Peter Jackson is a New Zealand film director, screenwriter and producer. He is best known as the director, writer and producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) and the Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014), both of which are adapted from the novels of the same name by J. R. R. Tolkien He has also directed and produced other films such as Heavenly Creatures (1994), The Frighteners (1996), King Kong (2005), The Lovely Bones (2009), They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) and The Beatles: Get Back (2021). He is the fourth-highest-grossing film director of all-time, his films having made over $6.5 billion worldwide. He has won three Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, a Golden Globe, two Primetime Emmy Awards and four Saturn Awards among others. He was knighted by the Governor-General of New Zealand in 2010 for his services to film.
Here are some controversial quotes from Peter Jackson
- I don’t really like the Hollywood blockbuster bandwagon that exists right now. The industry and the advent of all the technology, has kind of lost its way. It’s become very franchise driven and superhero driven.
This quote shows Peter Jackson’s dissatisfaction with the current state of Hollywood filmmaking, which he sees as lacking originality and creativity. He implies that technology has made filmmaking easier but also less meaningful, and that franchises and superheroes dominate the market at the expense of other genres and stories. He contrasts this with his own approach, which is more focused on personal vision and artistic expression.
- The most honest form of filmmaking is to make a film for yourself.
This quote reflects Peter Jackson’s belief that filmmaking is a form of self-expression, and that the best films are those that reflect the filmmaker’s passion and interests. He suggests that making films for other people, such as audiences or studios, is dishonest and compromising, and that filmmakers should follow their own instincts and ideas.
- To me, fantasy should be as real as possible. I don’t buy into the notion that because it’s fantastic, it should be unrealistic, because I think you have to have a sense of believing the world that you’re going into.
This quote reveals Peter Jackson’s philosophy of fantasy filmmaking, which is to create immersive and believable worlds that draw the audience in. He argues that fantasy does not mean unrealistic, but rather imaginative and creative, and that fantasy films should be grounded in some logic and consistency. He challenges the idea that fantasy is a lesser or escapist genre, and instead sees it as a way of exploring human themes and emotions.
- Defeat is always momentary.
This quote expresses Peter Jackson’s optimism and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. He implies that defeat is not permanent or final, but rather a temporary obstacle that can be overcome with perseverance and determination. He applies this attitude to his own filmmaking career, which has faced many difficulties and criticisms, but also to his characters and stories, which often deal with themes of courage and hope.
- If you work at love, you will find love at work.
This quote conveys Peter Jackson’s view on love and work, which he sees as interconnected and mutually beneficial. He suggests that love is not something that happens by chance or fate, but rather something that requires effort and commitment, both in personal and professional relationships. He also implies that love can be found in one’s work, if one is passionate and dedicated to what one does.
- Remember, pain is temporary; film is forever.
This quote illustrates Peter Jackson’s dedication and sacrifice for his craft, which he values above his own comfort and well-being. He reminds himself and others that pain is a passing sensation, but film is a lasting legacy, and that the rewards of filmmaking outweigh the costs. He uses this motto to motivate himself and his crew to endure long hours, harsh conditions, and physical injuries while making his films.
- When I start a film, I can sort of shut my eyes, sit somewhere quiet and imagine the movie finished. I can imagine the camera angles, I can even imagine the type of music. Without knowing the tune, I can imagine the type of music it needs to be.
This quote demonstrates Peter Jackson’s vision and intuition as a filmmaker, which he relies on more than any technical or formal knowledge. He claims that he can visualize his films in his mind before he makes them, and that he can sense what they need to be in terms of cinematography, editing, sound, and music. He suggests that filmmaking is more an art than a science, and that he trusts his instincts more than any rules or conventions.
- New Zealand is not used to wealth. In America wealth is kind of a thing of pride. Here it’s the opposite. The more you’ve got, the bigger the target you are.
This quote contrasts Peter Jackson’s native country of New Zealand with America in terms of their attitudes towards wealth and success. He observes that New Zealand is a more modest and humble culture, where wealth is seen as a source of envy and resentment rather than admiration and respect. He implies that he feels more comfortable and accepted in New Zealand than in America, where he might be seen as arrogant or greedy.
- What is the truth is that every one of my films is a film that I’d love to go see, and I think that’s very important because I always think it’s a mistake to make movies for other people, or to make them for a demographic, or try to second guess an audience.
This quote repeats Peter Jackson’s earlier point about making films for himself rather than for others, but adds more detail about why he thinks this is important. He argues that making films for oneself ensures authenticity and originality, while making films for others leads to compromise and conformity. He also asserts that making films for oneself is more enjoyable and satisfying than making films for others.
- It’s all about his determination. You never, ever give up once you start something once you’re on the trail of something you don’t stop and that’s what you have to go through when you’re making a movie too
This quote describes Peter Jackson’s admiration for Tintin (the character), whom he sees as an inspiration for his own filmmaking journey. He praises Tintin’s determination and persistence in pursuing his adventures and solving mysteries and compares it to his own process of making movies which also requires a lot of dedication and endurance He implies that he identifies with Tintin and his spirit of curiosity and exploration
