Review of Black Narcissus (1947) by Kevin N — 10 Aug 2010

The most edgy and exhilarating film by Powell and Pressburger, painted with stunning depth and color by the great Jack Cardiff. For me, this is the duo's most perfect film because it harnesses their drive for aesthetic cleanliness with some incredibly dirty themes, particularly the animalistic power of lust and the unreliability of human organization.

The first hour or so is so contained, so tidy and so confident, yet in the second half it comes brilliantly undone as all the characters fold their hands and become unsure of themselves and of the rules they live by.

The "hunt" sequence that concludes the film is so fierce and violent even as its subjects are swallowed in the luscious jungles that surround them. The acting, too, is second-to-none as far as P&P films are concerned; Deborah Kerr, as always, embodies her character with important flaws and David Farrar is charmingly despicable.

But it is Kathleen Byron who steals the show here as the sex-hungry sister who decides she'll take what she wants and get rid of whatever stands in her way. Filled with sumptuous colors and deeply troubling themes, this is the most essential masterpiece by Britain's most creative pair.