One of this year’s outstanding film performances was arguably given by the turtle in the movie “Conclave“, as it symbolized spiritual freedom on screen and even had the privilege to be carried through the Vatican gardens by Ralph Fiennes. However, the director, Edward Berger, admitted that working with the turtle wasn’t always straightforward. “It didn’t follow my instructions!” Berger shared with Vulture at the National Board of Review Awards Gala on January 7, adding humorously, “So I was yelling at it and trying to guide it until we finally managed.” It remains uncertain if similar methods would be effective with Stanley Tucci. “The idea originated when I visited the Vatican gardens, took a walk there, and I came across a fountain housing turtles. I believe they were sent as a gift from Angola, which is why we included it in the film. We thought, “That’s a powerful symbol,”” Berger explained.

At the movie’s finale, it is the tortoise who steals the show. This happens after a new pope has been elected, and Fiennes’ character, Cardinal Lawrence, discovers the trailblazing reptile within the building. He then carefully carries it back to its rightful garden home. However, despite being a powerful symbol, the tortoise was not there in person to receive the National Board of Review Award for Best Ensemble alongside its co-stars John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, and the modest Fiennes.

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2025-01-09 00:53