Black Narcissus (1947)
Black Narcissus, is one of over fifteen collaborations between Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger. At the end of this film I had the exact same thought I did when I first introduced myself to Powell with Peeping Tom here is a man who was ahead of his time.
In the opening of Black Narcissus, Sister Clodagh is given the task of establishing a school, hospital, and school for women in the Himalayas. A stern, yet young woman, she is told by the Reverend Sister of her Covenant that she "does not believe she will succeed." It's much like being given a scholarship to go to Harvard, and while having your hand shook having some "hoity-toity" trustee tell you, "Son, we're giving you this money, but nobody believes in you." Clearly Sister Clodagh sets out with the other Sisters assigned to her with the goal to prove that she can do her job.
They are invited to take space in a castle by the General of the "primitive" community, who pays the villagers to go to the school and hospital. Mr. Dean (David Farrar), the only Englishman is a bit of a brute, but plays a strong role in the changes that occur in the Sisters. Their mission of sorts is surrounded by a group of people they barely understand, and the culture, and limitless views cause each of the Sisters to see and think of things they never thought they would. Dreams and desires in them that they let go long ago when they joined their order.
Herein lies what was so ahead of its time in Black Narcissus, a so called sanctity of religious order. You have devotees, these poor nun's questioning their devotion. Black Narcissus is an amazing execution of this battle. The other star of this amazing film is Powell & Pressburgers glorious use of Technicolor. The acting and color combined with the spectacular music and art direction complete this masterpiece of filmmaking.
In the opening of Black Narcissus, Sister Clodagh is given the task of establishing a school, hospital, and school for women in the Himalayas. A stern, yet young woman, she is told by the Reverend Sister of her Covenant that she "does not believe she will succeed." It's much like being given a scholarship to go to Harvard, and while having your hand shook having some "hoity-toity" trustee tell you, "Son, we're giving you this money, but nobody believes in you." Clearly Sister Clodagh sets out with the other Sisters assigned to her with the goal to prove that she can do her job.
They are invited to take space in a castle by the General of the "primitive" community, who pays the villagers to go to the school and hospital. Mr. Dean (David Farrar), the only Englishman is a bit of a brute, but plays a strong role in the changes that occur in the Sisters. Their mission of sorts is surrounded by a group of people they barely understand, and the culture, and limitless views cause each of the Sisters to see and think of things they never thought they would. Dreams and desires in them that they let go long ago when they joined their order.
Herein lies what was so ahead of its time in Black Narcissus, a so called sanctity of religious order. You have devotees, these poor nun's questioning their devotion. Black Narcissus is an amazing execution of this battle. The other star of this amazing film is Powell & Pressburgers glorious use of Technicolor. The acting and color combined with the spectacular music and art direction complete this masterpiece of filmmaking.
posted by Vatche at 8:30 PM
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