Straughan's Oscar Nomination: Conclave

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Straughan's Oscar Nomination: Conclave – A Deep Dive into a Near Miss

Hey everyone! So, you're interested in the Conclave and its near-miss Oscar nomination for writer/director Chris Straughan? Let's dive in. This isn't just some dry analysis; it's my take, warts and all, on a film that really almost made it big.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about Conclave, I was, like, "Huh? Another Vatican movie?" I'd seen a few, and, you know, they can be a bit… heavy. But man, was I wrong. This wasn't your grandma's papal intrigue flick. It had grit. Intrigue. Actual drama. The whole shebang.

What Made Conclave So Special?

The writing, dude. Straughan's script was tight. He manages to pull you into this claustrophobic world, this high-stakes game of power and faith, played out within the Vatican walls. It’s about the election of a new Pope, a process called a Papal Conclave, obviously, and the intense pressure, the backstabbing, the sheer weight of expectation. It's seriously gripping stuff.

Remember that scene where Cardinal (I forget his name – gotta rewatch!), confronts the other cardinals about corruption? Chills, I tell ya, chills. The tension was palpable. You could feel the sweat dripping. That's masterful storytelling right there. He perfectly captures the political machinations and the spiritual turmoil of these incredibly powerful men. That scene alone makes the whole thing worth watching.

My biggest takeaway? Straughan nails the human element. These aren't just cardboard cutouts of religious figures; they're flawed, ambitious men grappling with their faith and their ambition. It’s a masterclass in character development. You see their vulnerabilities, their fears, their desires. It’s not all just robes and Latin.

Why Didn't It Win? My Theories (and a Confession)

Now, the Oscar snub. Ouch. It hurt. I was pulling for it. Honestly, I think it came down to a few things. Firstly, the Academy can be… fickle. Sometimes a movie’s just not their cup of tea, despite critical acclaim and audience love.

Secondly, the marketing. Let’s be real, the whole "Vatican thriller" thing isn't exactly a blockbuster draw. They probably could have marketed it differently. Maybe focused less on the religious aspect and more on the political thriller elements. This is one thing I should have done myself when I was writing my own movie reviews.

And finally… this is embarrassing to admit, but here goes: I actually missed the initial Oscar buzz for Conclave. I was so caught up in my own little world of deadlines and family stuff, I completely missed the initial wave of discussions about the nominations. Big fail on my part! Lesson learned: pay attention to the buzz, people! Seriously.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Filmmakers (and Fans!)

So, what can we learn from Conclave's near-miss? A few things:

• Strong storytelling is key. Straughan's script is a testament to the power of compelling characters and a tightly-woven plot.
• Marketing matters. A great film needs a great marketing campaign.
• Don't be afraid to take risks. Conclave wasn't a typical Hollywood movie, and that's part of what made it stand out.

And finally, for the fans: Watch Conclave! It’s a powerful, engaging, and thought-provoking film that deserves all the recognition it can get. It might not have won an Oscar, but it won a spot in my heart – and hopefully yours too!

Let me know what you thought of Conclave in the comments below! I'd love to hear your take. And if you have any questions about filmmaking, screenwriting, or even just surviving the crazy world of film critics, hit me up!