Narcissus
Narcissus

Movie spotlight

Narcissus

1983
Movie
22 min
English

In this short film by Norman McLaren, dancers enact the Greek tragedy of Narcissus, the beautiful youth whose excessive self-love condemned him to a trapped existence. Skilfully merging film, dance and music, the film is a compendium of the techniques McLaren acquired over a lifetime of experimentation.

Insights

Director: Jerry CiccorittiGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In a small Ontario town, a gifted young woman named Narcissus struggles with her burgeoning sexuality and her complicated relationship with her mother. As she navigates adolescence, she finds solace and confusion in her interactions with a local boy and encounters the harsh realities of provincial life. The film explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the pain of growing up.

Critical Reception

Narcissus was a Canadian independent film that premiered at festivals and received a limited release. It garnered attention for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman's coming-of-age and its strong performances, particularly from lead Kate Reid. While not a mainstream hit, it was appreciated by critics for its artistic merit and its unflinching look at adolescent turmoil.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive and nuanced depiction of a young woman's awakening.

  • Kate Reid's central performance was highlighted as a significant strength.

  • Noted for its honest exploration of difficult themes surrounding adolescence and sexuality.

Google audience: As an older, independent Canadian film, specific Google user reviews for 'Narcissus (1983)' are not readily available in aggregated form. However, general audience reception for films of this nature often focuses on the emotional resonance of the storytelling and the authenticity of the characters' experiences.

Fun Fact

The film was directed by Jerry Ciccoritti, who would go on to have a prolific career directing episodes of many popular Canadian and American television series.

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