An iconic filmmaker, Alan Parker died last week in London following a lengthy illness. Parker was a tremendously skilled filmmaker who was one of kind – the tools and styles he would use to enhance the art of filmmaking are still known to only a few others in the industry.

In a career spanning over five decades, Parker rolled out phenomenal movies such as Come See The Paradise, Mississippi Burning, and Midnight Express among a string of others. In addition to dramas and films, Parker also directed unforgettable musicals in the form of Bugsy Malone, Pink Floyd – The Wall, The Commitment, and Evita, etc.

The multi-hyphenate filmmaker garnered worldwide acclaim based on the quality of his job at filmmaking. Post his passing, a lot of celebrities have been recalling Parker’s influence in the industry as a whole. Amid all the tribute and wishes, the Irish actor, Colm Meaney’s words seem truly correct.

The Irish actor has extensively worked across TV – The Singapore Grip, The Gangs of London, Star Trek: The Next Generation/Deep Space Nine and films - Layer Cake, Con Air, The Damned United.  

In a lengthy statement, Colm Meaney has suggested that Alan Parker was one of the most shrewd and talented men he has ever had a chance to work with.

Meaney recalls that he first met Parker during the auditions of Come See The Paradise in 1990. He said that Parker was so busy that he couldn’t even look around, nevertheless, he managed to examine every movement that was going around him - and his judgment based on everything he observed would always be right and straight to the point.

The actor also credits Parker with giving him his first decent film role and a chance to work with a talented set of people. Probably it is due to the same that Meaney said he owes ‘Alan an enormous debt.’

Additionally, Meaney highlighted the distinctness of Parker as a creator. He said that Parker was incredibly good at taking up various roles – he would make movies, musicals, movies with music, little dramas, and photography, etc with an unmatchable flair. 

According to Meaney, the man was truly ‘a master who could work in all genres’, his likes may never walk the earth. Meaney has stated that he was as good personally as he was professionally. Parker would love to crack jokes and turn serious situations humorous.

Meaney’s words express his gratefulness for everything Parker has given to him and the film industry.