British director John Irvin, whose career covered television, documentaries and Hollywood cinema, has died aged 86. The filmmaker passed away peacefully at his home on August 11 as reported by The Sun.John Irvin was recognised for his versatility across different genres including spy dramas, war movies, action films, horror stories and period dramas.The director was also a three-time BAFTA Award nominee. His career began with documentary filmmaking before he moved into television and feature films.
John Irvin’s early career in documentaries
John Irvin studied at the London Film School and became associated with the Free Cinema Movement. His early professional work focused largely on documentaries.One of his notable early projects was ‘Inheritance’, a documentary short released in 1963. The film explored the Algerian War of Independence.In 1967, John Irvin directed ‘Mafia No!’, a short film that earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Short Film. Two years later, he travelled to Vietnam to capture footage of the war for US newsreel company Movietone.
‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ‘ became a career highlight
John Irvin made his transition into television during the 1970s. His work included the 1977 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ‘Hard Times’.That same year, he directed the BBC’s television adaptation of John le Carré’s ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’. Alec Guinness played intelligence officer George Smiley in the acclaimed miniseries.
John Irvin’s Hollywood film career
John Irvin later established himself as a feature filmmaker in Hollywood. His filmography included several movies that covered very different genres.He directed ‘The Dogs of War’ in 1980, starring Christopher Walken. His subsequent work included the supernatural horror movie ‘Ghost Story’, featuring Fred Astaire, and ‘Champions’, which starred John Hurt.John Irvin also directed ‘Hamburger Hill’, the 1987 war movie set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. His credits further included action titles such as ‘Raw Deal’ and ‘Robin Hood’.
Fans remember John Irvin’s work
Following news of his death, fans took to social media to remember the filmmaker and discuss some of his best-known productions.One viewer wrote, “I loved Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy one of the best mini series ever. Raw Deal was great action movie..”Another fan reflected on the adaptation, writing, “Tinker Tailor was a good movie but it really should’ve been another series to really deliver the details of John le Carré book..”‘Hamburger Hill’ was also remembered by viewers. One fan wrote, “I loved Hamburger Hill. Such a loss.”Another tribute highlighted John Irvin’s work beyond his better-known Hollywood titles. The fan wrote, “Irvin directed two very good 1990s Merchant-Ivory-style period dramas Widows Peak & A Month by the Lake.And, one of the best gothic horror films of my youth, the outstanding Ghost Story. Talented filmmaker – RIP..”John Irvin leaves behind a filmography that stretched across more than five decades and his last work was 2016 biographical drama ‘Mandela’s Gun’.
