1/7/20 - The Two Popes (2019) - 7/10

Some truly great editing and structuring of the story, using the past to inform the present as our ideas about what this movie is about are forming. Made me really get into and enjoy a film I had little interest about before. Pryce was so tangible and realized; a fantastic performance with grace, heart, and wisdom. Hopkins is always a powerful treasure, but he is the stoic ancient wooden log that bats away the fiery embers of Pryce’s performance.

I knew very little about the film before I watched it, which included not knowing its basis on reality. I realized that about halfway into the film. (IDK shrug). It did not reshape the film, but there was a stronger whiff of presence and profundity as they clashed on the future of the church and themselves.

The treatise on the church, religion and life for each of these men, and how they crashed against each other likes waves smashing against boulders was fascinating. It made for a lively interaction and an engaging watch, especially with such powerful actors guiding the proceedings. A great script with great acting that worked much better than expected.