Black Narcissus – Film review

Hannah Milliner

Black Narcissus is a 1947 film directed by Emeric Pressburger and

Michael Powell. The scenery used in the film was entirely artificial,

this at times was highly noticeable and created a sense of depth by

using matt paintings (fig.1), these were very effective throughout

the film especially on the cliff side by the bell. Throughout the film

colour was used in various ways which put forward as much of a

story as the script itself. As the following quote states some colour

palettes are re-used throughout the film that can be used to show

a transition “when the same colour palette is used for Calcutta at

the beginning of the film it connotes order and regimentation; by

the end of the film these same colours illustrate the extent to which order has completely broken

down at St Faith” (Street, 2005) The quote could suggest that by using the same colours towards the

end of the film as were used in the beginning it is possible to use them to compare how broken down

the order is. It is also possible that it could suggest the desynchronization of all of the characters in

their states of mind. Towards the end of the film a lot of pink, mauve and grey-black was used this

creates a decent sense of suspense during the sequence where Clodagh was being stalked by Sister

Ruth who has become somewhat hysterical.

During the same scene Colour is also used with symbolic value as the next quote describes when

Clodagh finds Sister Ruth dressed in a crimson dress “Glares triumphant and defiant, auburn hair

primped, complexion rouged, dressed in dark crimson the colour of congealed blood” (Sabine, 2013)

although this does suggest that the character has in a sense snapped, the scene where Ruth uses red

lipstick while Clodagh is using the symbolic value of a bible which can

be seen as protecting herself from the corrupt, a sexual desire displayed

by Sister Ruth. The Red of both the lipstick and the dress could also be

a reference to her death later on. As well as use of colour as part of

costume design the film also has use of colour lighting which is an extra

element that explains the frame of mind a character is in. Fig.2 is a good

example of lighting usage. It almost creates a halfway point between

the characters psychological transition.

Colour is also used in this film to divide the different groups of people within the

film. The following quote supports this idea “Colorless as the sisterhood's

singular devotion to their vocation. The local Indian populace is

back dropped with vibrant color, looking more natural and lively.

But it is in the second half of the film where Powell's use of

Technicolor is stunning. The introduction of the more vibrant

hues dominate the film.” (Ebert 2010) using a plain ‘oatmeal’

colour palette for clothes and sets for the Nuns (fig.3) create a

calmed effect towards the character this feeling is betrayed

later on when the colour become more vibrant. Using the plain

colours also divides the characters from the local Indian culture

(Fig.4) around them and creates an imaginary barrier between them.

Fig.1 Black Narcissus (1947) [production/film still]

[Cite your source here.]

Fig.2 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

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Fig.3 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

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Fig.4 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

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Bibliography

Street, S. (2005:61) Black Narcissus, Turner classic movies, British film guide.[online]

http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3iB1IqvrCLcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR6&dq=black+narcissus

+&ots=YWAZsm0ZwX&sig=JgGSJiDNbS9rVEZJge5BtnO5oY#v=onepage&q=black%20narcissus%2C%2

0colour&f=false (accessed on 12/11/13)

Ebert, R. (2010) “Black Narcissus,” Which Electrified Scorsese

http://www.rogerebert.com/far-flung-correspondents/black-narcissus-which-electrified-scorsese

(Accessed on 12/11/13)

Sabine, M. (2013:61) Veiled Desires

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=nzJ4ewFWycgC&pg=PA63&dq=black+narcissus+1947+red+lipsti

ck&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HXuCUvyBJZGyhAeA4IHwAg&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=black%20nar

cissus%201947%20red%20lipstick&f=false

(Accessed on 12/11/13)

Illustrations

Fig.1 Black Narcissus (1947) [production/film still]

http://www.shadowlocked.com/images/stories/LISTS/50_best_matte_paintings/Black_Narcissus_LA

RGE.jpg

(Accessed on 12/11/13)

Fig.2 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96053404526358263/

(Accessed on 12/11/13)

Fig. 3 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

http://trekkerscrapbook.com/2012/11/10/retro-reel-gallery-black-narcissus/

(Accessed on 12/11/13)

Fig.4 Black Narcissus (1947) [film still]

http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/2010/01/another-glittering-star-goes-out.html

(Accessed on 12/11/13)