ANTHONY MINGHELLA
Jan. 6, 1954-March 18, 2008
By Jude Law
I think it is clear from his work that Anthony Minghella had a great heart. It is also clear that he was a romantic. He adored language and as much the secrets of what isn't said as what is. The fusion between life and music were as important to him as the written word. Ant believed in people. His subtle understanding of people is what makes his interpretation of souls so engaging in his work. In life too he loved people. When I returned to London for his funeral, I was greeted at the airport by a BA staff member. Whilst walking me to my car she remarked that she had once met Mr. Minghella — ''What a lovely man he was.'' Such was the effect of Ant on everyone he met, if only once! He greeted you with fixed eyes, a very firm hand and always remembered names. You knew he was talking to you with his soft carefully chosen words. Perhaps rarer, you knew he was listening.
I am so very glad to have worked on three of his films. Pleased that those three films varied between the outrageous fortune of a sweeping period epic and the shoestring of a domestic drama. I am immensely proud now to have been asked to comment on his great life because of my 'special' relationship with him. Mostly though I am deeply sad. Sad that this fine man and artist has left us so soon, sad when I think of the potential unmade work. Sad because my friend, my fellow Capricorn, stubborn, loyal, isolated goat has gone from my future. Devastated to see his wonderful family without him.
The world is a sadder place without this warm, complicated, loving hug of a man. I shall miss his illegible scribbled notes and his huge strong hands that grabbed yours and then never let go. Was he holding your hand to guide you? Or for his own security? I think both.
Look back at his work. For most of us that's all we have. Inside them is so much of him. Be loving. Be yourself. Be brave and true. Hum a tune. LOVE THERE. As he always signed off.
Minghella, 54, died of complications from tonsil-cancer surgery in London.
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