Review of Black Narcissus (1947) by William S — 03 Oct 2007
Powel & Pressburger are responsible for the greatest films in British cinema. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Black Narcissus. A beautifully erotic and gothic melodrama that was way ahead of it's time with it's dark tale of a nun going off her rocker from sexual repression! (Never has the applying of lipstick had more dramatic and shocking affect!).
Forget Audrey Hepburn's hand-wringing in 'The Nun's Story' or Julie Andrew's warbling in the kitsch and cheesy 'The Sound of Music', this is the only film about nuns that matters!
It's also a superb example of the forgotten art of matte painting and of how vital it was in creating that distinctive cinematic feel that CGI just can't compare because film-makers today feel they need to make it 'realistic'. (I don't want realism, I want magic!). The matte designs of Black Narcissus go a long way in adding to the 'surreal' and gothic atmosphere.
A unique and original work of art - I love it!
This review of Black Narcissus (1947) was written by William S on 03 Oct 2007.
Black Narcissus has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
