As the anticipation builds for the release of the Vatican thriller “Conclave,” Hollywood icons Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, and Stanley Tucci sat down to discuss their roles in the film and reflect on the profound themes it explores. In this exclusive interview, the actors delve into the complexities of faith, the allure of power, and the enduring human quest for meaning in a chaotic world.
“We Create Gods Because the World is Chaos”
When asked about their own spiritual journeys, the actors offered candid insights. Tucci, raised Catholic, admitted that he broke with the church, finding the myth difficult to believe. However, he acknowledged the profound impact of religious art:
“Being in Rome is always incredibly moving. I remember as a kid living in Italy and being profoundly moved by the experience of going into a church, simply because of the art and the amount of time and energy that was devoted to creating it – and sustaining the myth.”
Stanley Tucci
Fiennes, whose mother was a committed Catholic, shared a more nuanced perspective. While rebelling against the church’s constrictions in his youth, he never lost his curiosity about faith:
“Faith is a huge, potent thing that mankind seems to want to have, even if the forces of logic and science and reason go against it. I’m curious about that energy.”
Ralph Fiennes
The actors mused on the human inclination to create gods and seek meaning. Tucci suggested that we invent these constructs to dispel our fears and bring order to a chaotic world. The parallels between religion and art, both striving to make sense of the human condition, were also contemplated.
Power, Politics, and the Papacy
The film’s depiction of the papal conclave, with rival cardinals vying for the highest seat of power in the Catholic Church, prompted reflections on the intersection of faith and politics. Lithgow noted the inherent tension:
“The college of cardinals are all men who’ve been drawn to religion by a longing to commit their lives to faith… But when it comes right down to it, they all have to vote and compete. There are rivalries and betrayals and deceptions and jealousies and ambitions and aspirations, all of which go counter to the entire reason they’re there.”
John Lithgow
The actors also drew parallels to recent political events, from the contentious election of the U.S. House Speaker to the rise of Donald Trump. Fiennes suggested that Trump’s success lay in his ability to tell a compelling story that resonated with people’s gut feelings, despite the divisiveness of his rhetoric.
Celebrity, Scrutiny, and the Pursuit of Impact
As public figures, the actors reflected on the scrutiny that comes with celebrity and the expectations placed upon them. Tucci noted that the evolution of media has made actors more accessible and exposed, for better or worse:
“It used to be only posthumously that you’d find out somebody in Hollywood was a sexual deviant or a terrible drinker or whatever… But now, you can watch me on like your wristwatch and that changes the way you look at me.”
Stanley Tucci
Despite the challenges, all three actors expressed a deep love for their craft and the thrill of making an impact on audiences. Lithgow, known for his transformative and often surprising roles, explained:
“My whole game is surprising people. I have a sort of perverse enthusiasm for upending people’s expectations of me.”
John Lithgow
Looking to the Future
As the conversation drew to a close, the actors pondered the future of the Catholic Church and the importance of community and ensemble in both faith and art. Fiennes expressed hope that the church could evolve and be a force for good, while acknowledging the difficulties ahead. Tucci voiced concerns about the rise of right-leaning ideologies and their potential impact on the church’s progress.
Ultimately, the actors emphasized the power of storytelling, whether in film or in faith, to bring people together and provide a sense of meaning in an often tumultuous world. As “Conclave” prepares to captivate audiences worldwide, its stars invite us to grapple with the profound questions it raises and to find solace in the shared human experience.
