By the '80s, Peter Weller had found success in stage, TV and on film, including acclaimed roles in "Shoot The Moon" and "Of Unknown Origin", but playing the title role of "Buckaroo Banzai" was his real breakthrough.
1984's "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension" stuffed interdimensional aliens, Jeff Goldblum in a cowboy costume, and full band performances into an already absurd sci-fi comedy immediately destined for cult status. Even without Weller, the movie would have never been forgotten, yet it's his central performance that keeps the insanity of the premise grounded. He's the epitome of "cool" as Buckaroo Banzai, deeply zen in his approach to the world ("Wherever you go, there you are"), while still committing to the role of a passionate, successful scientist-cum-rock musician. Like several other films in Weller's filmography, the whole thing would fall apart if the actor winked at the camera even for a second, and he never does.
"Buckaroo Banzai" opened against several bigger movies of the same year, including "Ghostbusters" and "Temple of Doom," ultimately flopping in theaters (per Box Office Mojo). The film was a success on home video, however, and soon accrued a loyal following that endures to this day. Weller moved ahead with a career increasingly rooted in genre, including this next masterpiece.
