Peter Weir is easily regarded as one of the most legendary filmmakers in Hollywood, with masterpieces that have garnered several nods of major accolades. Also the mastermind behind Robin Williams’ critically acclaimed 1989 comedy thriller Dead Poets Society, he has led an unparalleled career in the entertainment industry.
However, that very unparalleled career of his just may have ended a lot before the genius director announced it out loud. Yes, as heartbreaking as this would sound to many of his fans, Weir retired a long time ago from his star-studded directing profession, and fans wouldn’t have known about this had he not addressed this issue publicly.
Peter Weir has put an end to his Legendary Filmmaking Career
Even though the last movie he made was almost a decade and a half ago back in 2010 (i.e. his war-adventure film, The Way Back), fans were still awaiting Peter Weir‘s glorious comeback with a new movie. But it seems that the comeback they had been waiting for might never come after all.
As it turns out, the 79-year-old filmmaker has walked away from directing movies since The Way Back. However, as heartbreaking as it may be to many, if not all, it is for a reason all too understandable: Because he no longer has the energy to continue the hard work.
During the recent Festival de la Cinémathèque in Paris, Weir shared the same while addressing his 14-year-long hiatus from directing. He said (via Télérama):
“I am retired,” Weir said, getting candid about his filmmaking career. “Why did I stop cinema? Because, quite simply, I have no more energy.”
That being said, the mastermind behind the late Robin Williams‘ 1989 comedy thriller classic Dead Poets Society has been widely acknowledged and has earned tremendous nods and accolades for his epic works from the Academy as well.
Some of Weir’s best Oscar-winning works include Harrison Ford‘s 1985 romance-thriller Witness, Jim Carrey‘s 1998 comedy-sci-fi The Truman Show, and Russell Crowe‘s 2003 adventure-war Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Out of all of these, Witness and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World won 2 sparkling Oscars each on a total of 8 and 10 nominations respectively, while The Truman Show scored a whopping 3 nominations from the Academy.
Considering how there have been a lot more projects from Weir that fans have yet to get over, this retirement news has come as a blow to many. Regardless, fans are as grateful to the filmmaker as ever for giving them some of the most remarkable works of all time.
Fans React to Peter Weir’s Retirement News
As expected, fans are truly devastated after hearing about the legendary genius’ retirement. However, at the same time, they also acknowledge the fact that he needs his rest now as well, thus, here’s how they have taken to X to bid him a hearty farewell:
Sad day for storytelling
— Matt Jarbo (@mjarbo) March 18, 2024
Enjoy your retirement. You’ve done more than enough, sir.
— Decrypto (@decryptozone) March 18, 2024
Will he mentor the next generation? I love seeing wisdom shared. I think the current generation needs some more guidance in storytelling.
— Stephanie (King Ari Press) (@KingAriPress) March 18, 2024
Its truly a loss for the film industry to see a talented director like Peter Weir step back, but his extraordinary works will forever remain timeless masterpieces that have left a profound impact on cinema.
— Neha (@NAzharTheGreat) March 19, 2024
He's truly one of the greatest directors of all time.
— Mandoboyband (@ibottsla) March 19, 2024
Peter Weir is probably the most under appreciated director of his generation. He deserves a life time achievement Oscar ASAP.
Master and Commander
The Truman Show
Dead Poets Society
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Witness
Gallipoli
The Last Wave
The Year of Living Dangerously pic.twitter.com/6Fu7Vf2JSn— Archduke 🇫🇷 (@The_Collins07) March 18, 2024
Rest easy, Peter. You’ve left an incredible footprint on the medium.
— Kirk the Cat (@ItsReally_Tommy) March 19, 2024
Guess he's 'Master and Commander' of nap time now. Enjoy retirement, legend!
— MagicHustler (@MagicHustler_) March 18, 2024
Needless to mention, Peter Weir has indeed gifted some of the most brilliantly iconic works to the cinema that will continue to leave an indelible mark on the generations to come. Nonetheless, he will be greatly missed in his rightful place, i.e. the director’s chair.
You can stream The Way Back, Dead Poets Society, Witness, The Truman Show, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World on Prime Video.
