Classic from the Vault
Black Narcissus (1947)
Directors: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
By Alex Watson
The films of Powell and Pressburger are among the most important of British cinema. Their efforts such as A Matter of Life and Death, Peeping Tom and The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp were great examples of solid and technically brilliant filmmaking. Critics were initially lukewarm in the original reception of their films; some dismissed them entirely. But recently there has been a major revival of their work (helped largely by Martin Scorsese) and now they firmly take their places on British Film Institute’s Top 100 list. Powell and Pressburger’s filmmaking was never stronger than in their 1947 adaptation of Rumer Godden’s novel, Black Narcissus. This is one of the most beautifully shot pieces of cinema and remains my personal favourite film of all time!
Black Narcissus portrays the lives of five Anglican nuns who have been recruited by The Old General (Esmond Knight) to start a new school and hospital at the old Mopu palace situated at 9000 feet in the Himalayas. The group is lead by the headstrong Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) and initially their efforts are a success. But after the introduction of handsome British agent Mr Dean (David Farrar), the most troubled member Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron) begins to descend into madness as she competes for Dean’s affections with Clodagh. Gradually the group of nuns begins to unravel, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Unlike previous films about religion, Powell & Pressburger’s film represents faith being called into question with Sister Ruth as the most prominent example. Her breakdown shocks as she wants to renounce her vows in favour of chasing a man. Mopu has an erotic past as it once was a palace for the General to keep his woman (which gave the name ‘the house of women’). Powell and Pressburger show Mopu as a strange, exotic setting which seems to distort reality. The altitude and constant wind are a catalyst for the nun’s eventual downfall. In Black Narcissus, the nuns’ strongly-held beliefs have vanished in the heights of the Himalayas.
The rivalry between Clodagh and Ruth for Dean’s affection is the central source of tension . Ruth’s affection for the agent is obvious from the outset. But her desire for him is conflicted by the pain of seeing him attracted to Sister Clodagh. Finally it becomes too much to bear and this result in her lust and desire taking over her.
Mr Dean is the key figure of male desire for the pair and he immediately provokes them to respond. During their first meeting, he flirts with Sister Clodagh and teases her for taking vows. Yet everything he does (including showing up drunk at Christmas Mass) draws Clodagh and Ruth to him. His presence alone escalates the nuns’ desires and one is ultimately willing to give up everything for him.
The Oscar-winning cinematography by Jack Cardiff and Alfred Junge is the most memorable feature of Black Narcissus. It is difficult to believe that all scenes were filmed on a Pinewood Studios sound stage and not on location in India. With its vivid selection of pastel colours, the set design gives the film an authentic visual impact and firmly expresses the desires and emotions of the nuns. This also contributes to the tense feel in the latter stages.
Kathleen Byron’s performance as Sister Ruth is one of the most under-rated in the history of cinema. With her eye-rolling jealousy, she firmly holds our attention, particularly in the movie’s third act where Ruth’s madness comes full circle! Deborah Kerr is equally impressive as Clodagh, a young nun in her first position of authority who is fiercely determined to succeed. David Farrar is suitably charming as Mr Dean, a man who oozes sexual prowess. In each scene that Farrar appears we feel his influence taking over in the palace and secretly worry about the effect it will have.
60 Years on, Black Narcissus is still a remarkable piece of film-making and its images are still breathtaking to look at. Powell and Pressburger’s work was strongest in their most celebrated film. Their story is simple, but very effective. It will have you glued to the screen throughout as Ruth’s dislike for her sister superior intensifies by the minute.
I am proud to call this my favourite film and urge everyone out there to watch this immediately because you will never have an experience quite like this!
Closer to the Edge 