Anyone who grew up with the films of the 80s and 90s will know the name of Merchant Ivory. At their height of success, James Ivory and Ismail Merchant created, produced and were awarded the highest of accolades for films such as Room with a View, Howard’s End, Remains of the Day and more.
This documentary with James Ivory at the centre – Ishmail Merchant passed in 2005 – should be essential viewing for film students. But more so, it explores the personalities of these two extraordinary characters who built a creative powerhouse, broke social barriers and a derived deep respect and admiration from their peers.
The couple’s professional and personal lives were inextricably linked through their partnership and the stories on screen. Joined by novelist Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (screenwriter) and Richard Robbins (composer), the quartet did for film what the Bloomsbury set did for literature. The actors and crew who signed on – Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Samuel West, Hugh Grant just to name a few – describe their experience as life-altering.
Merchant Ivory, The Documentary premieres as part of the 2024 British Film Festival. Check your local guides for screening times.
About Merchant Ivory, The Documentary
Length: 110mins
Language: English
Rating: PG
Directed by Stephen Soucy
Stars James Ivory, Emma Thompson, Samuel West, Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter
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