Report: Minghella 'died of haemorrhage'
It has been reported that Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella died of a haemorrhage after an operation last week.
Minghella, who was 54, is understood to have died at 5am today.
The British director is best known for 'The English Patient', 'Truly Madly Deeply' and 'Cold Mountain'.
A woman at the family home on the Isle of Wight in the UK said they were too upset to comment when contacted this afternoon.
One of five children, Minghella grew up above the family’s ice cream shop on the Isle of Wight, where the family still live and run a successful chain of shops.
A worker at one of the shops said the news of Minghella’s death was “really raw” for all those who knew him and his family.
Tributes have been pouring in for the film director.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair said Minghella, who directed him in a party election broadcast for Labour, was a "wonderful human being".
“I am really shocked and very sad.
“Anthony Minghella was a wonderful human being, creative and brilliant, but still humble, gentle and a joy to be with.
“Whatever I did with him, personally or professionally, left me with complete admiration for him, as a character and as an artist of the highest calibre.”
His film for the 2005 British General Election campaign showed Mr Blair and then Chancellor Gordon Brown chatting informally about the fruits of their joint efforts.
Mr Brown was interviewed on stage by Minghella last year about a book he wrote about his heroes.
Jude Law, who worked with Minghella on 'The Talented Mr Ripley', 'Cold Mountain' and 'Breaking And Entering', said he would miss the director "hugely".
He said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Anthony’s untimely death.
“I worked with him on three films, more than with any other director, but had come to value him more as a friend than as a colleague.
“He was a brilliantly talented writer and director who wrote dialogue that was a joy to speak and then put it on to the screen in a way that always looked effortless.
“He made work feel like fun. He was a sweet, warm, bright and funny man who was interested in everything from football to opera, films, music, literature, people and, most of all, his family whom he adored and to whom I send my thoughts and love. I shall miss him hugely.”
