Weir, Peter (1944-…), is an Australian motion-picture director. He gained an international reputation as a filmmaker in Australia in the 1970’s and early 1980’s and then continued his success in Hollywood beginning in the mid-1980’s. Recurring characteristics in Weir’s films include a fascination with mysticism, respect for nature, the conflict between ancient and modern cultures, and central characters in conflict with existing social values.
Weir’s first feature film was the black comedy The Cars that Ate Paris (1974). He made his international reputation with the supernatural mystery tale Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975). Weir went on to make a series of critically praised films, including the atmospheric supernatural drama The Last Wave (1977), the war story Gallipoli (1981), and the political drama The Year of Living Dangerously (1982). Weir then began his Hollywood career with the suspense film Witness (1985), which won two Academy Awards. His other American films include Mosquito Coast (1986); Dead Poets Society (1989); Green Card (1990); Fearless (1993); and The Truman Show (1998), which earned Weir an Academy Award nomination as best director. He also directed the historical naval film Master and Commander (2003).
Peter Lindsay Weir was born on Aug. 8, 1944, in Sydney, New South Wales. He was educated at the University of Sydney but left without taking his degree. After working in his father’s property business and traveling abroad, he worked in Australian television. In the late 1960’s he began making short movies and documentaries.
