US/India (1960): Short

Ismail Merchant produced his first film, the 14-minute short The Creation of Woman in 1960. Made while he was working at the McCann-Erickson advertising agency, it was shot on the most meager of budgets, a mere $9,000 advanced by Charles Schwep, an acquanitance of the time, partner in the endeavor, and the film's writer and director. At first Merchant considered starring in the film, but Schwep wanted a seasoned professional, and in something of a coup they engaged the celebrated Indian dancer Bhaskar Roy Chaudhuri for the leading role.

The Creation of Woman begins with the story of the Hindu god Brahma, whose role as creator also encompasses the Christian account of Adam and Eve. The brief film is essentially an anecdote. After Adam calls on God to give him a female partner, Eve is created and Adam finds that he can neither live with nor without her.

Photographed in bold colors (with costumes of red and gold against a dazzling blue backdrop), Merchant's parable is set to music and dance, with Chaudhuri performing his splendidly sensual and athletic Dance of Shiva that in pantomine tells the story of man's beginnings. An arresting tour de force, the film seems relevant to Merchant himself, who selects the creation story for his theme as he creates himself as a filmmaker. Also features Bhaskar Anjali Devi Dinu; narrated by Saeed Jaffrey. (Merchant-Ivory Productions)

· Short Subjects (Live Action Subjects) 1960: Charles F. Schwep & Ismail Merchant, producers.

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