Tenemus Papa

Tenemus Papa We Have A Pope Absolutely delightful! Creative! Imaginative! Good fun! Nanni Moretti must have had such a good time in directing this unusual film. It is a somber beginning as a Pope is laid to rest. The crowds are numerous outside the Vatican. The large numbers of cardinals have assembled to choose a new Pope. The music is somber and the cardinals are serene. The custom is for the cardinals to be secluded until a new Pope is named. I didn’t even know the names of the cardinals but the tension rises as the votes are counted. The ritual behind the selection was fascinating. I enjoyed the whole process. Many a cardinal shows his deep thoughts and we hear the inner mind begging not to be chosen. The excitement builds as the black smoke comes from the Vatican and finally white smoke appears and the bells ring. The people are jubilant. The problem is that the new Pope has a melt down. He can’t face the crowds and goes into a state of depression. At one point he yells out,” Can’t you make me vanish? Let me go away.” A psychoanalyst is called in to help. It is quite humorous but at the same time the rituals and the possible thoughts of the varied cardinals was believable. The psychoanalyst organizes a volley ball game to keep their minds from the serious situation. You can just imagine how funny it was to watch the cardinals playing volleyball. I adored seeing the inside of the Vatican. The long halls and magnificent rooms were wonderful to see. The people wait patiently outside the Vatican for the Pope to appear. Days go by and nothing happens. A Swiss guard is asked to flutter the drapes and make a shadow behind the curtains as if the Pope is in residence. He is given copious quantities of wine and an abundance of good food to perform this act. Meanwhile the Pope has left the Vatican and is roaming around the city in search of his true inner self. He attends the theatre and goes into shops. He talks to people on the transit. He is making up his mind what to do. It is sad but also funny. You may be surprised by the ending. The music was wonderful. The acting was superb. How refreshing.