Peter Weir is, without doubt, one of the most important Australian film directors of all time. His films have had a major impact, both in terms of the Australian film industry (Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Cars That Ate Paris, and Gallipoli) and as the work of an innovative auteur working within the confines of the Hollywood system (Witness, Dead Poets Society, Fearless, The Truman Show, and Master and Commander).

This fully revised and updated edition of Jonathan Rayner's acclaimed study takes an in-depth look at the career of a filmmaker who has, over the course of 30 years, put together a substantial and much-loved body of work. Jonathan Rayner illustrates how Peter Weir brings a consistent vision to his films, no matter how disparate their subject matter — and how he uses his outsider status in the American film industry to his advantage.

What people say:

"The second edition of Rayner's book differs from the first in several ways. The author has added eight stills form Weir's films, a discussion of The Truman Show, a more extensive bibliography, Internet resources, and a concluding chapter … Recommended ." — Choice

About the Author:

Jonathan Rayner teaches in the Department of English Literature at the University of Sheffield. He a member of the editorial board for Studies in European Cinema.