Peter Jackson Shares Hilarious Story of Delivery Driver Criticizing His Films
Peter Jackson recently shared a humorous yet candid anecdote about being confused for another director by a delivery driver, which resulted in unexpected criticism of his work. This amusing tale was recounted during his appearance at Cannes.
Jackson is renowned for directing ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, a series that has received immense acclaim in the fantasy film genre. He later revisited Middle-earth with ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, which garnered a more mixed response from audiences and critics alike.
As reported from the Cannes event and various film outlets, this now-famous delivery driver encounter occurred during the time of ‘The Hobbit’ releases.
The original ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, released from 2001 to 2003, were celebrated for their storytelling, practical effects, emotional depth, and consistent tone, achieving both critical and commercial success.
In contrast, ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, which came out between 2012 and 2014, while still a box office success, did not receive the same level of critical acclaim. For instance, the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films boast around 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, whereas the final ‘Hobbit’ film, ‘The Battle of the Five Armies,’ sits at approximately 59%.
Critics of ‘The Hobbit’ films often point to their differing tone and structure. The original story was expanded into three films, which some felt diluted the material. Additionally, the heavier reliance on CGI compared to the earlier films created a divide among viewers. Many fans believed ‘The Hobbit’ lacked the grounded feel and emotional resonance that characterized ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
During his Cannes appearance, Peter Jackson recounted an encounter with a FedEx delivery driver who visited his home. The driver recognized him and enthusiastically praised ‘The Lord of the Rings’ films, but mistakenly thought Jackson had no involvement with ‘The Hobbit’ movies.
Jackson recalled the driver saying, “Hey there, you’re that fella that made ‘Lord Of The Rings’, aren’t you? ‘Lord Of The Rings’ was great, man, that was a fantastic film.” Jackson graciously thanked him for the compliment.
However, the conversation took a surprising turn when the driver added, “Oh, they should have got you to make those ‘Hobbit’ movies, because they were crap.” Instead of correcting him, Jackson chose to respond with humor, saying, “I just wait, and I just roll my eyes and say ‘Yeah, tell me about it, mate’.”
This anecdote resonated with audiences, highlighting the ongoing debate among fans regarding the two trilogies. While ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is often hailed as a milestone in contemporary filmmaking, ‘The Hobbit’ films have sparked divisive opinions, with some viewers relishing the return to Middle-earth and others criticizing the creative choices made.
Despite the mixed reviews of ‘The Hobbit’, both trilogies achieved significant box office success and remain integral to the fantasy genre. Jackson’s contributions have brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe to life for audiences worldwide, influencing a generation of filmmakers in the fantasy realm.
Looking forward, Middle-earth is set to make a comeback with new projects on the horizon. One upcoming film is ‘The Hunt for Gollum’, directed by Andy Serkis, with new casting news already generating buzz. Additionally, another ‘Lord of the Rings’-related project is in development, indicating that interest in the franchise remains robust many years after the original trilogy.
Ultimately, the delivery driver story illustrates the varied perspectives fans hold about the same universe. For Jackson, it became a lighthearted moment, even if the critique was blunt and straightforward.
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