Director Peter Weir (The Truman Show, Witness, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Dead Poets Society, Gallipoli) is a reader. Many of his films come from books, such as Mosquito Coast, Master and Commander and his newest, The Way Back. But he circles before committing to the material.
The reluctant director discusses his attraction to the film, his preference for minimal dialog and the joy of working with Ed Harris. He describes his love of sound design and recounts his reasons for turning down the film Salem's Lot. He also talks about taking inspiration from artist Henri Matisse and a Japanese potter.
Banner image: Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess and Peter Weir watch a scene play out.