BLACK NARCISSUS

Not only one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema’s true visionaries (Powell & Pressburger), but also one of the greatest color films of the twentieth century and one of Scorsese’s absolute favorites. This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh finds five missionary nuns — played by some of Britain’s finest actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Kathleen Byron and Flora Robson — struggling to establish a convent in the Himalayas while isolation, extreme weather, altitude and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned nuns mad. The film is also known for its extensive special effects, and won its cinematographer Jack Cardiff a well-deserved Oscar.