A story centered on the relationship between the newly elected Pope and his therapist.
An attractively shot, designed and costumed film, We Have a Pope, despite its light-hearted touches, presents a surprisingly pessimistic vision of an individual’s place within a system, although Moretti’s downbeat resolution – scored to Arvo Part’s powerful ‘Miserere’ – movingly conveys the dignity in a principled man’s refusal to conform.
Rather than shoot fish in a barrel, Moretti fashions a subtle, clear-eyed character study, with a lovely, layered turn from Piccoli.
This is wildly different from anything else on offer at the moment, moving and gently amusing.
Whether you’re an atheist or Opus Dei disciple, We Have a Pope is playful, unpretentious fun. But it’s the sparse dramatic moments that linger.
Director Nanni Moretti brings a surprisingly light touch to what could have been a heavy-going drama, as the comical possibilities of an unprecedented situation that no one knows how to handle are explored.
I waited for the film to get funny, or touching, or pointful. It didn't.
Frivolous and farcical fun follows – but not much more.
A wasted opportunity.
As satire it feels about as edgy as a mozzarella sword.
A mild-mannered satire, We Have A Pope meanders through some amusing situations but it is the subtle performance of Michel Piccoli that lends some substance to this slight, shaggy dog story.
Deeply disappointing.
Interview: Nanni Moretti, writer-director
Nanni Moretti on 'We Have a Pope'
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Friday December 2, 2011, until Thursday December 15, 2011. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday December 16, 2011, until Thursday December 22, 2011. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com