The Merchant Ivory film “The White Countess” marks a sad sign in the history of one of cinema's most celebrated independent enterprises.

The historical drama was nearly finished when producer Ismail Merchant died in May last year, at the age of 68.

Director James Ivory says reports of the demise of Merchant Ivory have been grossly exaggerated: “It is only the last Merchant Ivory film in the sense that Ismail won't be a living presence, around all the time guiding everything”.

The pair formed Merchant Ivory Productions going on to make more than 30 films together.

The 1992 “Howards End” won three out of the nine Oscars for which it was nominated.

Other films included “Remains of the Day” - nominated for eight Oscars in 1994, including best picture and best director - Maurice, “A Room with a View and Surviving Picasso”.

The new film, starring Ralph Fiennes, who plays a blind US former diplomat who falls in love with the impoverished Russian countess, played by Natasha Richardson, in inter-war China.

"Ismail was very proud of the film and very pleased with how it turned out - and provided me with the highly useful suggestions I've always relied on", said Ivory, quoted by BBC News.

As BBC News remarks, Ivory is pleased the White Countess is out and the company can try to move forward after Merchant's death.
Ivory is preparing to go to Argentina next to film “The City of Your Final Destination”.



Publication date: 30 March 2006   

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