Powell and Pressburger's "Black Narcissus"

Quinn 2022-09-04 01:12:28

Black Narcissus

Black Narcissus

Probably Powell and Pressburger's most conventional film, Black Narcissus is required viewing, even if it isn't their finest hour. A bizarre melodrama about English nuns attempting to establish a mission high up in the Himalayas, Narcissus is somewhat of a companion piece to I Know Where I'm Going, telling as it does a story of willpower and logic succumbing to suppress emotion. But where Joan Webster contemplated giving up money for love, the nuns in Black Narcissus threaten to give up their vows for sex; a gleefully over -the-top performance is given by Kathleen Byron as Sister Ruth, whose psychosexual breakdown culminates in an attempted murder.

While parts of the movie have dated—particularly the borderline-imperialist attitude toward the locals—Black Narcissus showcases some of the most breathtaking images ever captured on film. In 2001, when cinematographer Jack Cardiff was given an honorary Oscar, the audience was wowed by the astounding camerawork from Black Narcissus spotlighted in the clip presentation. Along with The Archer's own Red Shoes, Martin Scorsese has called this one of the most beautiful color films ever made. Astonishingly, it doesn't contain a single frame of location shooting—these Himalayas are a studio creation.

My review:

Oscar for Best Color Photography, Best Color Art Direction.

More spooky themes and background settings. Bravo for the astounding visuals, make-believe backdrop and one of Deborah Kerr's most subtle and finest performances.


The extras from the Criterion Collection DVD are also worth a look.

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Extended Reading

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Black Narcissus quotes

  • Mother Dorothea: [Telling Sister Clodagh what to expect at Mopu] The agent at Mopu is an Englishman. He seems a difficult man. You won't get much help from him.

  • The Old General: [Speaking to the old Ayah, who dates back to when the palace, now intended for nuns, was used to house Toda Rai's father's concubines] Now listen, Ayah. I have invited some ladies to stay here, at the "house of women."

    Angu Ayah: [Ecstatic, not realizing that the "ladies" Toda Rai is referring to are nuns] Ladies! Oh, that will be like old times!

    The Old General: It will not be in the least like old times. They are not that kind of "lady" at all!

    Angu Ayah: Then they won't be any fun.

    The Old General: They are not coming for fun. These are nuns. Do you know what a nun is?

    Angu Ayah: [Disdainfully] They kneel and pray all day like the monks you invited last year.

    The Old General: I'm going to give them this house to make a school and a hospital for the people.

    Angu Ayah: [Agitated, her voice rising] You know nobody here wants a school, and I'm sure they don't want a hospital!

    The Old General: How do they know what they want until they try?

    [Mr. Dean enters the room]

    The Old General: The people have all kinds of diseases. They have ringworms.

    Mr. Dean: They don't mind having ringworm.

    The Old General: Then they ought to mind. And it will all be free!

    Angu Ayah: It was free last time, and nobody came!

    The Old General: They will this time.

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