BLACK NARCISSUS film analysis and why you cannot feel what you will not touch!

[@LorriePenfield]

This man is amazing in his review of the film. Best i have ever heard! I think he is a genius! I am a physician who loves old movies by the way.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Much much appreciate it thanks for watching this video and leaving this wonderful comment

[@andygalligan4184]

Excellent breakdown, loved the comparison of Kathleen Byron's transformation to the sepia/color transition of Wizard of Oz. She's gone over the rainbow!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks, Andy! Extremely gorgeous film, much of it, btw, consisted of paintings. Might be my favorite of all of their films along with The 49th Parallel and The Red Shoes. Kathleen Byron killed it in the last half hour with that red lipstick. Man oh man!

[@GabyGibson]

Excellent review of a little known gem. And oh, man Kathleen Byron was amazing

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks Gaby. Mucho appreciated

[@GabyGibson]

@@godfatherofcinema You're very welcome

[@oldmoviemusic]

You did a great job of highlighting how the themes of the film reverberate through all of its various character arcs in different ways. Aside from the absolutely stunning cinematography by Jack Cardiff, this film would be a fantastic case study for screenwriters - it is a perfect example of how a film can explore every aspect of a theme if its characters are all written to illustrate and illuminate different aspects of said theme. In this way, it shows a unique aspect of film writing that even the best TV series of today (where much of the current excellence in writing has gone) cannot achieve, for the film structure allows this thematic exploration to be so densely concentrated as to leave a searing impact, if properly executed.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for the great comment, oldmoviemusic and I agree that most of the really good writing in film seems to have migrated to television, a trend that the big blockbuster special effect burdened franchises are not helping. This is such a beautiful film. What's amazing about it is that it was filmed entirely at Pinewood Studios. The cinematography in this film is worth an analysis all by itself. Great work by Mr. Cardiff. There's a great documentary on KZbin that goes more into the film's photography. Thanks again.

[@oldmoviemusic]

@@godfatherofcinema Yes, I watched the documentary after I watched the film with my Criterion Channel streaming subscription - they include the special features for all of their releases, which is pretty great...particularly for a film like this, where there are so many layers to it that you need to delve deeper into it so you can process its rich storytelling. Again, fantastic analysis by yourself - I've subscribed!

[@godfatherofcinema]

@@oldmoviemusic Thanks for subbing, oldmoviemusic!

[@etherealtb6021]

@@godfatherofcinema oh? Can you provide a link?

[@godfatherofcinema]

@@etherealtb6021 Appreciate you checking out my channel, Tracey! Here is the link: kzbin.info

[@etherealtb6021]

Thank you for this review. I've loved this movie for 40 years and read MANY analyses if the film, but have never heard an examination from the religious angle, which us odd, considering the movie is about NUNS! I practically know this movie by heart, but you brought out some nuances I'd never considered. What a great film, to keep revealing depth from so many perspectives! Not sure how many P&P films you've seen so far, but the humour was definitely on purpose. ❤

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching my analysis, Tracey, and for the great comment! This movie has everything you love about the Archers' movies besides The Red Shoes. My favorite scene is the one where the nun renounces Godliness by changing her appearance to match her desires towards Dean throughout the film. Lots of great scenes in this short colorful film including the ones with Jean Simmons. Just checked her out in Spartacus the other day; she was betting in this movie though.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@godfatherofcinema I love that scene! Its the only movie where lipstick is a weapon! (The scene in Inglorious Basterds where whipped cream becomes terrifying reminded me of this scene.) Not much for Jean to do in Spartacus. My fav film of hers is Elmer Gantry.

[@godfatherofcinema]

@@etherealtb6021 Lipstick as a weapon: mind if I use that one? That scene made the film memorable for me, along with the scenes of her staring at Mr. Dean's shirtless torso. Funny as hell.

[@etherealtb6021]

@@godfatherofcinema of course you can! I think my fav line was when you said Dean might as well have been wearing a thong! 😂😂😂 Seriously, they do look at him that way. BTW, I think at first Dean thinks it is Clodagh who's come to see him, as he only sees a red head in a red dress from the back & the way he says "hello there" is pretty seductive & he only gets dismissive when he sees it is Ruth. It interestingly falls under your analysis, that even the "worldly character" is separated from & can't express his real feelings to Clodagh.

[@stevencranfield8938]

A very astute commentary that picks up on some of the structural aspects of the film missed by many other critics.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video, Steven, and thanks for acknowledging the points I made.

[@ams5156]

Excellent review. Deborah Kerr also played a nun called Sister Angela in "Heaven Knows Mr. Allison." A few times in this video, a photo of her as Sister Angela was used instead of her as the Anglican nun Sister Clodagh. Even though the habits were white, they were different.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video and your excellent observation and insight AMS. I did not know that she also played a nun in Heaven Knows Mr. Allison. I will look into this film to see if I'd like it. Kerr was excellent in Black Narcissus. Beautifully colored film by The Archers, among my favorite directors.

[@mlunaID]

A favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate your tying the movie ideas to scripture. A masterpiece with some awesome themes. I agree this stands strong alongside The Red Shoes.

[@mlunaID]

Owning both BN and RS on Criterion blu ray is a treat.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for the comment and watching the video Marvin. I really appreciate it!

[@GabyGibson]

It certainly does. The Red Shoes is another classic

[@michellebiland5163]

Thank you so much for your excellent, detailed review of the film Black Narcissus. It was very comprehensive indeed.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks a million, Michelle!

[@Anna-Jade]

Brilliant analysis of one of my favourite films. I agree with you about Jean Simmons playing the part of the beautiful native girl, Kanchi. I don't think that anyone could have played this part better than Simmons. However, the one who TRULY steals this film is the amazing Kathleen Byron, whose portrayal of the mentally disturbed sister Ruth is mesmerizing. We watch a tragedy unfolding as sister Ruth casts aside her 'pure' nuns habit for the red dress and the red lipstick. Sister Ruth has given in to her repressed sexual feelings and she attempts to seduce Mr. Dean, but it is not reciprocated and Mr. Dean cruelly rejects her. I feel so sad for Sister Ruth when this happens, and it is this rejection by Mr. Dean that shatters sister Ruth's already fragile psyche, and brings forth a psychotic breakdown. The scene in which sister Ruth accuses Mr. Dean of being in love with sister Clodagh is particularly electrifying, because Mr. Dean becomes very angry with her and the reason for his anger is obvious: He knows that sister Ruth has realised his secret......he IS in love with sister Clodagh, but he dare not admit it, not even to himself. The same thing happens when sister Ruth accuses sister Clodagh of having a sexual interest in Mr. Dean. Sister Clodagh becomes enraged, and her reasons are the same as Mr. Dean's reasons........she simply doesn't want to admit it to herself. Sister Ruth might be mentally ill, but at least she is honest enough to speak the truth of what she sees. She is not a hypocrite. The incredible scene at the end, where sister Ruth attempts to push sister Clodagh off the mountain top in to the valley below is like watching a battle between good and evil, and we see as sister Ruth loses this battle, as she plummets thousands of feet below, almost like a fallen Angel plummeting from heaven. An excellent film.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video. I agree with you that Byron stole the show, especially near the end. Haven't seen the flick in while and if and when I do I'll probably do it over. I still like the metaphor of the high shelf as the separation between the divine and profane--the nuns and the natives. And how the nuns tried to distance themselves from everything reminding them of what they were and how Dean and Kachi were there as reminders. Great film by 2 of my favorite directors. Thanks again.

[@nativevirginian8344]

Wonderful. Thank you!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for checking out the video, Native Virginian!

[@haintedhouse3052]

great review. thank you. one of my all time favorite films, it defies description, you can't place it in one category.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching this video and sorry for not responding sooner.

[@conversacionesconmipadre]

Sir, you are a master critic. Brilliant!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video! Playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLIgQjYndVeTh3WO0Fl9Kf1I4uStn5VNCg

[@HarringtonFamilyTree]

Excellent review of a masterpiece...

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thank you very much I appreciate you watching the video!

[@Rammichi1]

Great and thorough analysis!

[@godfatherofcinema]

thanks for checking it out, Michelle! Did you agree with my comparison of Clodah's dissonance from the villagers to that of her denying her nature and attraction to Dean? If you like Ex Machina, here is a new video I made. Let me know what you think. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4q2e2h3rp2FntU

[@orosenblum]

Terrific analysis and review. Very well done!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks a million, Oded. I appreciate you taking time to check it out.

[@orosenblum]

I took film studies in college, and the quality of analysis and depth of concepts you've touched on is on par with lectures by the professors I've had. What's your process when preparing these videos?

[@godfatherofcinema]

First, Oded, I appreciate your compliment and validation of the work I applied to this analysis and review! To answer your question, I start by watching the film for enjoyment; I watch the film the 2nd time taking notes and prepare a detailed summary; I read the summary thoroughly and glean ideas from it--as many as possible--and group the ideas according to how they relate and then I begin to identify my topics and subtopics. From these groups I then decide on how to structure the material (cause/effect, chronological, comparison/contrast, etc). I may watch the film a couple more times to refine the themes I come up with and toss anything that repeats. Then I start outlining everything to see how all of the topics and subtopics mesh together. During this process, I'm still checking each group to make sure they are all consistent. After this, I write out the beginning and ending elements in a separate template. Then I take the outline, put it in the template, add transitions, eliminate the indentations. Reading it out loud, I refine the words and syntax so that it sounds right to the ear and that's about it. For this video, I had to do 5 hours a day over 2 1/2 weeks 7 days: around 100 hours. I'm older and slower so you young people would pull it off much faster. It takes me longer because--depending on the film--I have to allow myself to feel the film for myself and articulate its truth in my own way if that makes any sense.

[@valzer84]

Brilliant! Bravo! 👏🏼

[@godfatherofcinema]

Much appreciated thanks for watching this video

[@kaydijdrahblack5529]

🥳 this was very good. I'm intrigued.

[@godfatherofcinema]

This is one of those movies that is not what you expect going into it. Unexpectedly funny in a lot of places. Definitely erotic and artfully done by The Archers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.

[@WillPhilpin]

Great analysis

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching this video much appreciated

[@glenndespres5317]

Well done.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Much appreciated thank you very much

[@velvetclaw2316]

This is a great and perceptive review of a magnificent film.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for checking it out, Stephen. Much appreciated!

[@joannewalker4232]

Nice tidy review from a different perspective, very informative, you really should have more likes considering all the views, happy new year!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching this video and your encouraging comment, Joanne! Greatly appreciated. This is one of my all time favorite movies. Working and praying for a breakthrough. God is good! God bless.

[@tombialkowskiitotallyagree1413]

Great analysis of a very great film.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thank you very much greatly appreciate you watch the video

[@marctheprobo655]

I loved the new series that was made now in 2020...always a great story...

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video. Did not know that there was a series on the movie

[@marctheprobo655]

@@godfatherofcinema 3 episodes, the essence is the same of the movie, but there are some new elements...

[@godfatherofcinema]

@@marctheprobo655 Thanks for letting me know. I have to check it out.

[@diegocanoigraphicdesigner3228]

Excellent video!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks, Diego. God Bless!

[@darryljf7215]

I just watched this for the first time, shown by the BBC. Really good movie, full of magnificent colour and visuals and though I did not know anything of the film I could sense there was a little more going on than was in the storyline. I learned some more from your analysis, in particular the dramatic fight at the bell with Sister Clodagh and Sister Ruth. Let me see if I can add some. Mr Dean is very interestingly named. There is a Dean in a religious context and in the UK you can have a Dean of University (not sure if it's relevant in US). Maybe he's the Dean for the "school of life" for the nuns. The lipstick scene with Ruth was really good. Like a mirror image of Clodagh and what she desired, maybe.

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video and explaining the relevance of Dean's name which I find interesting and logical when you look at the names of other characters in the film.

[@adamarens3520]

Nuns usually make for good fiction, all that repressed sexuality and constant struggle with worldliness. Is this movie a criterion collection?

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video yes this is a criterion DVD

[@adamarens3520]

Alright Johnny I finally found this movie on a free streaming channel and watched it. You are so right about Ruth! Wow she went from prude to red hot really quick, super sexy. I love all the personal pain these women carry with them as it makes their character development interesting. Beautifully shot as you mentioned, and some shots of Ruth in her end stages of rage were truly mesmerizing!

[@godfatherofcinema]

New essay on Spike Jonze's 2013 film "Her" kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5exo2ifbNumnNU

[@joaovictortelles8340]

keep it up!

[@godfatherofcinema]

Thanks for watching the video and the encouragement, Joao!

[@ValleyMermaid]

Great job!!!

[@godfatherofcinema]

@@ValleyMermaid thank you

[@ValleyMermaid]

@@godfatherofcinema, you’re very welcome!

[@godfatherofcinema]

New analysis of Birdman here kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PSY4CwjsSEgac

[@godfatherofcinema]

New analysis of eXistenZ here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH-chaupi8Slpas

[@Michaelneiss]

Kerr rhymes with star

[@godfatherofcinema]

Ok

[@enoswilliams1552]

You used Christianity to critique the film. You might have used the film to critique Christianity and Western cinema.

[@godfatherofcinema]

I could have but I chose to do it my way. Thanks for the comment and watching the video.

[@hopsiepike]

You assume there is one interpretation of Christianity, or any other religion, philosophy, or worldview. You also propose that the film must be interpreted as east vs west, as if the conflicts this film addresses can only by binned thusly. I think it’s all a bit more complex than that.

[@godfatherofcinema]

New essay on Spike Jonze's 2013 film "Her" kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5exo2ifbNumnNU