Streaming Gems: Black Narcissus (1947)
Photo from BAMPFA
From Shane Conto
Have you heard of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger? You might find that cinephiles know the works of Powell & Pressburger well but their films are not widely seen or appreciated on the level that they should be. Their major films would all deserve a “Streaming Gems” treatment (and there might be more in the future). There is even a new documentary about their work that is a side recommendation here with Made in England being one of the better documentaries of 2024. A film essay narrator and guided by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese sounds like a must see (and it certainly is). Scorsese is the biggest champion of Powell & Pressburger works and he even became friends with Powell later in his life.
But what about their films makes them so impactful and worth experiencing? For those in the know, the films of Powell & Pressburger are considered some of the most gorgeous films ever to grace the silver screen. The richness of color and impressive textures of the filmmaking make them feel impossibly modern for films that were mostly released in the 40s and 50s. They also understood the power of “pure cinema”. Film is a visual medium and so much can be said from a storytelling perspective with just the power of what we see. They understood that they could build tension, suspense, and emotion all through the pictures on screen and the music that accompanies them. They also filled their films with rich themes that are wholly humanistic while leveraging fantastical elements.
What is so wonderful about Black Narcissus? It captures all those things impressively…and more. The visuals in this film are some of the most breathtaking in any film ever put to the silver screen. The purity of the white nun attire is so vibrant. The use of red lips stand out so much due to the richness of the colors. The beauty of the Himalayas created on screen is breathtaking as well. This locale is pitch perfect for the type of story they are conveying. There is some great matte painting work that helps in crafting from awe-inspiring thrillers as well as the beautiful landscape. The production design feels so meaningful in capturing the culture and customs of the area. The costuming is just gorgeous from the more ornate members of this village. There are so many vibrant colors that can be seen in these costumes that it is hard to look away.
From a filmmaking standpoint, Powell & Pressburger craft one of the most engaging and compelling climaxes in cinema with nearly 10 minutes of pure cinema. This is a tale of repression. You have two nuns who are on parallel paths as they are challenged by the presence of a dashing and seductive man (David Farrar’s Mr. Dean). Deborah Kerr anchors the film down as Sister Clodagh who is just desperately trying to bring her faith to the native population. Kerr provides a stalwart performance that is both confident at times…and vulnerable at others. There are plenty of roadblocks for this covenant and not everyone can hold these urges in check. Enter Kathleen Byron’s Sister Ruth. This young woman slowly descends into a spiral of lust and anger. Byron’s performance is quite compelling as intensity defines a performance that is both alluring and frightening. But it is the climax that finds Powell & Pressburger leveraging their camera to weave an intense and shocking confrontation upon a razor’s edge. The movement of the camera slowly builds the tension of the scene. We see Sister Ruth stalking Sister Clodagh with close-ups of Byron’s that will pierce your soul completely. The gorgeous colors of the sky and the feeling of wind mixed with a rising score craft an unnerving feeling. A physical confrontation with perfect editing brings it all to a frightening head. If you want to experience filmmaking mastery, this is a fantastic example.
Are you ready to open the door into a whole new filmography of true cinematic legends? Powell & Pressburger will soon get the wide recognition they deserve in the landscape of Old Hollywood. Black Narcissus will be one of those films that get them there. This film feels so modern and enticing thanks to the incredible work of this dynamic duo. The performers also bring so much depth and resonance to the proceedings as well. You have something special when a director (or directors) can mix rich themes (repression, religious imperialism, and jealousy), top notch performances, showstopping cinematography, complex music, and incredible filmmaking prowess.
Watch Black Narcissus now for free on Tubi.
