20/3/2008: ANTHONY MINGHELLA DIES

Oscar winning director of The English Patient, Anthony Minghella died of a hemorrhage in a London hospital on Tuesday this week, aged 54. Australian cinematographer John Seale (who also won an Oscar for The English Patient,) said he is shocked by the suddenness of Minghella’s death. “He was such a sensitive family man, and a very creative filmmaker, great to work with.

“Anthony was a lovely, lovely man,” Seale continued, “always appreciative of others’ work. Actors loved him … he was magic with words.”

Minghella most recently directed the BBC/WeinsteinCo./HBO telemovie, No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, based on Alexander McCall Smith’s novel set in Botswana, which is due to premiere March 23 on BBC1. He co-wrote and co-exec produced the adaptation with Richard Curtis.

His last movie was Breaking and Entering in 2006, also for the Weinstein Co. His other movie credits include Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr Ripley (both with John Seale) Mr Wonderful and Truly Madly Deeply.

He recently stepped down as chairman of the British Film Institute after serving four years in the role. He was a partner with Sydney Pollack in Mirage Enterprises, and served as producer on Mirage pics, including The Interpreter, Catch a Fire and The Reader.

With Juliette Binoche and Robin Wright Penn (Breaking and Entering, Sept 2006); With Jude Law, Nicole Kidman (Cold Mountain, Jan 2004)