The English Patient

The English Patient is a novel by Michael Ondaatje which deals with the gradually revealed histories of a critically burned man, his Canadian nurse, a thief, and a British Army sapper as they live out the end of World War II in an Italian monastery.

Film

In 1996, Ondaatje's novel was made into a film by Anthony Minghella. Ondaatje worked closely with the filmmakers and has stated that he is happy with the film as an adaptation.

Related Topics:
1996 - Anthony Minghella

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In the film, the character of Count de Almásy, played by Ralph Fiennes, is heavily fictionalised. A good factual overview is provided in the 2002 Saul Kelly book, The Hunt for Zerzura: The Lost Oases and the Desert War.

Related Topics:
Ralph Fiennes - Saul Kelly

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In his book, The Conversations : Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film, Ondaatje describes how the different layers of the filmmaking process come together. A special focus is placed on the work of the editor of the film, Walter Murch. With over a 40 time transitions, the movie was a puzzle that was put together again and again over the course of one year. Walter Murch won an Academy award for his editing and another one for his contribution to the film's sound.

Related Topics:
Walter Murch

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The motion picture also received much critical acclaim and was a major award winner as well as a box office success. It won the Academy Award, the Golden Globe Award and the BAFTA Award for best picture.

Related Topics:
Box office - Academy Award - Golden Globe Award - BAFTA Award

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Critics of the film accuse it of professing narcissism hidden behind a non-linear, melodramatic plot.

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Production:

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• Director: Anthony Minghella
• Producer: Saul Zaentz
• Original story: Michael Ondaatje from his novel
• Screenplay adaption: Anthony Minghella
• Cinematography: John Seale
• Music: Gabriel Yared, Johann Sebastian Bach, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers

Running time: 160 min.

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