Habemus Papam - A Pope Busts Out - DVD

Movie: There is still much mourning for the recently deceased Pope. But people around the world are also eagerly awaiting the decision on who will succeed him. Thousands of Christians have gathered in the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica to cheer the new pope. Finally, white smoke rises into the sky. The decision has been made. The people do not yet know that Cardinal Melville (Michel Piccoli) has been elected the new Pope by a large majority. But there's a problem: Melville doesn't want to be pope. He doesn't feel up to the task. With the help of a hastily summoned psychiatrist (Nanni Moretti), the cardinal's doubts are to be removed. But with every minute that the walk onto the balcony gets closer, Melville's anxiety increases and he sees only one way out - he bails.

With Habemus Papam, director Nanni Moretti (My Son's Room) has staged a little comedy with dramatic undertones, in which subtle irony triumphs over all-too-obvious comedy. The glimpse Moretti offers behind the scenes of the Vatican shows a very human side of religion that one gets to see far too rarely. Watching the cardinals pass the time waiting with a volleyball tournament is just as entertaining as the somewhat clumsy attempts at moderation by a reporter at the Vatican.

But the film's greatest praise, of course, goes to the wonderful Michel Piccoli, who embodies the doubting cardinal gently, endearingly and with a charming twinkle in his eye. His ramble through Rome is filled with little enchanting moments that can also be understood as a little declaration of love for the city and its people.

It's nice that Moretti has incorporated humorous, light-hearted moments into his film again and again, but never makes fun of the characters or of religion. Habemus Papam is a very respectful film, as evidenced by the sumptuous set alone. After all, all the interiors had to be recreated in great detail, as no filming is allowed in the Vatican itself.

Small lengths and some rather unnecessary-seeming subplots do tarnish the enjoyment a wee bit. Overall, however, Nanni Moretti has succeeded in making a charming film that looks at the duties and responsibilities of a pope from a completely different angle for once. For lovers of European arthouse cinema already alone because Michel Piccoli's performance well worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: Since only a data-reduced press sample was available for the test, no rating can be given here about the final picture and sound quality.

Extras: In addition to an interesting interview with the director (approx. 8 min.) and the trailer to the film the DVD has still a worth seeing view behind the scenes (approx. 24 min.), more or less amusing botched scenes (approx. 11 min.), as well as some photographs of the press work of the director and its main actor in Cannes (approx. 7 min.) with on board. Good!

Conclusion: Habemus Papam is a charming little arthouse comedy that thrives on its understated humor and great lead actor. If you like sophisticated comedy fare from Europe, you can safely risk a look, especially since the DVD has some nice extras to offer in addition to the film. Recommendable

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp