The Two Popes is a 2019 drama movie, directed by Fernando Meirelles, and written by Anthony McCarten.
The general plot of the movie is quite simple: it surrounds the attempts made by Pope Benedict XVI (or the German born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) (played by Anthony Hopkins) to convince Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (and later on Pope Francis) (played by Jonathan Pryce) to be chosen as the next Pope. This story is generally based on the true - and almost unprecedented historical event - that a living Pope (Pop Benedict XVI, served as the Pope between the year 2005 to 2013) decided in to "resign" and step down from his position due to his advanced age (he was 85 at the time). This step was not only unexpected at the time but was almost unprecedented in modern times, as the last time it occurred was in 1294, by Celestine V in 1294.
So why did this movie enter my Gerontological Blog?
On the face of it - it does not deal with "elder issues" or gerontological debates or dilemmas. The answer is two folds:
First, the performances of Hopkins and Pryce. Sir Anthony Hopkins is 83 years old. He has nothing to prove at this stage of life and career, as his life long career and achievements speak for themselves. However, there is always a question, how one can re-invent him or her self as an aging actor (especially within a youth-oriented culture of filmography). Jonathan Price is younger than Hopking (he's "only" 73 years old), and while not on the same level of Hopkins, he also holds an impressive and outstanding theatrical career. So, for no other reason - these two actors are actually examples of older actors, working and performing, way beyond their formal "retirement" age. Moreover, their performances in this movie are exemplary: they both act in an outstanding manner, and for the most part - the movie is basically a duet of two great talented older actors.
Second, the movie eventually surrounds a key gerontological question: should people work until the end of their days? should workers - in general, and elected officials - in specific - resign? And should this decision be voluntary or mandatory? While these questions are well known - the way they are portrayed and discussed in the movie are fascinating and thought provoking. The fact that never in modern history a Pope ever decided to "resign" and the symbolic element of filling the position until "god" (via natural death) ends the mission - makes the considerations unique and original. Finally, the dialogues between Hopkins and Pryce, about the meaning of aging and old age, raise a range of unique argumentation, which can trigger much broader and deeper discussions.
The bottom line is that I highly recommend watching the movie, not only for the tour-de-force performances by Hopkins and Pryce, but also for the excellent gerontological content which is raised in the sophisticated dialogues between the two.
2019
USA
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5OhkFY1PQE
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