Do you know that James Ivory is the oldest Academy Award-winner at 89? Yes! Plus, a few years he is now 96 years old and still active in film & scriptwriting. Born in 1928, Sir James has seen many civilisations, world wars, and lives changing with time, like God. Needless to say, his perspective is Gold, and screenwriting is ivory, just as his name. Let’s see his top 5 creations below.
1. A Room With a View (1985)
Directed by James Ivory, this film is his first ever Oscar-winning film. It’s a sweet British romance story of Lucy Honeychurch. She visits Florence on vacation and gets a room without a view of the Grand River Arno. She swaps rooms with a handsome gentleman, George Emersoon. Soon, they pick up feelings amidst their restrictions and boundaries. Finally, they marry and honeymoon in the same room with a view. Such a poetic film! Streaming Partner: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
IMDb: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 100% My Rating: 5/5
2. Howards End (1992)
The story revolves around the Schlegal sisters, Intellectual Margaret & Helen. Their lives change with marital relationships to the Wilcoxes. Margaret’s close relationship with the elder Ruth Wilcox promises her the inheritance of Howards End, the country home. But her demise and her husband’s being the son and man of the house led to tension and disparities in that era, focusing on gender roles and preconceptions. This film attained the second Best Director award for James Ivory. Streaming Partner: Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 94% My Rating: 5/5
3. The Remains of the Day (1993)
Set in England’s aftermath of World War II, James Stevens is a prideful butler who has served decades at the Darlington Household. He goes on a road trip to meet his former lover and peer, Miss. Kenton. His feelings were dominated by an unwavering sense of duty and loyalty, which cost him a life full of personal regrets. This film has given James his third Oscar for Best Director, along with others for Best Actress and Best Actor. Streaming Partner: Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 96% My Rating: 5/5
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4. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
In this, James Ivory received his fourth Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Indeed! This film is an untouched classic starring Timothée Chalamet & Armie Hammer. In a small Italian village, Elio is a young teen discovering his sexuality and falls hard for his dad’s part-time assistant, Oliver. Despite the age gap, they form a burning affair, and “Call Me By Your Name” is their way of showing intimacy, that you are mine. It ended with a heartbreak, but in a meaningful way. Streaming Partner: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV
IMDb: 7.8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% My Rating: 4.8/5
5. Maurice (1987)
Another very enlightening and unique film revolving around LGBTQ & societal pride. It’s the story of young Cambridge students Maurice Hall & Clive Durham who embark on an intense affair despite the heavy regression towards Homosexuality in Britain. Soon, Clive marries Anne for her reputation. But their strong fondness breaks the barriers. At the end, they leave the traditional London outlines together, for a meaningful life. Streaming Partner: Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 82% My Rating: 4.5/5
Conclusion:
James Ivory has dedicated his whole life to writing and filmmaking. His unique way of presenting revolutionary love stories across genders and boundaries is a festival of true cinema and direction. Let’s clap for the legend, wish for more wonderful pieces, and long live his reign of beautiful filmmaking.
Written by – Meghana Pinninti