Like all of Michael Powell's films, Black Narcissus has an element of unreality, always reminding us that we are watching a film, and that films are the product of the maker's imagination. This is my favorite of all of Powell's films; every frame is a work of art. It is difficult to believe that this movie was not really filmed in the Himalayas. The juxtapositioning of the closed, inner-directed world of the convent with the sweeping panorama of the world's highest mountains is the point of the film: we are simultaneously within the vast universe and within the confines of ourselves. Black Narcissus has another special thing to recommend it - a suitable role for the woefully under-appreciated Sabu. He was the most natural of performers, with a wonderful screen presence. The way he is shot by Jack Cardiff shows just what a handsome and regal presence he had. I have read that the story's author, Rumer Godden, was unhappy with the casting of Sabu for the part of the Young General, and said some very unpleasant things about him. She was wrong. If Sabu were around today, he would be a major international star. Most of the studios he worked for simply didn't know what to do with him - the times just weren't right. We are fortunate to be able to see him in this excellent movie.
Review of Black Narcissus
