10 Times Horror Movie Directors Gave INSANE Performances As Actors

1. Peter Jackson - Bad Taste

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WingNut Films

Long before helming The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson was an indie filmmaker trying to make ends meet with his directorial debut, Bad Taste. Shot on the weekends with his friends in New Zealand, the sci-fi splatterfest has become legendary for its absurd plot, cartoon logic, and inventive practical effects.

Not content with being the writer, director, editor, and prosthetics creator, Jackson took it upon himself to play the nerdy hero, Derek. In a movie where aliens turn humans into intergalactic fast food, this bespectacled alien-killer is somehow the strangest thing on-screen. 

He's so hyperactive in his movements and line delivery, you swear he'll be exposed as one of the space invaders. He delivers the most ridiculous lines with passionate glee, including the classic, "I'm a Derek... and Derek's don't run."

He portrays Derek with slapstick determination, especially when the character cracks his skull open, compelling him to wrap a belt around his noggin to stop his exposed brain from falling out.

His performance is absolutely bananas, but it shows that Jackson gave everything he had to ensure this nutty project saw the light of day.

 
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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows