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: -

    [With Sister Clodagh: looking at photos of the palace at Mopu]

    Mother Dorothea: The house is nine thousand feet up - very cold, but good air. General Toda Rai, who has invited us to Mopu, has promised us every help. He was a little afraid when he learned that we are bound to our order only by yearly vows. I explained this rule to him.

    Sister Clodagh: Yes, Reverend Mother.

    Mother Dorothea: For more than a century, to serve voluntarily has been one of the glories of our Order.

    Sister Clodagh: And our greatest strength.

    Mother Dorothea: Exactly. He understands now. Is there anything you would like to ask?

    Sister Clodagh: Who am I to take with me?

  • Mother Dorothea: [the Reverend Mother and Sister Clodagh survey the sisters of the Order, determining who will go to Mopu] Remember, a community is not a class of girls. The sisters won't be easy to manage or to impress. Now, let me see. I'll give you Sister Briony. You'll need her strength.

    Sister Clodagh: Thank you, Reverend Mother.

    Mother Dorothea: Sister Philippa for the garden... Sister Blanche.

    Sister Clodagh: Sister Blanche?

    Mother Dorothea: You know what the other girls call her?

    Sister Clodagh: Sister Honey.

    Mother Dorothea: Yes, Honey. I think you'll need Sister Honey. She's popular. And you'll need to be popular... And Sister Ruth.

    Sister Clodagh: [Surprised] But Sister Ruth is ill.

    Mother Dorothea: That is why I want her to go.

    Sister Clodagh: Forgive me for saying so, Reverend Mother, but do you think our vocation is her vocation?

    Mother Dorothea: [Nodding knowingly] Yes, she's a problem. I'm afraid she'll be a problem for you, too. With a smaller community, she may be better. Give her responsibility, Sister. She badly wants importance.

    Sister Clodagh: Do you think it's a good thing to let her feel important?

    Mother Dorothea: Spare her some of your own importance... if you can.

    Sister Clodagh: Mother, are you sorry that I have been appointed to take charge of St. Faith?

    Mother Dorothea: Yes. I don't think you're ready for it, and I think you'll be lonely. Never forget: we're an order of workers. Work them hard. And remember... the superior of all is the servant of all.

    Sister Clodagh: I understand.

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