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In a candid conversation, Miranda Otto reflects on subjects as varied as her newest character as a regal sea creature to the invaluable wisdom gleaned from theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

Your latest role is the monarch 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, that particular fish found at a specific shoreline – because it’s like an institution, and people go there to see it. I just think it’s cool that a resident aquatic creature that people actually seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Favorite to Return To

Which movie do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. When I was childhood, 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 attended and simply chuckled and laughed. It’s such masterful work of humor and all the actors in it are superb. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – that wasn’t successful. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Lesson Learned From a Co-Star

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 back then we were not a couple. We portrayed characters as scene partners and on opening night I stumbled – I jumped ahead a few lines in the script. I was unaware what I’d done but I abruptly sensed things were off. I recall looking at him, and he expertly rescued the moment, and then our performance took off again and went really, really well. However, I believe the insight gained in that moment was, first, always trust the individuals you’re working with. If you don’t know your place, if you turn around and look at the actors you’re with, you will find your correct position in some way. It is a profoundly communal thing, acting on stage. And next, just to have a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when a mistake occurs, things actually spark off in a really great direction provided you are fully engaged then. It may become an unexpected boon when things go absolutely the wrong way.

Memorable Exchanges with Fans

What’s been your most touching interaction with a fan?

There isn't just one specific meeting but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I am told numerous accounts about how that character meant to them when they were growing up … events that occurred in their lives and the extent to which that character meant to them and was a form of support to them in those times.

Which questions get asked about the most by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most detailed inquiry concerns always about that infamous meal her character prepares for Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become a running gag, the entire episode involving that dish, and all fans wish to know the contents of the stew, and how was it made, and in your opinion she’s a better cook now, or do you believe she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the humour of that scene. And I provide great detail describing the ingredients that constituted the concoction – as I recall what they did; like they even put bits of colored thread to make it look like bits of veins in the meat. They went to great detail to render it as unappetizing as possible.

An Awkward Star Encounter

What was your most cringeworthy celebrity encounter?

I attended a pilates class and another participant on a mat doing pilates, and the teacher said to me, “Hello Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an uncommon moniker and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really seeing who it was. And when she got up, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for what to say. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I felt intense awkwardness. I wanted to say: “Oh my gosh, I do know your work!” I think her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.

The Origin of a Moniker

Articles have confidently claimed that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet I’ve read stating otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Indeed, I was named after the Sydney suburb. My mother learned via broadcast that they were opening a shopping centre at that location, and she thought sounded like a nice name.

Chaos on Location

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

When I was working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the final product emerged incredibly well. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is really different. In Australia, you normally have a call sheet and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather flexible – one would appear whenever you happen to be ready. It was a novel approach for me. The elements were being assembled at the very last minute, and at times the plan was unclear where they were shooting or the methodology. And then I would be in the middle of a scene and wondering, “What was that noise that disturbed the scene? Oh, it’s the producer popping open some champagne on set, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.

A Secret Talent

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers easier than I memorise words a lot of the time, I simply have that kind of a brain. So I believe had I not pursued acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like math or finance.

The Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

During my time in secondary school, someone addressed us as we were graduating and stated, “don’t be afraid to fail” … an idea I consider is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains so much more from failure than you learn from success. Success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. Failure, the lessons are so much more.