Originally, I was going to profile his six films in chronological order, which would make sense from a structural standpoint. But then I thought, “No, that’s exactly what the Squares would do, and am I, Clint Davis, a Square??? Hell no!!!” So instead, I’ve divided his films into two distinct categories… The Good and The Gore (hence the title). Fortunately for me, his films fit neatly into these slots, allowing me to get away with being a rebel and not creating undo stress upon myself and you, the readers. Just praise whomever your deity of choice is that Jackson never did a musical. So, without further lucubration, I present to you…
THE GOOD: These are the three films that, simply, don’t fall into the Gore/Horror film section. They are fine films, all, and shall henceforth be known as The Good.
1. FORGOTTEN SILVER (1996)
This is really an odd little film; more of a short than anything else. Clocking in at just under an hour, it’s easily digestible and would make a fine start into the ovure of Peter Jackson. This is a documentary. But not really. It only LOOKS like a documentary, more so than the sillier SPINAL TAP or WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. The movie follows a very popular Australian director (Peter Jackson, playing… Peter Jackson) as he uncovers some old film reels documenting the early efforts of Colin McKenzie, a filmmaker from the 1900’s. As it turns out, he (McKenzie) was many, many steps ahead of all of Filmmaking, being the first to use color, tracking shots, elaborate sets and, in a particularly funny bit, capturing the first instance of police brutality on film. The faux-doc explores his life and times with much wit and heart, making this a really unusual, but nonetheless interesting, slice of cinema pie.
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