New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson once explored an extraordinary idea: to put his own epic achievement, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, out of sight by means of hypnosis. He discussed this in a recent podcast, sharing a candid glimpse into a rare moment of artistic fatigue and curiosity about pure, unfiltered enjoyment. The revelation came up in conversation with a publication that covered the interview, highlighting Jackson’s openness about the pressures and memories tied to those landmark films. [citation: Hollywood Reporter]
Jackson stated that he was contemplating using hypnosis to forget the entire suite of Oscar-winning projects he helped create. His intention was not to erase the craft or the memories, but to experience the films as a regular fan would, free from the writer’s lens and the weight of six to seven years of behind-the-scenes work. The notion, while unconventional, underscores a desire to recapture the thrill of discovery that often fuels a director’s early passion. [citation: Hollywood Reporter]
As he described the experience, Jackson recalled feeling like a perpetual insider whose perspective never fully shifted to that of an ordinary viewer. During the period when the trilogy was released, he found himself immersed in the process for years, experiencing each screening and revision as though it happened in real time. The idea of stepping back, even temporarily, from the constant involvement felt appealing to him as a way to re-experience the surprise and wonder he felt with audiences. He went so far as to say he would consider meeting with a hypnotherapist to momentarily forget the films and the work surrounding them, allowing him to enjoy the journey anew. [citation: Hollywood Reporter]
The discussion extended to a point where Jackson mentioned that he even consulted with a prominent hypnotist about the possibility. He spoke with the British mentalist who has guided many clients through perception and memory work, and the professional reportedly affirmed that such a transformation could be possible. The exchange illustrates how high levels of creativity can intersect with very human desires to reset and relive moments that defined a career. [citation: Hollywood Reporter]
Ultimately, Jackson’s reflections reveal a rare window into the psychology of a filmmaker who has shaped modern cinema while staying deeply invested in the personal experience of his own storytelling. The idea of stepping outside the lens to revisit movies as a fresh observer remains an intriguing thought experiment rather than a practical plan, yet it offers a compelling glimpse into the pressures, triumphs, and playful curiosity that accompany a career built on extraordinary visual storytelling. [citation: Hollywood Reporter]