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Merchant Ivory (film)

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Merchant Ivory
Directed byStephen Soucy
Written by
  • Stephen Soucy
  • Jon Hart
Produced by
  • Stephen Soucy
  • Jon Hart
Starring
Cinematography
  • E. Matthew Cady
  • Sefa Karatekin
Edited byJon Hart
Music byRyan Homsey
Distributed by
Release date
  • September 2, 2023 (2023-09-02) (Telluride Film Festival)
Running time
112 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Merchant Ivory is a 2023 documentary film directed by Stephen Soucy that examines the history of Merchant Ivory Productions, the filmmaking partnership between director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant.[1][2][3]

Synopsis

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The film documents the history of Merchant Ivory Productions, which produced films such as A Room with a View (1985), Howards End (1992), and The Remains of the Day (1993).[4] It covers the partnership between Ismail Merchant, an Indian-born producer, and James Ivory, an American director, from their meeting in 1961 through their collaboration on over 40 films. The documentary addresses their focus on literary adaptations and period dramas, as well as challenges like financial constraints and cultural differences. It includes interviews with actors such as Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, and Vanessa Redgrave, screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and other associates of Merchant Ivory Productions.[5]

The film also explores the romantic and personal relationship between Merchant and Ivory, which was kept private for much of their lives, using archival footage and personal anecdotes to illustrate their dynamic and its influence on their work.[6]

Production

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Director Stephen Soucy began developing the documentary in 2019, after completing a 5-minute short animated film, Rich Atmosphere: The Music in Merchant Ivory Films, with James Ivory providing the narration for the project.[2] He conducted interviews with surviving Merchant Ivory collaborators in locations including New York, London, Paris, and Mumbai, with James Ivory’s home in Claverack, New York, significantly featured.[7] Archival material was accessed from the James Ivory Collection at the University of Oregon, including behind-the-scenes footage, letters, and photographs.[8]

Release

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Merchant Ivory had its world premiere at DOC NYC in November 2023.[9] It was featured with three screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2024, accompanied by a Merchant Ivory retrospective.[10] The documentary was also screened at BFI Flare in March 2024, with a significant Merchant Ivory contingent present, including actor Helena Bonham Carter.[11] It was distributed by Cohen Media Group for a limited theatrical release in North America in late 2023.[12] The film became available for streaming on platforms including MUBI, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Curzon Home Cinema. A three-year contract with Turner Classic Movies facilitated significant opening coverage for the documentary.[13]

Reception

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Critical Response

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The documentary received attention for its focus on Merchant Ivory’s filmography and partnership. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 95% based on 44 reviews.[14] Leonard Maltin wrote, “Not every documentary about filmmaking successfully dives beneath the surface as this one does.”[15] David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter stated, “Anyone with a fondness for these movies and for tales of what might be described as a gentlemen guerrilla filmmaking operation will find immense pleasure here.”[6] Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described it as “a handsome, thorough tribute to the remarkable independent production company.”[16] Mark Kermode, writing for the BBC, noted, “I defy anyone to watch this doc and not then want to revisit the Merchant Ivory back catalogue.” The Irish Times commented, “Stephen Soucy’s documentary lifts up the petticoats of the prestigious production house. A rollicking account of a long movie partnership that was flying by the seat of its pants.”[5]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
2024 Miami Film Festival Best Documentary Stephen Soucy Nominated [17]
2025 Dorian Awards LGBTQ Documentary Of The Year Stephen Soucy and Jon Hart Nominated [18]

References

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  1. ^ "'Merchant Ivory' Trailer: A Tribute to the Quietly Revolutionary Producers Behind Beloved Period Classics". indiewire.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  2. ^ a b ""Merchant Ivory" Director Stephen Soucy on His Must-See Doc for Film Lovers". motionpictures.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  3. ^ "Merchant Ivory review – an affectionate yet shallow biodoc". lwlies.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  4. ^ "From Hugh Grant to Emma Thompson, "It was on everyone's checklist to make a Merchant Ivory film"". salon.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  5. ^ a b "Merchant Ivory: Stephen Soucy's documentary lifts up the petticoats of the prestigious production house". irishtimes.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  6. ^ a b "'Merchant Ivory' Review: Illuminating Doc Examines the Private and Professional Sides of an Enduring Film Partnership". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  7. ^ "James Ivory's Home Befits His Extraordinary Life". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  8. ^ "Merchant Ivory partnership focus of UAlbany alum's documentary". collaborativemagazine.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  9. ^ "Merchant Ivory". docnyc.net. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  10. ^ "Merchant Ivory". psfilmfest.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  11. ^ "38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival full programme announced". bfi.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  12. ^ "Merchant Ivory". cohenmedia.net. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  13. ^ "Merchant Ivory". mubi.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  14. ^ "Merchant Ivory". rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  15. ^ "MERCHANT IVORY: A UNIQUE LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES". leonardmaltin.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  16. ^ "Merchant Ivory review – handsome tribute to the masters of refined costume drama". theguardian.com. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  17. ^ "Merchant Ivory". miamifilmfestival2024.eventive.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  18. ^ "2025 Dorian Film Awards". galeca.org. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
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