Peter Jackson’s favourite movies of all time
Peter Jackson is, of course, most celebrated for his work on the beloved Lord of the Rings franchise, helming the series and creating a devoted fanbase for the globally loved story of Frodo Baggins. However, before and after stepping foot into the fantastical universe, the director has also worked on projects such as The Lovely Bones, Heavenly Creatures and King Kong, showing an eclectic taste and a filmmaking style that translates across all genres.
But in a recent interview, the director shared his all-time favourite films, offering a unique insight into the creative mind behind such influential projects.
The director was quick to sing the praises of King Kong, released in 1933, immediately describing it as his favourite film of all time. Directed by Merian C Cooper and Ernest B Schoedsack, the film tells the infamous story of an adventurous filmmaker who sets out to create something that no one has seen before, arriving on a mysterious island and discovering a strange creature he plans to display to the world. The monster has sparked countless iterations of the film, with many filmmakers being drawn to the thematic layers and allegorical nature of the story, with Jackson himself even remaking the film in 2005.
Next, Jackson included The Night of the Hunter, directed by Charles Laughton, on his list. The film tells the story of a murderous preacher in Depression-era Virginia who hunts down two children who know where a secret stash of money is hidden. Starring Robert Mitchum in the lead role, it is revered as one of the great horror movies, with a horrifying story that creates a nightmarish spell on its audience.
Lawrence of Arabia, meanwhile, is one of those timeless classics that filmmakers often cite as a profound influence. Steven Spielberg has spoken at length about its impact on his visual storytelling and the mesmerising effect it had on him as a child and Peter Jackson is another director to join the ranks of admirers—unsurprising, given the film’s immense scope and technical brilliance. Clocking in at an impressive 228 minutes, Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of TE Lawrence and his mission to support the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. With its breathtaking cinematography and profound thematic weight, the film continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Lastly, speaking of Steven Spielberg, Jackson highlighted Jurassic Park as his favourite. This film has appealed to adults and children all over the world and marked the director as one of the most versatile storytellers. With a true understanding of the medium, Spielberg is able to adapt his style to any genre, with a slate of devastating dramas and life-affirming stories that cast a spell over the audience.
Whether it be the terrifying power of the genius shot of the T-Rex bathed in the reflection of its DNA pattern of the water glass that subtly shakes as the dinosaur footsteps grow nearer, countless moments within Jurassic Park have captivated viewers and ensured that it is considered by many as one of their all-time favourites.
