Peter Weir
Peter Weir is an integral part of the resurgence of Australian film, devoting his talents to exploring what it means to be Australian, as well as broader themes of conflict and awakening consciousness. At the same time, Weir has succeeded in becoming one of Hollywood's most sought after directors, reinvigorating the careers of several American male leads. Born in Sydney in 1944, Weir spent a year at the University of Australia studying art, but then embarked on a year of travel in Europe. When he returned to Australia, Weir landed a job at a television station, and then at the Commonwealth Film Unit. At that time, the government of Australia was looking to support Australian film and the talent that would lead it. Weir made his mark in a series of early movies, including a contribution to a 1969 trilogy on Australian youth culture and several feature films, including 1974's The Cars That Ate Paris and 1975's Picnic at Hanging Rock. These movies showcased his talents, including his attention to detail, use of light and shadow to convey meaning and mood, and his ability to draw out the best in novice and veteran actors. He subsequently gained more international recognition with Gallipoli (1981) and The Year of Living Dangerously - both starring Mel Gibson. His Hollywood successes include Witness (1985) which brought Harrison Ford out of action films into more serious topics. Weir performed a similar service for Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society (1989) and for Jim Carrey in The Truman Show (1998). In 2003, Weir tapped fellow Aussie Russell Crowe to star in the period adaptation Master and Commander.
