Leonard’s classic ‘The Mystical Gaze’ on Peter Weir

Peter Weir

In 2009, ICFCA charter member Richard Leonard, SJ published his study on the films of Peter Weir, The Mystical Gaze of the Cinema. It remains an excellent exploration of spiritual themes present throughout Weir’s body of work, especially his early films.

“I don’t argue that the artistic experience of the cinema is the same as a religious experience,” Leonard shared this week. “Just that there is a case for an interaction between the two areas: arts and spirituality for access to an encounter with otherness.”

Fans of Weir will immediately find the connection in Witness, and Leonard also delves into Picnic at Hanging Rock and Gallipoli, devoting chapters to the mystical experience found in those works.

Barbara Creed, professor of screen studies at the University of Melbourne, called Leonard’s work “fascinating, engaging, and provocative.” Critics have also praised his writing style’s accessibility and grace.

“Weir is celebrated, everywhere,” noted ICFCA founder Michael Augsberger, “not least around my home because both Witness and Dead Poets Society were filmed there. It’s impressive when deep academic analysis is devoted to directors who have connected with such massive audiences, like he has.”

-

Read Leonard’s reviews at the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting.

Read his bio here.