Sad news this morning. Word just hit the wires that Anthony Minghella has died. Just 54 years old, Minghella was a director very much in his prime. His trio of films (”The English Patient,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and “Cold Mountain”), released between 1996-2003, garnered an impressive 24 Academy Award nominations.

Minghella’s filmmaking recalled the masters of another time. Films like “Cold Mountain” and in particular his Best Picture-winning “The English Patient” bore the scope and romantic classicism of a David Lean. Put simply, few filmmakers were doing the kind of work Minghella clearly had a gift for. In recent years Minghella had released “Breaking and Entering,” starring Juliette Binoche and Jude Law to decidedly mixed reviews. His son, Max, has embarked on an acting career as well, with roles in “Art School Confidential,” and “Syriana.” Reportedly Minghella was to direct one portion of the anthology film, “New York, I Love You.”

On a personal level, I’d never interviewed Minghella though I knew his repuation, that of a gracious and intelligent man. Just recently over drinks with publicist friends his name was cited by them as the nicest client they’d ever worked with. An unexpected loss for film.