Gracie Otto did not intend for her Stan Original Documentary to be about her father’s Alzheimer’s, but his diagnosis during filming changed everything.
The latest offering in Stan’s Revealed slate is Otto By Otto. Directed by Gracie, the documentary celebrates the life and career of her father, Australian theatre and film icon Barry Otto.
Revealed: Otto by Otto will debut exclusively on Stan on June 16.
Gracie discussed the making of the film in an interview on Today Extra, explaining that she originally intended to document her dad’s one-man-show. However, during filming the great Australian actor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
”As it went on an evolved, it became about trying to capture his memories before there weren’t any left,” Gracie said.
Watch Grace’s full interview in the video above.
She described watching Barry’s decline as like “a very slow rip of the Band Aid”.
“Dad never had a mobile phone, he never really had a credit card. He just didn’t exist in the real world like we all do. So, it’s not so obvious with someone like him and someone so creative when it first was diagnosed.
“But also, when it’s first diagnosed, it’s not like an immediate change in someone.”
Otto by Otto was shot over years and as Gracie explained, ended with Barry “maybe not recognising the family anymore, recognising himself or even knowing it was an actor”.
“When you see that steep decline in the film it’s quite heartbreaking because you go, ‘six, seven years ago he was fine,'” she said.
Host David Campbell was clearly moved by the story, with the interview also offering an insight into Gracie’s positive attitude under such difficult circumstances.
Gracie appeared so comfortable that as the hosts thanked her for her time, she unexpectedly stood up and walked across the studio to leave.
Gracie clapped her hands before making a swift exit, thinking the chat was over.
The moment caused everyone to laugh and David to say: “You can go! Walk off, make an exit. There she goes!”
He then broke out into applause, with Gracie walking off smiling.
The doco captures Otto’s journey from his humble beginnings in Brisbane, through his dream of becoming an actor, to his current life as he faces the challenges of dementia.
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The film explores themes of ageing, the human spirit, family and the artistic process, all through Otto’s unique perspective.
Featuring rare footage and iconic moments from Otto’s career, the documentary includes memorable roles such as Harry Joy in Bliss, Doug in Strictly Ballroom, and Roy in Cosi. It also includes audio interviews with notable collaborators like Gillian Armstrong, Ray Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, Baz Luhrmann, John Bell and Miranda Otto, offering a rich tapestry of reflections on Barry’s impact on the Australian arts scene.
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The documentary has already garnered critical acclaim, being named a finalist for the Documentary Australia Award at the Sydney Film Festival.
Watch Revealed: Otto by Otto first look in the video below.
Revealed: Otto by Otto will debut exclusively on Stan on June 16.
Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.
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