watch for anyone interested in modern tales of ambition and spiritual conflict within the Vatican walls. 'Pope Francis: A Man Of His Word' Breaking from drama, this intimate documentary produced by Universal Pictures allows viewers to see Pope Francis in his most authentic form — candidly discussing topics like poverty, environment, migration and justice. As noted by Screen Rant, the documentary stands out for its simplicity and sincerity, giving a voice to a spiritual leader known for his progressive stance on global issues. 'The Young Pope' Jude Law's portrayal of a fictional American pope who challenges the status quo is both provocative and mesmerizing. With surreal imagery, sharp dialogue and deep philosophical questions, 'The young pope' dissects the relationship between power, tradition and belief with a bold almost operatic flair. It's a fresh, artistic take on the Vatican's hidden world. 'The Borgias' For fans of intricate political sagas, The Borgias offers a decadent look into one of history's most infamous papal families. Jeremy Irons delivers a powerful performance as Pope Alexander VI, a man whose reign was marred by corruption, nepotism, and ruthless ambition. Though it was cancelled after three seasons, its legacy endures as one of Showtime's standout historical dramas. 'The Agony And The Ecstasy' Charlton Heston stars as Michelangelo in this classic film that charts the artist's turbulent relationship with Pope Julius II, played by Rex Harrison. It is focused on the creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the movie captures the tension between divine inspiration and human pride, illustrating the price of artistic genius and papal authority. 'We Have A Pope '(Habemus Papam) This Italian-French black comedy brings a refreshing, human touch to the usually solemn topic of papal succession. By following a newly elected pope paralyzed by doubt and fear, the movie cleverly balances humor with poignant reflections on duty, loneliness and the psychological pressures of leadership. 'Martin Luther' While not centered solely on the pope, this important historical drama portrays the pivotal clash between reformer Martin Luther and the Catholic establishment, represented by Pope Leo X. As Screen Rant points out, the film remains a compelling if somewhat simplified portrayal of one of history's greatest religious upheavals. 'Becket' (1964) Starring cinematic legends Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton, Becket chronicles the explosive relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. While not directly about a pope, the film highlights Pope Alexander III's critical intervention, underscoring the Vatican's enduring influence over medieval European politics.
