Ever since I started this blog I’ve wanted to write something about the 1946 Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger film “A Matter of Life and Death”, not just because it’s one of the greatest British films ever made but it also had things to say about Englishness and the importance of our values and character in the modern, American-dominated world. I never could get it written though but with the death this week of it’s legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff I thought I’d just present the opening scene as a tribute to his astonishing work. You could argue whether or not it’s the greatest British film ever made, but I certainly think this is the greatest, most emotionally gripping opening to a film ever.

Cardiff’s most famous work was on Powell’s “Black Narcissus” the following year which must be the most gorgeous, sumptuous and erotic film about nuns ever made, due in no small part to Cardiff’s incredible Technicolor photography. Every shot of the film is worthy of framing and putting on a wall.

The scene where Kathleen Byron goes crazy is rightly famous, and even though she’s mad as a hatter what man hasn’t watched that and felt a little charge run up his leg when she puts her lipstick on? It reminds me of every beautiful but crazy girl I’ve ever known, you know they’re dangerous but you can’t help yourself. Though luckily I’ve never met one who wanted to push me off a cliff.