Anthony Minghella, the British director of acclaimed movies such as ‘The English Patient’, ‘Cold Mountain’ and ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ passed away earlier today. He died of a haemorrhage in Charing Cross Hospital, London, following an operation last week to remove cancer of the tonsils and neck. Minghella’s career began in writing duties on ‘Grange Hill’ and ‘Inspector Morse’ before ascending to Oscar glory for his direction of ‘The English Patient’.  British producer David Putnam aptly compared his work to that of David Lean, reflecting the aura of broad sweeping film making in his work and so too acknowledged his great work as Chairman of the British Film Institute.