Rating the Films: Peter Weir

Submitted by ash_campbell on Wed, 12/10/2003 - 12:04
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  • ***1/2
  • The Truman Show (1998)

  • ***
  • Dead Poets Society (1989)
  • Fearless (1993)
  • Gallipoli (1981)
  • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
  • Witness (1985)

  • **1/2
  • The Mosquito Coast (1986)
Author Comments: 

Aussie Weir is a capable director who gets great performances from his actors, and is a subtle influence behind the lens. Here’s how his films rate.

I've rated the films from a zero (horrible!) to four (wonderful!) star scale, with the links going to my reviews. As usual, I've only included films I've seen.

jim12/10/2003

Good one. I might bump Witness up to join The Truman Show, but I agree that the latter is Weir's best movie. You should check out Master and Commander when you get a chance. I think it makes the cut for the three-star block.

pennini12/10/2003

I would give "Gallipoli" a four star rating. It is one of the most moving and enjoyable films i have ever seen, easily in my top five films ever.Am yet to see "Master and Commander" though have heard it is fantastic.

ash_campbell12/10/2003

I'm psyched to see Master and Comander, but haven't had the chance yet.

I toyed with the idea of giving Gallipoli a 3 & 1/2 rating (and may yet, since I haven't reviewed it). Thanks for the input.

The other of his I really want to see is Picnic at Hanging Rock which I've heard is really good (and scary).

lbangs12/10/2003

You might also consider checking out The Year of Living Dangerously, one of my favorites by Weir.

And I still need to check out The Last Wave...

Personally, I squirm a bit seeing Dead Poets Society in such superior company, but I enjoy the list.

Shalom, y'all!

L. Bangs

ash_campbell12/10/2003

Yeah, Dead Poets is a bit out of its league (a little too smarmy), but it evokes emotion. Especially when you've seen the recent trailers for Mona Lisa Smile (I'm Dead Poets for women, starring Julia Roberts! Everyone get ready for more Oscars!)

iwhitney12/10/2003

Picnic is great, even more mysterious than Weir's other films. And, of course, the DVD is on Criterion which means you'll get a great presentation. I've seen the print they used for the DVD and it's quite nice.

A M & C review that I wrote a couple of weeks ago. I ended up seeing the movie right after watching Gallipoli, which was a fun double feature.

ash_campbell12/10/2003

Man, I love Criterion. They do fabulous work. They've been chugging out Kurosawa films, and are currently doing The Lower Depths, which I'm looking forward to seeing.

I've really got to rent Picnic; I've heard nothing but good things.