Ismail Merchant

Ismail Merchant (25 December 1936 – 25 May 2005) was an Indian film producer, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for the films he produced through his collaboration with James Ivory, forming the renowned production company Merchant Ivory Productions. Their films are celebrated for their meticulous attention to period detail and their literary adaptations.

Early Life

Ismail Merchant was born in Bombay, British India (now Mumbai, India). He was educated at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and later moved to the United States to study at New York University.

Career

Merchant's career in film began in the early 1960s. He met James Ivory at a screening in New York, and the two formed a professional partnership that would last for over four decades. Their first film together was The Householder (1963), based on a novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who would become a frequent collaborator.

Merchant Ivory Productions

Merchant Ivory Productions became known for its high-quality films, often adaptations of literary works. Some of their most acclaimed films include A Room with a View (1985), Howards End (1992), and The Remains of the Day (1993). These films received numerous Academy Award nominations and wins.

Directorial Work

In addition to producing, Merchant also directed several films. His directorial works include In Custody (1993) and The Proprietor (1996). His films often explored themes of cultural identity and the clash between tradition and modernity.

Personal Life

Merchant was known for his culinary skills and published several cookbooks. He was also a philanthropist, supporting various causes in India and the United States.

Death

Ismail Merchant passed away on 25 May 2005 in London, England, due to complications from surgery. His legacy continues through the films of Merchant Ivory Productions and the impact they had on the film industry.

Legacy

Merchant's work has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema, particularly in the genre of period dramas and literary adaptations. His films are studied in film schools and continue to be celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance.

Selected Filmography

• The Householder (1963)
• Shakespeare Wallah (1965)
• A Room with a View (1985)
• Maurice (1987)
• Howards End (1992)
• The Remains of the Day (1993)
• Jefferson in Paris (1995)
• The Golden Bowl (2000)

Awards and Honors

Merchant received numerous awards throughout his career, including several Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. His contributions to cinema were recognized with various lifetime achievement awards.

See Also

• James Ivory
• Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
• Merchant Ivory Productions
• List of Indian film producers