Ismail Merchant and James Ivory

1 Jan 1972

Fascinating early-career interview with the prolific filmmaking partners, following the release of their film Savages.

Produced as part of the University of London's 'In Conversation' series of filmed interviews, this sees the esteemed American film critic and programmer Richard Roud (who was artistic director of both the London and New York film festivals in the 1960s) interview director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant on December 14 1972 about their recent, untypical film Savages (1972) - a fantasy in which a group of 'primitive' men and women take residence in a grand manor house, and take on the trappings of 'civilisation'.

The programme alternates between clips from the feature itself and the filmed interview. The discussion notes that the film is the pair's first film made outside of India, after four features shot and set there - though Ivory argues that Savages shares with their earlier work a concern with historical issues.

They discuss the challenge the actors faced in portraying such a fantastical scenario, which Ivory notes was one that the younger actors in particular embraced. They also talk about projects they are working on, including a project co-written with celebrated journalist Lillian Ross concerning the wealthy Chinese community who live on New York's Park Avenue - one which, regrettably, ultimately never materialised.

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Non Fiction

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