Customer Reviews

James Ivory in Conversation: How Merchant Ivory Makes Its Movies

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The production values of a famous film auteur are revealed in Robert Emmet Long's book, JAMES IVORY IN CONVERSATION.

Merchant Ivory production secrets are revealed in great detail, with much gossip and in great depth. Long's questions are very knowledgeable, and James Ivory's answers are candid, humorous and often quite pointed. We learn much about his relationship with Anthony Hopkins. We find out such how frightening the Eiffel Tower scene was for the actors in LE DIVORCE. And, we go behind the scenes as Ivory interviews various cast members and finally lands them for roles in his beautiful movies.

His partnership with the late Ismail Merchant is set before us warmly, and his appreciation for India, Paris and Venice are detailed delightfully.

Throughout the interview, Ivory gives the specifics of his many uses for art and artists in his films. The difficulties in working with Picasso's family are well told, and the fabrication of many pieces of art for his films (with permission from the artists, of course) is well explained and fascinating.

Students of film and art will be smiling throughout the book as the settings in so many wonderful films are described with life-like realism.

Reviewed by Larry Rochelle, Author of BOURBON AND BLISS, DEATH AND DEVOTION, THE MEPHISTO DIARY, GULF GHOST and BLUE ICE.