In an event that he more than likely never saw coming at the beginning of his filmmaking career, the government of New Zealand has knighted Peter Jackson.  Empire is reporting that Jackson will soon be adding the title "Sir" to his name.

The article mentions that he's receiving the honor because of his "service in film," with the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy his utmost claim to fame.  The article also implies that the country is bestowing him the title because of the effect his position has had on the country;  the RINGS movies amply boosted tourism, as people from foreign lands wanted to view the country's beauties;  also, Jackson founded his massive effects shop, Weta, in his homeland, and has generated much money for New Zealand through it.

What strikes me most odd about this is that the younger Jackson probably never thought he'd have gone on to win Oscars and become a knight.  Early in his career, Jackson directed such splatter classics as BAD TASTE, BRAINDEAD (DEAD ALIVE here in the States), and the Muppets on acid film MEET THE FEEBLES.  Certainly not the type of cinema that gets you the gig as defender of the realm.  Working with much more restrained fare in his later years, Jackson has earned great pride from his country, and I congratulate him on his knighthood.  Even if I would love to see him go back one more time to his roots and make BAD TASTE 2.

Read Empire's brief article here.

--Phil Fasso