Before ‘The Lord of the Rings’, Peter Jackson Directed Man-Eating Aliens in ‘Bad Taste’

‘The Lord of the Rings’, Peter Jackson’s ground-breaking version of Tolkien’s epic, is frequently the first thing that comes to mind when people think of him. However, Jackson’s career started with something rather different: the splatter comedy ‘Bad Taste’, released in 1987. With its crazy plot, gory gore effects, and dark humour, this low-budget, wild movie has little in common with the vast imagination of Middle-earth. However, it also acts as an early demonstration of Jackson’s distinct artistic vision and skill.

A group of aliens who operate an interstellar fast food company and use people as their primary ingredient is at the centre of the ‘Bad Taste’ narrative. Jackson portrays one of the four Astro Investigation and Defense Service members sent to look into the unexplained disappearance of a whole village. The heroes quickly learn that the seemingly ordinary villagers are actually hideous aliens who want to use the town’s citizens as fuel for their fast food business. In order to save one survivor and stop the aliens from fleeing Earth, the heroes must then fight the aliens.

Image Courtesy: People

With a humorous tone, Jackson’s debut picture is rife with gory scenes, such as exploding heads, strange meetings with sheep, and body parts flying in all directions. Even though the movie is obviously low budget, Jackson’s creativity is on display in its creative use of camera work and do-it-yourself effects, like in the scene where he plays two characters fighting on a cliff. ‘Bad Taste’, which was made for only $25,000 over four years, is evidence of Jackson’s love for making movies and his resourcefulness.

Despite being a far cry from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Oscar-winning accomplishments, ‘Bad Taste’ is a fun and humorous start to Peter Jackson’s career and a must-see for splatter horror and do-it-yourself film enthusiasts.

–Farheen Ali