Review of Black Narcissus (1947) by Arianeta L — 13 Nov 2009

Five young British nuns are invited to move to a windy "palace", former house of the concubines of an old general, in the top of a mountain in Mopu, Himalaya, to raise the convent of Saint Faith Order, a school for children and girls, and an infirmary for the local dwellers. The palace was once called "The House of Women" and is rather ornately decorated with erotic art. In the opening scenes, we are told that an order of Brothers had attempted to do the same thing as the Sisters, but failed. After the nun's arrival their "straight-laced" behaviour begins to loosen, their discipline becomes more lax, and the foundation of their self-image begins to change. The lonely and exotic place awake the innermost desires in the flesh of the sisters?This is one of the most beautifully composed colour films I have ever seen. I did not know that this film was shot entirely in a studio. Some of the matte shots are extremely realistic, and others look more like beautiful paintings. All this serves to reinforce the struggle between illusion and reality, and also passion and chastity. So Black Narcissus is filled with magic images and haunting echoes. The "flowering of the snows" scene is breathtaking. The chapel scene is frightening and tense. The "Bell" scene is horrifying. The final view of "The House of Women", viewed by Sister Clodagha from the valley below is heart-stopping: A mist rises slowly and inch by inch blots out the Palace, until it is only a dream in your mind's eye. Then, a large leaf is seen. One drop falls and then another, like tears of regret. A black umbrella is opened. Mr. Dean sits on his pony and runs his hand through his thick black hair. He had said the nuns would be gone with the first rain, and he was right?..memorable scenes?

The extraordinary performances in this film are complimented visually with the flawless cinematography. The cast is splendid. Deborah Kerr's tortured Sister Clodagha registers every emotion, every longing, every doubt and every fear with her eyes and the set of her chin. David Farrar as Mr. Dean, Flora Robson as Sister Philippa, Sabu as The Young General, and Jean Simmons as Kanchi are a superb acting ensemble. However it is Kathleen Byron as the emotionally disturbed Sister Ruth that you will remember the most after viewing this film.

Black Narcissus brings home the point that we are all sometimes far too ambitious, vulnerable, obstinate, passionate, and alas, human. So at last if you love great films, great acting or just stunning cinematography Black Narcissus will haunt you forever.