The Young Pope: A Controversial Masterpiece or Just Style Over Substance?

Introduction

When The Young Pope premiered, it didn’t just enter the landscape of prestige television, it exploded onto it, a supernova of opulent visuals and theological debate. Paolo Sorrentino, the Italian director known for his visually stunning and often surreal films, turned his gaze toward Vatican City, and the result was a television series unlike anything seen before. The show follows Lenny Belardo, a young American cardinal unexpectedly elected Pope Pius XIII. His radical and often shocking policies challenge the established order of the Vatican, forcing both the faithful and the faithless to confront their beliefs. Starring Jude Law and Diane Keaton, The Young Pope immediately captivated audiences with its striking imagery and provocative storyline.

But beneath the elaborate costumes and stunning architecture, lay a deeper question: was The Young Pope truly a masterpiece of television, a profound exploration of faith and power? Or was it simply style over substance, a beautifully crafted but ultimately hollow exercise in visual excess? While the show certainly possesses a distinctive style and undeniable visual appeal, The Young Pope ultimately succeeds in provoking conversation, exploring the complex intersection of faith, power, and personal identity. It’s a visual feast, but also a thought-provoking exploration of belief and the modern church.

Pius The Thirteenth, The Man

At the heart of The Young Pope lies the enigmatic figure of Lenny Belardo, a man shrouded in mystery and contradiction. His early life is marked by abandonment, left at an orphanage by his hippie parents, a trauma that profoundly shapes his worldview. This sense of being unwanted and unseen fuels his desire for control and his yearning for something greater than himself. He seeks refuge in faith, but his relationship with God is complex and fraught with doubt. He is a devout believer, but also one who questions the very foundations of his belief.

This inner turmoil manifests in his papacy. He advocates for a return to traditional Catholic values, yet his methods are anything but conventional. He demands absolute obedience, but also challenges the authority of his advisors. He embraces secrecy and mystery, refusing to be seen by the public and shunning modern forms of communication. He’s a conservative revolutionist, a paradox wrapped in papal robes.

Jude Law’s portrayal of Lenny is nothing short of mesmerizing. He embodies the character’s inner conflicts, his vulnerability, and his ruthlessness with equal conviction. Law doesn’t merely play the role; he inhabits it, conveying the weight of his character’s burdens and the intensity of his faith. His performance is a masterclass in nuanced acting, making Pius The Thirteenth both repellent and strangely compelling. Sister Mary, Lenny’s surrogate mother, adds another layer to his complex persona. Her influence over him is undeniable, and her unwavering faith serves as a constant reminder of the beliefs he claims to uphold. Cardinal Voiello, the wily Secretary of State, is also a crucial figure in Lenny’s life, serving as both a confidant and a rival. Their complex relationship highlights the political machinations at play within the Vatican and the challenges Lenny faces in consolidating his power.

Exploring Deep Themes Within the Church

The Young Pope is not just a character study; it’s also a powerful exploration of several key themes. One of the most prominent is the tension between faith and doubt. Lenny’s own struggles with faith are mirrored by those around him, from the cardinals grappling with their own beliefs to the ordinary people seeking solace in religion. The series constantly questions the nature of faith, asking whether it is a source of comfort or a tool for control.

The show also delves into the corrupting influence of power. The Vatican is portrayed as a world of political maneuvering, where ambition and self-interest often trump piety. The cardinals are shown to be flawed and human, driven by their own desires and insecurities. Even Lenny, despite his professed commitment to God, is not immune to the temptations of power.

The clash between tradition and modernity is another recurring theme. Lenny’s conservative policies represent a rejection of the modern world, a desire to return to a more rigid and traditional form of Catholicism. This stance puts him at odds with many within the Church who advocate for a more progressive approach. The show explores the challenges of maintaining tradition in a rapidly changing world and the consequences of clinging to outdated beliefs. The nature of God is another element that the show explores.

A Canvas of Visual Storytelling

Paolo Sorrentino’s distinctive visual style is a defining feature of The Young Pope. He employs long takes, dreamlike sequences, and striking compositions to create a world that is both beautiful and unsettling. The show is a visual feast, filled with breathtaking shots of Vatican City and its opulent interiors.

The use of music is equally important. The soundtrack is eclectic, ranging from classical pieces to contemporary pop songs. The music is carefully chosen to enhance the mood of each scene, adding layers of meaning and emotion. The set design and costume are also meticulously crafted. The Vatican setting is rendered in all its grandeur, while the costumes are both elegant and symbolic. Each detail is carefully considered, contributing to the show’s overall atmosphere of beauty and intrigue.

The interplay of light and darkness is also a key element of Sorrentino’s visual style. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of drama and mystery, highlighting the characters’ inner conflicts and the secrets that lurk within the Vatican.

Controversies of the Pontiff’s Portrayal

The Young Pope generated considerable controversy upon its release. Some viewers were offended by its portrayal of the Catholic Church, accusing it of being anti-Catholic or disrespectful. Others criticized its slow pace and ambiguous plot. However, the show also received widespread praise for its performances, visuals, and thought-provoking themes. Critics lauded Sorrentino’s direction, Law’s performance, and the show’s willingness to tackle complex and controversial issues.

Regardless of one’s personal opinion of the show, it’s undeniable that The Young Pope had a significant impact on the public conversation about the Catholic Church. It sparked debates about faith, power, and tradition, forcing viewers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions.

The New Pope Builds on the Foundation

The follow-up series, The New Pope, continues the story, introducing a new pontiff, John Paul The Third, played by John Malkovich. While The Young Pope focused on Lenny’s internal struggles and his relationship with God, The New Pope explores the broader challenges facing the Church in the modern world.

The two popes represent contrasting leadership styles. Lenny is a radical conservative, while John Paul The Third is a more moderate and progressive figure. The New Pope builds upon the themes and characters established in The Young Pope, while also introducing new storylines and perspectives. The presence of Pius XIII lingers throughout The New Pope, adding to the complexity and intrigue.

Final Thoughts: Legacy of The Young Pope

The Young Pope is more than just a visually stunning television series. It’s a complex and thought-provoking exploration of faith, power, and the human condition. While its style may not appeal to all viewers, its themes are universal and timeless. The show challenges us to question our own beliefs, to confront our own doubts, and to consider the role of religion in the modern world.

Ultimately, The Young Pope is not just a show about the papacy; it’s about the universal human struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world filled with uncertainty. Its legacy lies not only in its artistic achievements but also in its ability to spark conversation and provoke thought. Years after its release, The Young Pope continues to be debated and analyzed, proving its enduring power to provoke thought and spark conversation.

Does the show provide a cynical or hopeful vision of religion? That question remains open for debate, confirming that the series is a compelling and thought-provoking piece of television. Its artistic merits and thematic complexities guarantee its place in television history.