Girls, let me save you the trouble! Do not let this gorgeous shot fool you.
Whomever had the idea to do a redo of the 1947 film "Black Narcissus" should not have done so. First, the story is drawn out to an overly excessive three-and-a-half hours. Despite the gorgeous visuals, mostly by computer graphics, they cannot compensate for the lack of subtlety, nuance, and psychological exploration, all of which made the Powell-Pressburger original so iconic.
This version is reduced to the level of "The Turning Point," which examined tensions between women, but at least was elevated to the level of camp, which is why gays still love it today. Not to mention there were two pros in the leads, named Anne Bancroft and Shirley Maclaine.
With the exception of Diana Rigg, as the Reverend Mother, who only gets a couple of scenes, since she does not go to that Himalyan convent, the acting is amateurish.
Gemma Arterton plays Sister Clodagh, the Deborah Kerr role. Kerr was an actress, who did not have to resort to things like self immolation and self flagellation. Where is Vanessa Redgrave, when needed? The tension between her and Aisling Franciosi, who plays Sister Ruth--the showcase role in the '47 version, and netting an Oscar nomination for Kathleen Byron--is so overtly ssexual--for each other, for Mr. Dean, for ANYONE--and while shots of Deborah Kerr in the '47 film wearing a one-piece bathing suit, chronicling her past, must have sent the Legion Of Decency into a tizzy, then, I doubt anyone would bat an eye over this version, because its excess is executed so badly.
Arterton has no subtlety or nuance, telegraphing everything before it happens to let viewers know what's coming, making over use of her eyes. Even worse is Franciosi, who plays Sister Ruth less like a sexually depraved nun--the best kind, darlings!--and more like a petulant child. The big sendoff over the cliff is what this version builds up to, whereas it was the midpoint of the original. And when Sister Ruth, maddened, enters through those double doors, there is no madness or menace, as with Byron. All that is left is a spoiled child who wants attention and power, and when this Sister Ruth finally goes over the cliff, who gives a damn??????
Have I said enough, darlings? Do you get how bad this is? I will say this, maybe those having never seen the 1947 film should look at this. Those who do will say, "So?" Then sit down and watch the 1947 version, and see the difference. Rumer Godden, who wrote the original, 1939 novel, must be turning in her grave.
I have always insisted that putting an actress, or actor, in a nun's outift, sells tickets. This "Black Narcissus" disproves that. Had this been exhibited commerically in the theaters, it would have flopped.
Because, with the exception of Rigg, no one here can act!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New and Improved?
ReplyDeleteNot by a long shot!!
What a waste.
Do these actresses fancy themselves on par with Bancroft and Maclaine, do you think??
Actually, i already know,
ReplyDeleteThat Gemma girl believes she is channeling Deborah Kerr.
Delusional.