THE death of Pope Francis brought a renewed interest in cinemas and homes across the country to watch the film Conclave – suddenly we all feel we can get at least a small sense of what goes on in that weird, ancient, secret process, behind locked doors in the Vatican.
For several villages which are regular Moviola venues, Conclave is the film of the month for May, so there is sure to be added interest (and audiences) for the screenings at Highcliffe (Community centre), Kingsbury Episcopi, Edington (Somerset), West Lydford, Hythe (parish hall), Hardington Mandeville, Marnmhull, Norton Fitzearren and Norton St Philip.
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini, this adaptation of Robert Harris’s compelling novel is genuinely enthralling and suspenseful. It is quite an achievement to create so much visual interest and tension in a film with such a tight location, about a group of cardinals conspiring and voting for a new pope. We will all be imagining with renewed interest what is happening at the Vatican during this year’s conclave!
For dates and venues for Conclave and this month’s other films, see the Arts Diary and for timings and more info on the films visit www.moviola.org
The month’s other big film is the Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalet, who sings all the songs himself, in a more than impressive performance as the legendary singer-songwriter, at the start of his career in New York in the 1960s.
A Complete Unknown is on screen at Hawkchurch, Membury ()\Devon), Yetminster (Jubilee Hall), Bourton, Codford St Peter (Woolstore Theatre), Nether Wallop, Pewsey (Bouverie Hall), Shepton Montague, South Petherton (David Hall), Chard (Guildhall), Beaminster )(Public Rooms), Charlton Marshall, Winterslow, West Camel, Wootton Bassett (RWB Academy), Halstock and Bishopstone (near Salisbury).
The month’s other films are the tense courtroom drama, Juror No 2 at Shrewton, Frogham and Kingston St Mary;
The Maria Callas biopic, starring Angelina Jolie, Maria at Hanging Langford, Bransgore, Leigh (near Sherborne), Calne, Mere (Wiltshire), South Petherton (David Hall) and Castle Cary (Caryford Hall) and the film version of the popular musical Wicked, at Fawley and Ditcheat (Jubilee Hall).