“Each film in some way is like a strange summary of yourself at any one time.”

Although born (1954) on the Isle of Wight, Anthony Minghella was the child of Italian immigrants.  He became interested in drama at school and went on to gain a first degree and a doctorate in English drama at the University of Hull.  As a post-graduate student he made a film about his Italian grandmother, and although it took him a long while to repay the cost, it gave him a passion for making movies.  He began working as a humble scriptwriter on TV in the 80s, though he also wrote for the theatre, winning prizes for his works.  His directing debut was Truly, Madly, Deeply, which film launched him on to his brilliant career which includes the notable and award-winning films The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley.  As well as directing for film and television Minghella also wrote, produced and wrote and arranged music.  He had just completed a film version of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency when he died suddenly after an operation to remove a tumour.  He was 54.