Ismail Merchant (1936–2005)

One of the most overused words in my vocabulary has always been "process". I think this must be because it seems that all sorts of works from all sorts of genres require their respective processes so as to be able to grow, evolve, and develop; as do all sorts of people. The finished product may be a published book, a film, a healed person. Thanks to process (there I go again) the finished product is often the result of some transformation from a spark of intuition to story and dialogue to show more the the finished work.

This book is not only a short chronicle of of the process (this time Merchant did not have a house to work around as in Howards End, but the face, stature and unmistakeable voice of the legendary Jeanne Moreau) but also a sort of sample of the finished film, its script. Not only is the reader treated to intimate details of the obstacles at every step of this particular process (!) but the triumph at the end. The book, script and film are thus rather special. They are a peek into a world of creation that we, the movie audiences, are rarely given access to. If only there were more accounts such as these written around such special films. show less

Parveen's Tomato Chutney = Parveen ki Tamatar Chutni, p.228, good. Merchant seems to skip a step; else you'd have boiled whole tomatoes.
Ismail's Superb Turkey Stuffing = Khas Feelmurgh ka Masala, p.98; truly superb.
Potatoes and Peas = Aloo Mattar, p.138; good.
Green Dal with Tomato = Moong Dal, p.202; good.

It's all about Tuscany, no doubt.

Some inner pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/vegefoodie/sets/72157615807228592/