I've just got back from watching this on the big screen and my head's still reeling. It's remarkably gorgeous to watch.
What seems to come out most clearly on the big screen is how much the film depends on showing off the trio of handsome women, Jean Simmons, Deborah Kerr, and Kathleen Byron. They're all different, and they're all differently presented by a camera that loves them. In particular, at times the film seems to exist only to display the changes in Kathleen Byron's face as she tumbles into madness.
Because, honestly speaking, this is in many other ways a disappointing Powell & Pressburger film. Big themes are set up and regularly referred to (cold nuns/hot natives, Christianity/Buddhism/Hinduism, the cracking-up of an enclosed community, etcetera) but they aren't really explored. The film is really a big lush bath of sensations, held together by the three beauties, and especially by Kathleen Byron. It's like Gone to Earth, but with more pulchritude and less plot.
Having said that, even a disappointing Powell & Pressburger film will outrank most other films: I gave it 9/10. If the chance ever comes your way to see this film on the big screen, don't hesitate. You'll be ravished.
What seems to come out most clearly on the big screen is how much the film depends on showing off the trio of handsome women, Jean Simmons, Deborah Kerr, and Kathleen Byron. They're all different, and they're all differently presented by a camera that loves them. In particular, at times the film seems to exist only to display the changes in Kathleen Byron's face as she tumbles into madness.
Because, honestly speaking, this is in many other ways a disappointing Powell & Pressburger film. Big themes are set up and regularly referred to (cold nuns/hot natives, Christianity/Buddhism/Hinduism, the cracking-up of an enclosed community, etcetera) but they aren't really explored. The film is really a big lush bath of sensations, held together by the three beauties, and especially by Kathleen Byron. It's like Gone to Earth, but with more pulchritude and less plot.
Having said that, even a disappointing Powell & Pressburger film will outrank most other films: I gave it 9/10. If the chance ever comes your way to see this film on the big screen, don't hesitate. You'll be ravished.