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Merchant Ivory: A Cinematic Legacy Revisited
The world of cinema is about to be graced with a documentary that delves into one of the most iconic partnerships in film history. “Merchant Ivory,” directed by Stephen Soucy, is set to hit theaters on August 30 in select markets, including New York and Los Angeles, before expanding nationwide in September. This documentary promises to offer an intimate look at the professional and personal partnership of director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant, whose production company, Merchant Ivory Productions, became synonymous with nuanced literary adaptations in the 1980s and 1990s.
A journey through cinematic excellence
“Merchant Ivory” is not just a documentary; it’s a journey through the annals of cinematic excellence. The film chronicles the pair’s road to success and how their company became a beacon of quality in the film industry. With over 40 productions spanning nearly 50 years, Merchant Ivory Productions has left an indelible mark on film culture. Their Academy Award-winning films like “A Room With a View” and “Howards End” are just the tip of the iceberg. Other notable works include “The Remains of the Day,” “Mr. & Mrs. Bridge,” and “Maurice.”
For those eager to dive deeper into these masterpieces, you can watch the trailers and get more information here:
The documentary is structured into chapters, each dedicated to key figures in the Merchant Ivory legacy. These include Ismail Merchant, James Ivory, screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and composer Richard Robbins. The film features interviews with crew members and frequent collaborators like Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, and Hugh Grant. Through a blend of talking heads and archival footage, “Merchant Ivory” paints a vivid picture of the duo’s 44-film partnership, both professionally and as a couple.
A personal reflection from James Ivory
James Ivory, now 96 years old, expressed his excitement about the documentary’s release. “The New York and Los Angeles release of Stephen Soucy’s ‘Merchant Ivory’ documentary next month is great news to me,” says Ivory. “His film has been a crowd-pleaser in all sorts of places, so if it results in the public’s introduction to some of Merchant Ivory’s films that haven’t been around lately … There are films of ours that ought to be as available as the familiar English ones like ‘A Room With a View,’ ‘Howards End,’ and ‘The Remains of the Day,’ but are rarely seen, and some are our best: ‘Quartet,’ ‘Mr. and Mrs. Bridge,’ ‘A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,’ ‘In Custody,’ ‘The City of Your Final Destination.’ Long in coming maybe, but Stephen Soucy has made them live again.”
For those interested in exploring these lesser-known gems, here are the links to their trailers:
A celebration of Merchant Ivory’s legacy
The documentary made its world premiere at DOC NYC and has since been acquired by Cohen Media Group, which plans to give it a theatrical release. “Coming off a fantastic ‘Merchant Ivory’ festival run, I’m excited for Cohen Media’s theatrical release of the documentary,” says Soucy. “Ismail Merchant and James Ivory’s contributions to independent filmmaking are unmatched. I’m gratified audiences will have the opportunity to re-experience the cinematic beauty of Merchant Ivory films on the big screen and be inspired by the on-camera stories from the many artists who made them.”
To celebrate the release of “Merchant Ivory,” the Quad Cinema in Manhattan will host a weeklong retrospective from August 23-29. This event will feature restorations of iconic Merchant Ivory films, including “Howards End,” “Maurice,” and “The Bostonians.”
For those who wish to revisit these classics, here are the links to their trailers:
As we await the release of “Merchant Ivory,” it’s a perfect time to reflect on the enduring legacy of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant. Their films have not only entertained but also enriched our understanding of human relationships, societal norms, and the beauty of literary adaptations. The documentary promises to be a fitting tribute to their remarkable journey, offering both longtime fans and new audiences a chance to appreciate the timeless elegance of Merchant Ivory Productions.
