Week 2 Flashcards
Facts about Black Narcissus
Black Narcissus is a 1947 British psychological drama film.
It is written, directed and produced by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Orientalism
Orientalism is the portrayal and depiction of Eastern cultures (like those of the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa) by the West in a way that stereotypes them as exotic, backward, and inferior.
It reflects a colonial mindset that justifies Western dominance by presenting non-Western societies as mysterious, irrational, and in need of control.
What is the link between orientalism and appropriation in British culture?
Popular culture and politics are intertwined with one another. For example, pop culture as a means of expressing political ideas.
What was remarkable during the period of British colonialism in India?
Native Indians were less favoured than Britains by Indian rulers during British colonialism.
1900 -> increasing protest for self-rule in India.
What were the two movements in India?
Hindu and Muslim
Post WW2 India
India was broken down, lack of political and social confidence. There was mass death and displacement following poor division choices between India.
Where was Black Narcissus shot?
Shot in England, consciously not shot in India.
Themes/elements in Black Narcissus
- Power/temptation
- Appropriation,
- Smell
- Racism
- Beauty
- Embodiment and incarnation
Embodiment and incarnation in Black Narcissus
The having of a body, and the inability to deny it.
Brownface
Brownface is a social phenomenon in which a white person attempts to portray themselves as a “brown” person of colour.
How does Black Narcissus reflect the concept of cultural appropriation, particularly through its casting and use of makeup?
Black Narcissus reflects cultural appropriation primarily through the casting of white British actors as Indian characters. Notably, Jean Simmons plays Kanchi, a young Indian woman, while using dark makeup to mimic Indian skin tone—a practice known as “brownface.” This casting choice exemplifies how Western filmmakers historically appropriated non-Western identities for storytelling, often reinforcing stereotypes and disregarding the authenticity of cultural representation.
In what ways does the film illustrate the problematic nature of white actors portraying Indian characters?
The film’s use of brownface highlights how colonial power structures extended into cinema, where non-white roles were given to white actors rather than Indian performers. This not only stripped Indian actors of opportunities but also perpetuated racial stereotypes. The lack of authenticity in the portrayal of Indian characters distorts cultural identities and reduces them to exotic caricatures, reflecting a dismissive and exploitative approach to representation.
How does Black Narcissus embody Orientalist tropes, and what impact does this have on the portrayal of Indian culture?
The film embodies Orientalist tropes by portraying India as an exotic, mystical, and morally ambiguous place. The lavish use of vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes serves to create an atmosphere of the “exotic other.” This representation aligns with Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, where the East is depicted as both alluring and dangerous, serving as a backdrop to the moral and spiritual struggles of the Western characters.
Discuss how the setting and mise-en-scène in Black Narcissus contribute to a Western, Orientalist perspective on India.
The remote Himalayan convent setting in Black Narcissus symbolises the isolation and alienation felt by the British nuns, highlighting a sense of cultural dissonance. The striking visual aesthetics—lush, colorful gardens contrasted with the stark, looming mountains—reinforce the idea of India as both seductive and foreboding. This aestheticization exorcizes Indian culture and nature while centring the narrative on the emotional turmoil of the Western characters rather than on the local people and their perspectives.
How does the film reflect British attitudes toward India during the period of decolonisation following World War II?
Released in 1947, the same year as Indian independence, Black Narcissus subtly reflects British anxieties about the collapse of empire. The British nuns’ struggle to maintain control and discipline in an Indian environment mirrors the fading grasp of colonial power. The film portrays the Indian setting as overpowering and unmanageable, suggesting the inevitable failure of British efforts to impose order on a land they fundamentally misunderstand.
In what ways does the film reflect the anxieties or challenges of the British Empire’s decline?
The sense of isolation and helplessness experienced by the nuns parallels Britain’s waning influence in India. The convent, initially meant to symbolize spiritual conquest, becomes a site of psychological collapse. This metaphor reflects the weakening of colonial authority and the struggle to adapt to a post-colonial reality.
How has the reception of Black Narcissus changed over time, particularly in relation to modern understandings of cultural appropriation and racial representation?
Initially, the film was lauded for its stunning cinematography and bold storytelling. However, modern audiences and critics have increasingly scrutinized its use of cultural appropriation, particularly the problematic practice of casting white actors in Indian roles. While it remains a cinematic classic, it is also critiqued as an artefact of its time, reflecting outdated and problematic racial attitudes.
How might a contemporary audience critique the portrayal of Indian characters and culture compared to audiences in 1947?
A contemporary audience would likely be more critical of the film’s racial insensitivity and its romanticization of colonialism. Modern viewers are more attuned to the importance of authentic representation and might view the film’s portrayal of Indian characters as both insensitive and damaging. The lack of authentic voices and perspectives from the Indian characters would also be seen as a major flaw today.
Discuss the role of the convent and how it symbolises the imposition of Western values on Indian culture.
The convent, once a palace of indulgence and sensuality, becomes a symbol of Western attempts to dominate and discipline the “exotic” East. The failure of the nuns to adapt to the environment or maintain control symbolizes the futility of imposing foreign values on an ancient and resilient culture.
