Why the Complex Cardinals of 'Conclave' Make for Great Memes

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The Cardinals in the TV show "Conclave" are considered messy due to their complex and often conflicting traits, which create a rich tapestry of personalities and motivations. This complexity makes them ideal subjects for memes, as their actions and characteristics can be exaggerated or reinterpreted in humorous ways.

Character Traits of Cardinals in "Conclave"

Cardinal Lawrence:
- Meticulous and Competent: Lawrence is portrayed as a highly organized and efficient manager, which has worn him down over time.
- Curiosity and Determination: He is driven by a need to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the previous Holy Father and the secretive nature of his colleagues.
- Subtle and Clever: Lawrence's approach to solving the mystery is subtle, focusing more on human nature and trust rather than divine metaphors.
Cardinal Tedesco:
- Conservative and Misogynistic: Tedesco represents the more traditional and conservative elements within the Church. He is a misogynist and Islamophobe, advocating for a return to pre-Vatican II practices.
- Ambitious: He is depicted as having a strong desire to ascend to the papacy, often at the expense of progressive values.
Cardinal Adeyemi:
- Militant Against Homosexuality: Adeyemi is known for his staunch opposition to homosexuality, which contrasts with his potential to become the first African Pope.
- Controversial: His candidacy brings to light the internal conflicts and prejudices within the Church, making him a polarizing figure.
Cardinal Bellini:
- Liberal Values: Bellini champions progressive causes, including expanding the role of women in the Church.
- Controversial Candidate: His platform makes him a target for conservative cardinals, highlighting the ideological divide within the Church.

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Cardinal Benitez:
- Mysterious and Enigmatic: Benitez is a newly appointed cardinal with a background as the Archbishop of Kabul, adding an element of mystery to his character.
- Progressive and Bold: He is seen as a progressive force within the conclave, often speaking out against traditional norms.

Plot Points in "Conclave"

Mystery of the Previous Pope's Death:
- The plot revolves around the sudden death of the previous Holy Father and the subsequent investigation led by Cardinal Lawrence. This mystery is central to the narrative, driving the actions and decisions of the cardinals.
Political Schmoozing and Gossip:
- The conclave is depicted as a hotbed of political maneuvering, where cardinals vie for the papacy through secret meetings, deals, and whispers. This atmosphere of intrigue and suspicion adds depth to the story.
Conflict of Ideologies:
- The film explores the clash between conservative and progressive factions within the Church. This ideological conflict is a driving force behind many of the plot twists and character interactions.

Why the Cardinals Make Great Memes

Relatability and Exaggeration:
- The Cardinals' traits, such as their ambition, hypocrisy, and secretive nature, are relatable to many real-world political figures. Memes can exaggerate these traits, making them more humorous and accessible to a broader audience.
Cultural Commentary:
- The film's critique of fascism and institutional conservatism resonates with contemporary political and social issues. Memes can cleverly highlight these parallels, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Visual and Aesthetic Appeal:
- The film's rich color palette and grand, baroque architecture provide visually striking scenes that are easily adapted into memes. The juxtaposition of opulence and the characters' moral ambiguities adds to the meme's appeal.
Character Dynamics:
- The interactions between characters, such as the clashes between Lawrence and Tedesco or the secret alliances, offer a wealth of material for meme creation. These dynamics can be humorously reinterpreted to comment on various social and political scenarios.

In summary, the Cardinals in "Conclave" are messy due to their intricate and often contradictory traits, which create a captivating narrative. Their complexity and the film's rich visual and thematic elements make them excellent subjects for memes, allowing for both humor and insightful cultural commentary.

Why the Complex Cardinals of 'Conclave' Make for Great Memes

Preview

Character Traits of Cardinals in "Conclave"

Cardinal Lawrence:
- Meticulous and Competent: Lawrence is portrayed as a highly organized and efficient manager, which has worn him down over time.
- Curiosity and Determination: He is driven by a need to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the previous Holy Father and the secretive nature of his colleagues.
- Subtle and Clever: Lawrence's approach to solving the mystery is subtle, focusing more on human nature and trust rather than divine metaphors.
Cardinal Tedesco:
- Conservative and Misogynistic: Tedesco represents the more traditional and conservative elements within the Church. He is a misogynist and Islamophobe, advocating for a return to pre-Vatican II practices.
- Ambitious: He is depicted as having a strong desire to ascend to the papacy, often at the expense of progressive values.
Cardinal Adeyemi:
- Militant Against Homosexuality: Adeyemi is known for his staunch opposition to homosexuality, which contrasts with his potential to become the first African Pope.
- Controversial: His candidacy brings to light the internal conflicts and prejudices within the Church, making him a polarizing figure.
Cardinal Bellini:
- Liberal Values: Bellini champions progressive causes, including expanding the role of women in the Church.
- Controversial Candidate: His platform makes him a target for conservative cardinals, highlighting the ideological divide within the Church.

Preview

Cardinal Benitez:
- Mysterious and Enigmatic: Benitez is a newly appointed cardinal with a background as the Archbishop of Kabul, adding an element of mystery to his character.
- Progressive and Bold: He is seen as a progressive force within the conclave, often speaking out against traditional norms.

Plot Points in "Conclave"

Mystery of the Previous Pope's Death:
- The plot revolves around the sudden death of the previous Holy Father and the subsequent investigation led by Cardinal Lawrence. This mystery is central to the narrative, driving the actions and decisions of the cardinals.
Political Schmoozing and Gossip:
- The conclave is depicted as a hotbed of political maneuvering, where cardinals vie for the papacy through secret meetings, deals, and whispers. This atmosphere of intrigue and suspicion adds depth to the story.
Conflict of Ideologies:
- The film explores the clash between conservative and progressive factions within the Church. This ideological conflict is a driving force behind many of the plot twists and character interactions.

Why the Cardinals Make Great Memes

Relatability and Exaggeration:
- The Cardinals' traits, such as their ambition, hypocrisy, and secretive nature, are relatable to many real-world political figures. Memes can exaggerate these traits, making them more humorous and accessible to a broader audience.
Cultural Commentary:
- The film's critique of fascism and institutional conservatism resonates with contemporary political and social issues. Memes can cleverly highlight these parallels, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Preview

Visual and Aesthetic Appeal:
- The film's rich color palette and grand, baroque architecture provide visually striking scenes that are easily adapted into memes. The juxtaposition of opulence and the characters' moral ambiguities adds to the meme's appeal.
Character Dynamics:
- The interactions between characters, such as the clashes between Lawrence and Tedesco or the secret alliances, offer a wealth of material for meme creation. These dynamics can be humorously reinterpreted to comment on various social and political scenarios.