BLACK NARCISSUS

i was reminded of black narcissus,(1947) one of my favorite films, ( although i didn't list with my faves of all times list) directed by michael powell & emeric pressburger. i had the pleasure of meeting mr. powell in 1979, @ zotrope studios, owned by francis ford coppola.


an incredible film about a group of Anglican nuns who travel to a remote location in the Himalayas (the Palace of Mopu, near Darjeeling) to set up a school and hospital and 'tame' the local people and environment, by conversion and gardening, only to find themselves increasingly seduced by the sensuality of their surroundings in a converted seraglio, and by the local British agent Dean (David Farrar).

Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), the Sister in charge, is attempting to forget a failed romance at home in Ireland. Tensions mount as Dean's laid-back charm makes an impression on Clodagh, but also attracts the mentally unstable Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron), who becomes pathologically jealous of Clodagh, resulting in a nervous breakdown and a violent climax. In a subplot, 'the Young General' (Sabu), heir to the throne of a princely Indian state who has come to the convent for his education, becomes infatuated with a lower caste dancing girl (Jean Simmons).

Black Narcissus was released only a few months before India achieved independence from Britain in August 1947. Film critic Dave Kehr has suggested that the final images of the film, as the nuns abandon the Himalayas and process down the mountain, could have been interpreted by British viewers in 1947 as "a last farewell to their fading empire"; he suggests that for the filmmakers, it is not an image of defeat "but of a respectful, rational retreat from something that England never owned and never understood".

i am reminded of jemez springs and the local nunnery- HANDMAIDENS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD.