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The beginning of the pontificate of Lenny Belardo, alias Pius XIII, the first American Pope in history.
Having not been raised Catholic, I was always intrigued by the discipline of its followers within the church and the seemingly contradictive behavior of those same followers in a variety of social settings. This same interest was peaked recently when I learned that this series focuses on the fictional life of Lenny Belardo (Jude Law) affectionately referred to as Pius XIII. Belardo is the youngest and first American Pope elected by the College of Cardinals. These Cardinals are central to the development of the Pope’s character and vital to the legacy of the Vatican. Jude Law is totally authentic with the characterization in his role as an impressionable young spiritual man whose elusive behavior and scatter-brained logic seems to defy any stereotype associated with a straight and narrow path to religion. His elders, whose intent is to provide guidance and direction for all areas of Catholicism, are cast to the side as he preferably enlists the help of Sister Mary (Diane Keaton) who raised him.
Throughout the series, Belardo faces many crises and is often misunderstood as he seeks to complicate the ordinary nature of the religious process. In procedural defiance, he stretches the rules, questions the legitimacy of tried and true practices and has his circle of influence spinning on their heads as they try to defend his stance of moral turpitude and prepare his audience for the unpredictable faze of youthful intolerance. The upside of the series is that it provides an in-depth look at Catholicism. It is easy to follow and gives a worldly view of the good, the bad and the ugly to those who aren’t familiar with the staunch beliefs and internal order. The practices which have been in place for years are dissected and challenged and for whatever its worth, it is a healthy perspective as it covers the gamut of sensitive and desensitizing issues that are prevalent today. On the downside, Catholics themselves will have to take it with a grain of salt. They will either be humorously entertained or emphatically embarrassed by the way in which they are portrayed. Either way, those who understand the religion most will benefit the most by having the opportunity to follow this series and beyond the content, appreciate the costumes, sets, and appropriation of morals and values that bring it together.
Director Paolo Sorrentino has proven he has the Oscar-winning touch with his 2013 film, “The Great Beauty” and with several other projects, it appears he knows just what combination of truth and fiction are the greatest predictors of success. While the short series has some levels of uniqueness, I can’t imagine “The Young Pope” turning into a major blockbuster unless it grows up and provides some substance of longevity very quickly.
Available on Blu-ray & DVD Tuesday, June 6th
