RIP Anthony Minghella

[PaigntonPearl]

Anthony Minghella, a British filmmaker who won an Academy Award for his direction of “The English Patient,” died Tuesday morning in London.

Mr. Minghella, 54, died of complications from surgery to treat tonsil cancer, according to Leslee Dart, his publicist.

Mr. Minghella’s films, which also included “Breaking and Entering,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Cold Mountain,” used a careful eye for cultural and historical detail to explore how the dynamics of class pushed people into roles and behavior not of their choosing.

His gifts for building lush, fully realized worlds within worlds also found expression in opera. Mr. Minghella directed an acclaimed staging of “Madama Butterfly” in 2006, and he was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera to direct and write the libretto for a new work by the composer Osvaldo Golijov that was slated for the 2011-2012 season.

Mr. Minghella recently completed work on “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency,” an adaptation of the Alexander McCall Smith novel that was filmed in Botswana for HBO and the BBC as the pilot of a series.

Mr. Minghella first began working in theater, both as a writer and a director. Samuel Beckett was a particular fascination; Mr. Minghella organized a star-studded tribute to Beckett in 2006.

After his movie-directing debut in “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” a made-for-television production that was released theatrically in 1990, Mr. Minghella went on to adapt a number of novels for a series of well-reviewed films. In addition to the directing Oscar for “The English Patient,” Mr. Minghella also received an adapted-screenplay nomination for the film; his screenplay for “The Talented Mr. Ripley” was nominated as well.

[lou☺]

Very sad to hear, saw alot on the news last night.  RIP  Anthony 

[Gerry]

When I hear that a celebrity has died, I have no emotions whatsoever.

When I hear of one of the Forum members Parents, Relations or Friends have died, I can’t help feeling for them, but as I’ve never known them, my grief is limited to the survivor and I’d always be there to support them, as I know from experience, how over-whelming grief for a loved one is, but trying to describe grief is impossible but I know that it can be very consuming.

When my wife passed away, the support I received from most members was something I will always remember with deep appreciation and merely writing about it, was, and still is, very therapeutic.

As I think I said in one of my previous Posts, “I’m like the proverbial elephant, I never forget”

End of Sermon   

[99]

know the feeling Gerry, and like wise. Don't have emotions over someone I don't know, but do care about the person I do know, who is trying to cope with the loss.
As for celebrities, it depends on why they are famous. Arthur C Clarke was not just a Sci Fi writer, and was famous for good reasons. Anthony Minghella  similarly.

[dreamer]

Truly madly deeply is one of the best films I have ever seen, the story fantastic and the acting was superb one of the most moving films ever, so for that I thank this guy.

[PaigntonPearl]

My favourite is The English Patient.  That was such a cool film.  It's sad to think that someone so brilliant has died so young.  Even though I didn't know him personally, I'm sad because I think his passing is a loss to humanity.

[Gerry]

I think sad is a little strong a term to use.  When JFK was assassinated, I was shocked; when John Lennon was assassinated; I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to hear any new music that he’d compose, but sad? Definitely, no

[PaigntonPearl]

You're a hard-hearted fella, Gerry!

[Gerry]

You're a hard-hearted fella, Gerry!

To be completely honest, I'm a HUGE softy.  I feel deeply for these people in third world and war torn countries, but celebrities have lived the 'Good Life' which I don't object to, as they've earned it but the 'Good Life' all the same.  I would feel deeply for an under privileged child who died from hunger or abuse, but for a Celebrity? No

[dreamer]

I agree with your veiws gerry we didnt know the guy on a personal level ,so im not sad that he has died but I am pleased he left some good work for us to remember. It is like when princess diana died some of the outpourings of hysterical grief were ridiculous. True grief and sadness is only for the immediate family and true circle of friends.   

[PaigntonPearl]

Well, I would disagree with Gerry that Anthony Minghella was a "celebrity".  He was a well-known artist.  I think of Paris Hilton as a "celebrity".  They are hardly in the same league!

[Gerry]

You may disagree PP, but I would classify a celebrity as a person well known to the public.  Actors, Singers, Sportsmen/Women, Astronauts, etc.  In fact, the list is endless

[raddison]

celebrity
n   noun (plural celebrities)
1   a famous person.
2   the state of being famous.

ORIGIN
   Middle English (in the sense 'solemn ceremony'): from Old French celebrite or Latin celebritas, from celeber, celebr- 'frequented or honoured'.

Would this help in the deffinition taken from COED, I also read it that he was a celebrity. IMHO