Peter Weir, the Australian director known for films like The Truman Show, Gallipoli, and Dead Poets Society, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival on Monday. The 80-year-old filmmaker, who gained international recognition with the 1975 arthouse hit Picnic at Hanging Rock, later ventured into Hollywood, directing movies such as Witness with Harrison Ford and Green Card featuring Andie MacDowell. Weir, who was honored with an Honorary Oscar in 2022, announced his retirement from directing earlier this year. Addressing aspiring directors in Venice, he emphasized the importance of returning to fundamental practices and distancing oneself from the modern world's distractions.
"If I were starting today, I wouldn't even touch a camera. Instead, I'd pick up a pencil and paper... I'd practice like in a gym, exercising the mental muscles, not the physical ones. We are capable of remarkable things in our minds," he explained during a press conference, gesturing to his head. "Unplug, escape the overload of information, find a quiet place in the countryside, or work on a merchant ship."
Despite offering his advice, Weir expressed no desire to mentor young directors. "No, it should be a solitary journey. You must walk this path alone." In tribute to Weir, Venice showcased his 2003 maritime epic Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, starring Russell Crowe. Weir mentioned that a sequel was initially planned but was abandoned due to the film's underwhelming box office performance, a decision he found somewhat relieving.
"I always hoped there wouldn't be sequels or remakes. I preferred to move forward and never repeat myself," he stated. Weir originally considered acting before realizing his true calling was behind the camera. However, he confessed his passion truly lay in music. "I'd trade directing for composing," he admitted.
