Summary- Don’t forget to check out these top five movies of James Ivory which are way ahead of their time. Regardless of its release year, all of these movies pose as timeless art in the movie industry.
Born in 1928, Sir James Ivory has seen many civilisations, world wars, and lives changing with time, like God. Plus, he is now 97 years old and still active in film & scriptwriting. Needless to say, his perspective is Gold, and screenwriting is ivory, just as his name. Throughout his career he has given one blockbuster after another. Each film he directed is an art on its own. When we look back in time and in a few of his early directed films one can tell that his plots have been way ahead of its time. His films dive into some of the most controversial topics which are still relevant at this age. Let’s see his top 5 creations below.
5. A Room With a View
This film is his first Oscar-winning film. It’s a sweet British romance story of Lucy Honeychurch. There is another angle with the romance, which made this movie unique for its time. The female character here is a hyper-independent woman, and the film is set in the era of waves of feminism. This plot really made an impact. Lucy visits Florence on vacation and gets a room without a view of the Grand River Arno. She then swaps rooms with 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!
4. Howards End
The story revolves around the Schlegel 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.
3. The Remains of the Day
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. This film combines intricate themes of duty and loyalty. The ambivalence in the characters’ minds reflects a deeper meaning when we take a look at this movie from a psychological perspective.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Bridge
Though this movie has less ratings compared to others in this list. However this was worth mentioning for its value and beautiful storyline it brought to the cinema. The conservative couple Mr. and Mrs. Bridge who reside in Kansas City face issues when their offspring try to embrace modern life. Mr. Bridge holds his conservative morals very dear to himself and faces challenges when his children rebel against his values. This film is also important for James Ivory because this was the first time he focused on a complete Midwestern American setting and a middle-class family setting. Which also was a symbol for his own upbringing.
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1. Maurice
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. The theme of this movie revolving around lgbtq+ has a huge impact on the viewers. The film was released in 1987, with the society still lingering around topics on sexuality, this storyline was a bold move on James Ivory’s part.
Conclusion:
James Ivory has dedicated his time to giving audiences blockbusters after another. His unique way of presenting revolutionary love stories across genders and boundaries is a festival of true cinema and direction. Each movie he directed brought a different perspective and angle to the world. All of the themes and clever storytelling under his direction have been truly unique in the entire industry. He is one of those directors who takes inspiration from around the globe. It is an art in itself to watch a movie that truly resonates with the viewers, and with directors like Ivory, we get to experience each time there is a new story on display. Only a few movies can keep you hooked each time you watch, and the films in this list are the definition of such.
Written by Kenbi Riba
