Mark Peploe, Acclaimed Oscar-Winning Screenwriter, Passes Away at 82

Mark Peploe, the Oscar-winning screenwriter known for his significant contributions to cinema, including the critically acclaimed film 'The Last Emperor,' has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed that he passed away in Florence, Italy, after a prolonged illness. Peploe was celebrated for his collaborations with legendary directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci and Michelangelo Antonioni, establishing himself as a prominent figure in European cinema.

Born in 1943 in Nairobi, Peploe grew up in a family steeped in artistic influence. His grandfather, SJ Peploe, was a renowned Scottish painter, and his mother, Clotilde, was also a painter, while his father, Willy, worked as an art dealer. After a brief period living in Florence, Peploe pursued education at Oxford University. He initially worked in documentary filmmaking before transitioning to screenwriting, a decision motivated by his desire for greater creative control over film productions.

Peploe’s career took off when he co-wrote the script for Antonioni’s 1975 film 'The Passenger,' which has since been hailed as a masterpiece. The film starred Jack Nicholson as a TV reporter who assumes another man's identity, featuring a notable seven-minute tracking shot in its final scene. Despite its initial troubled release, 'The Passenger' later gained acclaim and is regarded as a classic.

His partnership with Bertolucci began when Peploe co-wrote 'The Last Emperor,' which won nine Academy Awards in 1988, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Jeremy Thomas, the producer of 'The Last Emperor,' remarked, 'Mark was a Renaissance man, a brilliant writer of screenplays, and also an artist.' Peploe continued to collaborate with Bertolucci on subsequent projects, including 'The Sheltering Sky' (1990) and 'Little Buddha' (1994).

In addition to his screenwriting achievements, Peploe made his directorial debut with the psychological horror film 'Afraid of the Dark' in 1991, which has since become a cult classic. He also adapted Joseph Conrad’s 'Victory' in 1996, further showcasing his versatility in the film industry.

Peploe is survived by his partner, art historian Alina Payne, and leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of cinema. His impact on film writing and direction will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike, as he remains a notable figure in the history of European cinema.