8 Ways Conclave Changes The Book: Biggest Differences Explained

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Conclave!

Conclave is a cinematic adaptation of Robert Harris’s suspenseful novel also titled Conclave. The film centers on the intricacies and high-stakes politics of a papal election, as well as all the behind-the-scenes action that goes along with such an event. Adaptations often make alterations to better fit their medium, and Conclave is no exception. The film reshapes various elements of the book, including character names, nationalities, and even the plot structure, bringing a fresh perspective to Harris’s work. While Conclave’s fantastic twist ending and its other best elements remain, the film’s changes are still worth discussing.

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While Conclave’s alterations don’t change the essence of the story, as Conclave is an impressive cinematic achievement, they impact the tone and style. The changes align it more with the pace and visual requirements of a thriller film, as well as better represent the nationalities of the actors who play the roles. By modifying details like the origins and traits of key characters, the filmmakers create a new dynamic among the cardinals, adding a dynamic unique from the book. Even with these shifts, Conclave retains the essence of Harris’s vision—an exploration of faith, power, and human frailty.

8 Cardinal Lawrence Has A Different Name In Conclave’s Book

From Cardinal Lomeli to Cardinal Lawrence

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In the book, the main character’s name is Cardinal Lomeli, whereas in the film, he is named Cardinal Lawrence. The name Lomeli is Italian in origin, with historical ties to regions like Lombardy, a culturally rich area known for its contributions to art, politics, and Catholic tradition. The surname is relatively rare, being the 13,136th most common last name in the world, and is often associated with Italian ancestry (via Forebears). The name Lomeli likely serves as a subtle but meaningful nod to his character’s background, indicating that his perspective and actions are rooted in Italian culture and a longstanding link to the Vatican.

Approximately 355,916 people have the last name of Lawrence, whereas only around 42,681 people have the last name of Lomeli. Surprisingly, Mexico has the most people with the last name Lomeli, not Italy, even though the name is of Italian origin.

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In contrast, the name Lawrence derives from the Latin Laurentius, meaning “from Laurentum” or “crowned with laurel,” with origins tracing back to ancient Rome. Historically, Saint Lawrence, a revered martyr in Christian tradition, embodies courage and devotion, lending a universal resonance to the name. Unlike Lomeli, Lawrence is widely recognized across many cultures, offering a neutral and somewhat timeless identity that may appeal to a broader audience. By choosing Lawrence in the film, the adaptation places emphasis on a more universally relatable figure whose character might be perceived without strong ties to any specific heritage.

7 Conclave Made Bellini American Instead Of Italian

The Film Has More Diversity In The Origins Of Its Characters

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In the transition from page to screen, Cardinal Bellini undergoes a significant nationality switch, changing from Italian in the novel to American in the film. This alteration adds an alternate layer to Conclave, shifting the dynamics within the Vatican by introducing a character whose nationality contrasts with the European traditions at the center of the Church. In Harris’s book, Bellini’s Italian background enhances his connection to the historical and cultural roots of the Catholic Church, grounding him in its longstanding customs and beliefs.

The decision to Americanize Bellini is likely an attempt to highlight the global nature of the Catholic Church in the 21st century, creating a character who embodies the Church’s expanding influence beyond Europe who has a more progressive and liberal American mentality
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By making Bellini American, the film introduces a character whose viewpoint and experiences diverge from those of his European counterparts. The decision to Americanize Bellini is likely an attempt to highlight the global nature of the Catholic Church in the 21st century, creating a character who embodies the Church’s expanding influence beyond Europe and has a more progressive and liberal American mentality. This shift not only enhances Bellini’s relatability to the American audience but also introduces a new dynamic into the storyline, exploring how different cultural backgrounds can shape perspectives within a shared faith.

6 Conclave Changes Where Benítez Serves As A Cardinal

He Has A Completely Different Region Of Service

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Another notable change from the book to the movie is the relocation of Cardinal Benítez’s service region. In Harris’s novel, Benítez is established as a cardinal serving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. However, in the movie Conclave, his location is altered, serving not in Baghdad, Iraq, but in Kabul, Afghanistan. While both countries are indeed dangerous territories, there are a few potential reasons the filmmakers may have decided to alter the location in which Benítez serves. Yet, the most understandable reason for this change comes with the fact that, in recent years, Kabul has been far more dangerous than Baghdad.

The change increases the stakes of Benítez’s servitude and shows how far he is willing to go for the Catholic Church. While Baghdad, Iraq still remains a dangerous place, the change was a fantastic choice by the filmmakers, as it continues to present why Conclave’s Cardinal Benítez deserves the role of Pope for his incredibly brave actions.

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5 Sister Agnes Is Much More Prevalent in the Movie

She Hardly Influences The Plot Of The Book

In Harris’s original novel, Sister Agnes is a minor character, appearing only occasionally and serving as a subtle background presence. However, Conclave, the movie, elevates Sister Agnes to a much more prominent role, allowing her character to influence the storyline significantly. Her expanded screen time not only adds depth to her character but also provides a unique female perspective within the Vatican’s male-dominated world, with her scene in which she stops the Cardinals’ bickering being her at her best.

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By making her a more central figure, the film enriches the narrative: Sister Agnes’s involvement brings a heightened level of intrigue and subtle tension, as her interactions with other characters reveal hidden layers of political maneuvering and personal motivations. This increased emphasis on Sister Agnes also allows the film to explore themes of gender and influence within the Church, spotlighting the roles that women play in Vatican affairs. Her expanded role reflects the filmmakers’ intent to add complexity and a modern sensibility to the plot, transforming a previously minor character into an essential component of the film’s narrative fabric.

4 Cardinal Lawrence Has a Different Origin in the Book

Cardinal Lawrence Is Not Italian In The Movie

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Although changing Lawrence’s nationality to English may seem like a minor change, the alteration attests to the adaptation’s different approach to character presentation. In the novel, Lomeli’s Italian heritage is a subtle yet significant part of his identity, linking him deeply to the traditions of the Vatican and infusing his character with a certain gravitas. The choice to change his name to Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) for the film is likely to reflect the fact that the actor is not Italian.

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Related Why The Pope Doesn’t Use His Real Name

A Pope’s new name marks his transformative journey, embodying spiritual purpose and direction that connects his legacy to his chosen ideals.

This change affects how audiences perceive him; Lomeli carries a sense of Italian cultural identity and historical weight, while Lawrence offers a more neutral, anglicized portrayal. However, many other characters still retain their Italian identity, such as Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), so it does not tarnish the diversity the book displayed. In fact, the change is more than welcome, as Ralph Fiennes portrayal of Conclave’s Cardinal Lawrence is Oscar-worthy, and it is hard to imagine any actor nailing the role better.

3 Cardinal Lawrence Acts Far Older In the Book Compared To Conclave

He Is 14 Years Older In The Book

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In the novel, Cardinal Lomeli is depicted as an aging figure, bearing the physical and emotional weight of his years within the Church. His age is a significant element in Harris’s portrayal, affecting his perception, actions, and responses to the challenges of the papal election. He is depicted as somewhat frail and contemplative, carrying an introspective quality that adds depth to his interactions and decisions. However, for the film, which strives to be more of a tense thriller, this approach simply was not the most ideal.

In contrast, Conclave the film portrays Cardinal Lawrence as more vigorous and youthful. This adjustment allows him to engage more dynamically with the unfolding plot, emphasizing action over introspection. The younger portrayal aligns with the movie’s pacing and tone, transforming him into a character who can navigate the rapid developments of the story with ease. While the book’s older Lomeli brings a sense of gravitas and vulnerability, the movie’s youthful Lawrence offers a more active, compelling character. This difference reshapes how audiences connect with him, trading introspection for a more accessible and engaging portrayal suited to a thriller format.

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2 Cardinal Benítez’s Nationality Is Different In Conclave’s Book

He Is From The Philippines In The Book But Mexico In The Film

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In Conclave, one of the notable adjustments from the book to the film is Cardinal Benítez’s nationality, shifting his place of origin from the Philippines in Robert Harris’s novel to Mexico in the movie adaptation. In the book, Benítez’s Filipino background places him within the context of Southeast Asia, a region where Catholicism has strong roots and is deeply ingrained in the cultural landscape. The Philippines’ Catholic heritage dates back centuries, adding a layer of authenticity and cultural significance to his character as he represents an influential voice from Asia within the Vatican’s global gathering.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s international reports, somehow, both the Philippines and Mexico are 78% Catholic.

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The film’s choice to make Cardinal Benítez Mexican introduces a very similar dynamic, moving his character’s origin to Latin America, where Catholicism is also dominant and culturally resonant. Mexico is a major Catholic stronghold with a unique history tied to Catholicism’s evolution and its significant role in shaping society. This change keeps the exact same energy as the book, but aligns with Carlos Diehz being Mexican, not Filipino. The shift to Mexican nationality helps highlight a familiar globally impactful perspective, emphasizing the diversity of faith within the Vatican’s international setting.

1 Conclave’s Movie Adds a Car Bombing Subplot Not From The Book

This Subplot Further Solidifies Benítez As The Best Choice For Pope

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Perhaps the most significant addition in Conclave is a subplot involving a car bombing, an element entirely absent from Harris’s novel. This new plotline introduces a heightened level of suspense, delivering an action-oriented twist that diverges from the book’s slower, more introspective pace. The car bombing subplot injects a sense of urgency and danger that propels the film forward, capturing the attention of thriller fans with high-stakes drama. This addition aligns with the cinematic trend of incorporating action elements to keep audiences engaged, yet Conclave still finds a way to make it entirely relevant to the plot.

By incorporating the car bombing,
Conclave
highlights the dangers and high stakes tied to power and faith, broadening its appeal. This choice reinforces Benítez’s significance, especially in the scenes following

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By incorporating the car bombing, Conclave highlights the dangers and high stakes tied to power and faith, broadening the film’s appeal. The aftermath of the bombing reinforces Benítez’s significance and the qualities that make him best suited for Pope, leading to Conclave‘s deep and mysterious ending. In contrast, Harris’s book solely relies on psychological tension and complex character interactions within the Vatican walls, crafting a slower-burning mystery. The inclusion of the car bombing subplot showcases the filmmakers’ intention to adapt the story to modern cinematic expectations, ensuring Conclave remains both engaging and suspenseful from beginning to end.

9/10 Conclave ThrillerDramaMystery

Director Edward Berger Release Date October 25, 2024 Writers Peter Straughan , Robert Harris Cast Ralph Fiennes , Stanley Tucci , John Lithgow , Isabella Rossellini , Lucian Msamati , Carlos Diehz , Sergio Castellitto , Brian F. O’Byrne , Merab Ninidze , Jacek Koman , Rony Kramer , Joseph Mydell Character(s) Cardinal Lawrence , Cardinal Bellini , Cardinal Tremblay , Sister Agnes , Cardinal Adeyemi , Cardinal Benitez , Cardinal Tedesco , Archbishop Wozniak , Cardinal Mendoza , Nakitanda

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment