Netflix's The Two Popes: Pryce & Hopkins As Pope Francis & Benedict
Could a chance encounter, a shared physical resemblance, or perhaps something more profound, be the key to unlocking a truly captivating performance? The story of Jonathan Pryce's portrayal of Pope Francis in "The Two Popes" is a testament to the power of transformative acting, a role he was seemingly destined to play.
The Netflix film, a compelling drama that explores the friendship between Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, features a cast of unparalleled talent. Anthony Hopkins, the legendary actor, embodies the reserved and intellectual Pope Benedict XVI, while Jonathan Pryce delivers a performance as Pope Francis that has garnered critical acclaim. The film delves into the complex relationship between these two figures, set against the backdrop of the Vatican and the ever-evolving landscape of the Catholic Church. The narrative, based on Anthony McCarten's play "The Pope," offers a glimpse into the human side of these religious leaders, revealing their vulnerabilities, their shared concerns, and the contrasting philosophies that shape their individual approaches to faith and leadership.
The announcement on September 6, 2017, by Netflix, that it would produce the film, directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by Anthony McCarten, sparked immediate interest within the entertainment world. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins were confirmed to play the roles of Cardinal Bergoglio (the future Pope Francis) and Pope Benedict XVI, respectively. It was a casting choice that would prove to be a stroke of genius, especially considering the uncanny resemblance between Pryce and the real-life Pope Francis.
| Full Name: | Jonathan Pryce |
| Born: | June 1, 1947 |
| Birthplace: | Holywell, Flintshire, Wales |
| Nationality: | British |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Notable Works: | "Brazil," "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, "The Two Popes," "Game of Thrones" |
| Awards: | Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Miss Saigon) |
| Spouse: | Kate Fahy |
| Children: | 3 |
| Known For: | Versatile acting skills, ability to portray a wide range of characters. |
| Reference: | IMDB |
The film's narrative centers on the interactions between Cardinal Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, and Pope Benedict XVI. The story unfolds in a series of meetings that take place before Pope Benedict XVI's resignation. The film explores the clash of ideologies and the development of an unexpected friendship between the two leaders, highlighting their shared humanity despite their differing perspectives. In the film, the audience gets a glimpse behind the Vatican walls and into the personal lives of the two most important people of the church at the time.
Jonathan Pryce, who has admitted he's not a religious man, speaks of the challenges, and the rewards, of taking on this role. The actor, in many ways, had a "leg up" playing the leader of the world's Catholics in the Netflix film. The resemblance between Pryce and Pope Francis is striking, a fact that has been noted by countless observers. Even the actor's own son questioned if his father was, in fact, the Pope himself. This uncanny similarity contributed to the film's authenticity and helped immerse viewers in the story.
Pryce's dedication to the role extended beyond mere physical resemblance. He immersed himself in the character of Pope Francis, studying the Pope's gestures, expressions, and, crucially, his linguistic skills. Because Pope Francis speaks several languages, including Spanish, Pryce learned the language specifically for the role. This commitment allowed him to bring Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, to life with a warmth and authenticity that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The film, released in theaters and subsequently on Netflix, offered a unique perspective on the inner workings of the Catholic Church. The performances by Pryce and Hopkins, together, captured the essence of the relationship between these two complex individuals. Hopkins portrayed the intellectual reserve of Benedict XVI, while Pryce embodied the warmth, approachability, and progressive outlook of Francis. This contrast added depth and nuance to the film, making it a captivating study of faith, friendship, and power.
The film also portrays how the two Popes had to find a common ground to forge a new path for the catholic church, behind the walls of the Vatican. The Two Popes is a narrative of contrast. It provides both the friendship and conflict between the two popes. The film has many aspects that make the audience understand how both are different and similar at the same time.
The emotional weight of the role was further heightened when Pryce was present at the Vatican as the film was shown. It was a moment, as Pryce himself described, filled with both anxiety and profound emotion. The film's success led to a very special moment between the director and the actor. The anxiety of the situation was relieved when all the leaders from the catholic church started to embrace the film and congratulate the actors.
The films success has also brought to the forefront the challenges and triumphs of portraying a living figure. While filmmakers may say the movie is a work of fiction, the story of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI is a story of real-life encounters that took place. The two popes have helped heal and reshape the world. Jonathan Pryce brought Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, to life with warmth and authenticity. He embodied the cardinal's humility and progressive outlook, creating a stark contrast with Hopkins' Benedict. Jonathan Pryce's portrayal of Pope Francis in the two popes (2019) stands as one of the most compelling performances of his distinguished career. Pryce learned Spanish for the role and studied Francis' gestures and expressions.
The film "The Two Popes" also gained attention due to the recent death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. The world mourned, and the media reflected on his legacy. He made a brief public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, giving a last cherished memory to his people. This added another layer of significance to the film, as audiences grappled with the end of an era and the lasting impact of the leader's life.
The film offered a human perspective on the pontiffs and their shared responsibility. It allowed viewers to understand the complexities of the Catholic Church and the dynamic between its leaders. Pryce and Hopkins, in their respective roles, brought the conflict and friendship of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict to life. "The Two Popes" is a testament to the power of transformative acting, and a celebration of the human spirit at its best and worst.
The film, in its exploration of faith, doubt, and the weight of leadership, resonates beyond the confines of religious circles. It is a story about connection and understanding, about finding common ground in a world often defined by division. As the Vatican prepares for his last journey, the world looks at how Hollywood represented and celebrated the leader. The film poses a question that is impossible to know - was it divine intervention that led Jonathan Pryce to portray Pope Francis in \u201cthe two popes,\u201d or was it just an internet meme? But one thing is certain: Pryce's performance has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the profound impact of human connection.
The film has helped understand the dynamics behind the Vatican walls. The Netflix film offered a window into their unlikely friendship, revealing both the friction and the profound respect between the two men. This nuanced portrayal provided a thoughtful and humanistic exploration of faith, leadership, and the search for common ground.
