Merchant Ivory

In the 1980s and '90s, Merchant Ivory Productions became synonymous with prestige arthouse cinema, known for its stunning cinematography, lush settings, elegant costumes, enchanting music, complex characters, and literary adaptations. The company was led by director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant, who first met at the Indian Consulate in New York. Despite their different backgrounds, the pair formed an inseparable professional and personal bond, although the latter was "understood, but never talked about." With the addition of screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and composer Richard Robbins, they created a powerhouse team. Despite their films' success, the company often operated on tight budgets, leading to challenges on set, including a notable industrial action by a prominent actor. Filmmaker Stephen Soucy explores the struggles behind Merchant Ivory’s elegant façade, sharing amusing and candid stories from cast and crew. With interviews featuring stars like Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson, and Hugh Grant, the film offers a fascinating look into a partnership that produced 43 groundbreaking films over four decades.