Talking About Powell & Pressburger’s 1947 film Black Narcissus with our guest, screenwriter James Handel
In this episode of Movies We Like, screenwriter James Handel joins hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to discuss Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1947 masterpiece Black Narcissus, along with Handel’s fascinating career writing genre-bending films like The Last Horror Movie, The Hoarder, and his latest psychological dramedy The Trouble with Jessica.
From Philosophy to Film
Before diving into Black Narcissus, Handel shares candid insights about his journey from philosophy student to screenwriter, starting with an unproduced vampire script and eventually leading to successful collaborations with directors Julian Richards and Matt Winn. He discusses how his background in philosophy influences his approach to moral dilemmas and character psychology in his screenplays, particularly evident in The Trouble with Jessica‘s darkly comic exploration of ethics and human nature.
A Masterpiece of Psychological Drama
The conversation then turns to Black Narcissus, examining how Powell and Pressburger crafted this visually stunning psychological drama about Anglican nuns attempting to establish a convent in the Himalayas. The group discusses the film’s groundbreaking technical achievements, with Jack Cardiff’s Oscar-winning Technicolor cinematography bringing the entirely studio-shot production to vivid life. They explore how the film masterfully depicts the psychological deterioration of the nuns as they struggle with repressed desires, loss of faith, and the overwhelming power of their environment, all while maintaining a remarkable balance between expressionism and restraint.
Black Narcissus remains a masterclass in psychological storytelling and visual craftsmanship, demonstrating how thoughtful restraint and artistic innovation can create an unforgettable cinematic experience. We thoroughly enjoyed diving deep into this classic with James Handel, whose own work carries forward the tradition of examining complex moral questions through compelling drama.
Film Sundries
- Watch our conversation on YouTube!
- Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at Letterboxd
- Script Options
- Theatrical trailer
- Original Material
