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In a candid interview, Miranda Otto opens up on subjects as varied as her latest role as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the invaluable wisdom learned through theatrical mistakes and meeting admirers.

Given the Chance to Become a Fish for a Day

The most recent character portrays Queen of the Cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; supposing you had the opportunity to be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?

Without hesitation, the blue groper found at a specific shoreline – since it is a local landmark, and individuals visit specifically to spot it. It strikes me as remarkable that a resident aquatic creature that people actually go and see and talk about – it’s a special fish.

A Film Favorite to Return To

What film do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this picture. During my growing up, it used to come on the ABC every now and again, and one time I recorded it. I found it was hilarious. It stars Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at a cinema and I discovered that it was the preferred movie of an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled and laughed. It is a great piece of comedy and all the actors in it are fantastic. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Insight Learned From a Fellow Actor

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from someone you’ve worked with?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – now my spouse, but at the time we were not a couple. We were playing as scene partners and on opening night I stumbled – I jumped ahead a few lines in the script. I didn’t know of my error but I abruptly sensed things were off. I recall glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then the scene took off again and went really, really well. However, I believe what I learned in that moment was, first, consistently rely on the individuals in your scene. When you lose your place, by looking and toward the actors you’re with, you can rediscover where you’re meant to be somehow. It’s such collaborative endeavor, acting on stage. And next, just to have a lighthearted attitude about it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things can ignite in a wonderfully positive direction if you’re really present then. It may become a gift when things go absolutely awry.

Memorable Interactions with Fans

Can you describe your most memorable interaction with a fan?

It’s not a single particular interaction but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I am told numerous accounts about what Eowyn impacted them when they were younger … events that occurred in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn meant to them and was a form of support to them in those times.

What do you get asked most frequently by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most specific question is always about the stew that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Did that stew taste as terrible as it looked?” It has evolved into such a joke, the whole thing involving that dish, and all fans wish to know what was in the stew, and how was it made, and in your opinion her skills improved now, or do you believe she really is a poor chef? Fans seem, I think, obsessed with the humour of that situation. And I go into lengthy descriptions listing the ingredients that made up the concoction – as I recall what they did; such as put bits of red cotton to simulate the appearance like bits of veins in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to make it look as bad as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

What was your most cringeworthy run-in with a famous person?

I attended a pilates class and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the teacher remarked, “Oh, Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I made some joke about, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an uncommon moniker and often when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I hadn't properly seeing who it was. And when she got up, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. At that point, I didn’t know words. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Oh my gosh, I am aware of your work!” I think her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Source of a Moniker

Articles have repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned you saying otherwise – can you settle the matter definitively?

Yes – I was christened for a district in Sydney. My mother heard on the radio that they were inaugurating a shopping centre at that location, and she thought sounded like a pleasant choice.

Chaos on Location

What’s the most chaotic thing that’s ever happened on set?

While working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon I experienced the least organized set of my career, and yet the final product emerged incredibly well. But the local crew operated in such a different way. Their concept of time there is unique. In Australia, you normally have a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was sort of open ended – one would appear at one's convenience. It was a really different approach for me. All aspects were being assembled at the final moment, and at times the plan was unclear where they were shooting the next day how we were going to do it. And then I would be in the middle of a scene and wondering, “What caused that sound that disturbed the scene? Ah, it was the producer popping open a bottle during filming, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Hidden Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been good with numbers. I retain numbers more readily than I memorise words often, I’ve just got that kind of a brain. So I think had I not ended up in acting, I likely might have worked in something to do with numbers, like mathematics or finance.

The Best Guidance Ever Received

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

When I was in high school, a speaker addressed us when we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is supremely valuable counsel, because you learn so much more from setbacks than is gained from triumph. With success, one rarely understand exactly how it happened. With failure, the lessons are so much more.