Andy Serkis Reveals the Film He Never Tires Of

Andy Serkis has long been celebrated for his pioneering work in performance capture, transforming the way digital characters are brought to life on screen. While his reputation is firmly rooted in the realms of fantasy, science fiction, and superhero blockbusters, his personal taste in cinema is far more eclectic than many might assume.

Though Serkis is set to return as Gollum in a forthcoming prequel to the Lord of the Rings saga, his career over the past decade has demonstrated a clear ambition to be recognised as a filmmaker in his own right. He has contributed to Peter Jackson’s productions as a second unit director and has overseen performances in the more recent Planet of the Apes instalments. Yet, Serkis has also shown a keen interest in projects where he can exercise full creative control.

Directorial Ambitions and Unexpected Choices

His directorial debut for Netflix, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, offered a darker interpretation of The Jungle Book, but its release was overshadowed by Jon Favreau’s glossy Disney adaptation, which dominated the box office. Audiences may have expected Serkis to stick to CGI-laden adventures, but he confounded expectations with Breathe, a moving period drama starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. This choice alone suggests a filmmaker unwilling to be pigeonholed by genre or style.

Serkis’s subsequent projects have continued to surprise. His take on the superhero sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage injected a dose of madcap humour reminiscent of Joe Dante or John Landis, while his animated adaptation of Animal Farm signals a desire to create stories for younger viewers. Although critical acclaim has so far eluded his directorial efforts, Serkis’s willingness to experiment hints at a director still finding his voice.

Admiration for Jane Campion’s Masterpiece

When asked which film he could watch on repeat, Serkis did not choose a fantasy epic or a science fiction classic. Instead, he singled out Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning period drama The Piano.

“She’s an amazing director. I love it. I absolutely adore that film.”

His admiration for Campion is telling, as she is renowned for her distinctive storytelling and her role in elevating New Zealand’s film industry.

The Piano, released in 1993, features Holly Hunter as a mute woman who journeys to New Zealand with her daughter, played by Anna Paquin. Both actresses received Academy Awards for their performances, and Campion herself became one of the first women ever nominated for Best Director. Although she lost out to Steven Spielberg for Schindler’s List, Campion did secure the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Her success, built on word-of-mouth and personal storytelling, has made her an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.

Influences and Future Prospects

Campion’s career trajectory is not dissimilar to that of Peter Jackson, another New Zealander and one of Serkis’s most significant collaborators. Both directors have demonstrated how personal vision and a commitment to storytelling can resonate globally. Serkis’s appreciation for such filmmakers suggests he is keen to learn from the best as he continues to develop his own directorial style.

If Serkis maintains his admiration for artists like Campion and Jackson, there is every chance he will continue to grow as a filmmaker, exploring new genres and approaches along the way.