LONDON (AP) - Indian-born filmmaker Ismail Merchant, who with partner James Ivory became synonymous with classy costume drama, has died at the age of 68, his production company said Wednesday.
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
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...
March 18, 2010
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,
Sheryl Glenn
June 02, 2005 | Hutchinson, KS
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.'...
Hagan Thomas
June 01, 2005 | Columbus, GA
Remembered By
Ahmed Afroz
May 29, 2005 | San Jose, CA
Remembered By
LINDA TRACY
May 26, 2005 | CLEVELAND, OH
The world's better off for his having been here.
J. A. (Al) Warman
May 25, 2005 | Granite Falls, WA
