Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Black Narcissus
![Black Narcissus](https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/films/c2a614703cc6b07a7b3446e218bf4f06/1GGBmkMqFTNQpPngTALkhW66O6cKMi_large.jpg)
This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the epitome of the sensuous style of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. A group of nuns—played by some of Britain’s finest actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Kathleen Byron, and Flora Robson—struggle to establish a convent in the Himalayas, while isolation, extreme weather, altitude, and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned missionaries mad. A darkly grand film that won Oscars for Alfred Junge's art direction and Jack Cardiff's cinematography, Black Narcissus is one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema’s true visionaries.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
- New, restored high-definition digital transfer, created with the participation of cinematographer Jack Cardiff and director Michael Powell’s widow, editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier
- Audio commentary featuring Powell and director Martin Scorsese
- The Audacious Adventurer, a video piece in which Tavernier discusses the film and Powell
- Profile of “Black Narcissus,” a documentary featuring members of the Archers’ production team
- Painting with Light, a documentary on Cardiff’s Oscar-winning work on Black Narcissus
- Original theatrical trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Kent Jones
New cover by F. Ron Miller
BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
- New, restored high-definition digital transfer, created with the participation of cinematographer Jack Cardiff and director Michael Powell’s widow, editor Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Video introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier
- Audio commentary featuring Powell and director Martin Scorsese
- The Audacious Adventurer, a video piece in which Tavernier discusses the film and Powell
- Profile of “Black Narcissus,” a documentary featuring members of the Archers’ production team
- Painting with Light, a documentary on Cardiff’s Oscar-winning work on Black Narcissus
- Original theatrical trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Kent Jones
New cover by F. Ron Miller
![Black Narcissus](https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/films/c2a614703cc6b07a7b3446e218bf4f06/1GGBmkMqFTNQpPngTALkhW66O6cKMi_large.jpg)
Cast
- Deborah Kerr
- Sister Clodagh
- Sabu
- The Young General
- David Farrar
- Mr. Dean
- Flora Robson
- Sister Philippa
- Esmond Knight
- The Old General
- Jean Simmons
- Kanchi
- Kathleen Byron
- Sister Ruth
- Jenny Laird
- Sister Honey
- Judith Furse
- Sister Briony
- May Hallatt
- Angu Ayah
- Eddie Whaley, Jr.
- Joseph Anthony
- Shaun Noble
- Con
- Nancy Roberts
- Mother Dorothea
Credits
- Director
- Michael Powell
- Director
- Emeric Pressburger
- Written, produced, and directed by
- Michael Powell
- Written, produced, and directed by
- Emeric Pressburger
- Adapted from the novel by
- Rumer Godden
- Photographed in Technicolor by
- Jack Cardiff
- Music and sound score composed and conducted by
- Brian Easdale
- Editing
- Reginald Mills
- Costumes
- Hein Heckroth
- Production design
- Alfred Junge
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