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Ismail Merchant Obituary
Merchant died at the hospital Wednesday, surrounded by friends and family, a spokesman at Merchant-Ivory's London office said.
Indian television news reported that Merchant had been unwell for some time and recently underwent surgery for abdominal ulcers.
Bombay-born Merchant and Ivory, an American, made some 40 films together, including "A Room With a View," "The Remains of the Day," "Howards End" and "Heat and Dust."
The pair won six Oscars - four for best picture - since their famous partnership began in 1961 with German-born screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.
Their hits, especially E.M. Forster adaptations such as "Room With a View" and "Howards End," helped revive audiences' taste for well-made, emotionally literate period dramas.
In an interview with The Associated Press last year, Merchant said Merchant-Ivory films worked because they captured great stories.
"It should be a good story - speak about a time and place that is permanent," he said. "It should capture something wonderful with some great characters whether it's set in the past or in the future."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
6 Entries
March 18, 2010
For Ismail...
A great film maker.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Sheryl Glenn
June 2, 2005
I was saddened after hearing the news of Ismail Merchant passing. Movies made with James Ivory were favorites of mine. The rerelease of Howard's End on CD was for me a very long awaited event. To have the chance to hear how Ismail and James collaborated on this and all their project, with the help of their company colleagues, have given us a library of great films. Ismail Merchant will be missed.
Sincerely,
Hagan Thomas
June 1, 2005
Mr. Ismail Merchant -
Though I did not know him personally or really even of him I am saddened by the passing of Mr. Ismail Merchant.
Reading the account of his life and work in Atlanta's Journal-Constitution, 05-26-2005, the words of Mr. Merchant's collaborator in film, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, speak volumes for which Mr. Merchant is with her and Mr. James Ivory owed "Thanks." 'Once he's made up his mind to make a film, he makes it. Nothing can get in his way.'
I am thankful nothing got in the way of his making 'Maurice'. Right spelling or wrong pronunciation, my mother knew a Maurice(Morris) before me, I cannot help but believe the title is prophetic as well as the classy handling of the subject. I am sure others may owe Mr. Merchant a debt of thanks but I will only speak for me. We should all be so lucky as to have a filmmaker and his collaborators bring us to tears so heartfelt and true.
If I had the votes Maurice would be holding an Academy Award too and though it came first A Room With A View is Like Maurice Part II.
Excellent career, excellent rest.
Thank you, Mr. Merchant and may God Bless.
How you can show support
J. A. (Al) Warman
May 25, 2005
The world's better off for his having been here.
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