Miramax, the name, the brand, the company, is no more. It’s passed into history, consumed into the giant Disney Corporation. The once great indie and art house movie distributor has been consigned to a mere sub-division of Walt Disney Studios.
This end was inevitable, but it’s still sad to see it finally happen.
Miramax was born in 1979 under the control of Harvey and Bob Weinstein. It was named after their parents, and forged a path for independent filmmakers to break through to the mainstream.
Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino were both nurtured at the company, with films such as Clerks, Kill Bill, and Pulp Fiction seeping from Miramax. Other notable releases include Gangs Of New York, Sin City, There Will Be Blood, Swingers, Good Will Hunting, Chocolat, and Garden State.
The Wrap reports that it has all now come to an end, with Miramax office closing, staff being laid off, and Disney putting the final nail in the coffin. What this means for the six films currently under the Miramax banner isn’t yet clear.
Rest In Peace, Miramax, you will be sorely missed.
