How well does Black Narcissus hold up after 63 years? It’s melodramatic, reflects attitudes that are no longer accepted (one nun speaks of the local people: “they all look alike to me”), and it seems to have a split personality. The first half of the film is blandly banal, but once the nuns begin to feel stress from their new environment and succumb to their own flaws, the film gets interesting. Starring legendary actresses Deborah Kerr (looking impossibly lovely), Flora Robson, and Jean Simmons, its cast does an admirable job of defining the characters and giving the story life. Michael Powell described it as “the most erotic film that I have ever made,” and the eroticism cannot be denied, whether base, refined, or stifled.
At times the score is overpowering and distracting. Although the palace itself is worthy of note, the outdoor sets are fake and disappointing. In viewing Black Narcissus, it might be best to think of it in terms of an interesting oddity (to allow release in the United States, the Legion of Decency demanded that scenes of remembered romance be edited out), rather than the masterwork many believe it to be.
In addition to the handsome booklet included with Black Narcissus, DVD special features are a video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier; audio commentary with guest Martin Scorsese; the original theatrical trailer; “The Audacious Adventurer,” in which Tavernier discusses the film; and two documentaries, Profile of Black Narcissus and Painting with Light.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
The extras are one of Criterion's main selling points so it's unfortunate they didn't get reviewed