Anyone expecting this tale to be based on any semblance of historical events, can turn the other way and run.
The series centers on the absurdity of a young (well, by Pope Standards) 47 year old Pontiff with an entirely radical approach to their position. He’s a crass, unhinged, and ruthless dictator type who still manages to wrap himself in an enigma – sometimes purposefully and other times not. You want to understand him and once you think you do, he does something unpredictable. Yes, he is the omnipresent anti-hero that has become more of the norm in the TV and film industry. Let’s be honest. The ‘conflicted’ or anti-hero is way more interesting. We later see these characters as redeemable no matter how unspeakable their acts are because we get to know them. Not to get too sidetracked, just look at “Mad Men”, “Breaking Bad”, “Pulp Fiction”, “Mad Max”, “A Clockwork Orange”, etc.
So, is “The Young Pope” a good show? Absolutely. However, I cannot liken it to anything that has come before. It really stands on its own. It is relevant in how we view leadership (Jude Law’s radical Pontiff), heartfelt in how it examines preconceived notions in relation to stark realities, and strips down facades to face what’s left — humility and devotion.
Although every servant to Pope Pius XIII dresses in uniform, they are each unique, colorful individuals. Sadly enough, most everyone succumbs to the Pontiff and his ‘will’, not to mention his very dubious method of operations. The power plays that each are making have large ramifications for the Vatican as a whole. Some seem to have sincere intentions while others are doing what’s in their own best interest.
With that, the performances in this are top notch. Jude Law is hypnotic onscreen as the unlikable, yet alluringly misunderstood Pope. Diane Keaton’s Sister Mary provides a dubious foundation for Law. Perhaps the most interesting performance comes from Silvio Orlando, who plays Cardinal Angelo Voiello. Orlando’s arc, at least through the first two episodes, showcases a man of many faces. His Cardinal is hilarious, scheming and moving (especially after the Pope’s First Address). Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the type casted James Cromwell as the grumpy/angry character who plays the Pope’s previous mentor. Cromwell really nails the ‘bitter man’ in everything he’s in.
Check out this excellent scene from the series!
Some may believe that the series is over the top and they are right. The reason for this rests in the examination of the faith itself. Although the Vatican is captured so beautifully, it is held to showcase the opulence of it all. It encapsulates those that which to propagate Catholic teachings and ritual. Like it or not, the Cardinals and their entrusted Pope are just a reflection of this ideology. With that, the Vatican not only stands as the central governing body of the Catholic church but also as an institution that reasserts itself as the echo of God to its one million followers.
The series was created by Paolo Sorrentino who also won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language film in 2014 with “The Great Beauty”. With this HBO series, Sorrentino is really making a declaration on the state of Catholicism, politics and upbringing. The brilliant cinematographer, Luca Bigazzi, also lends his work to ‘Pope’ in a grand way.
After only the first two aired episodes, I ‘believe’ in “The Young Pope”.
Grade (first two episodes): A+
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