There are an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 people currently living with Down syndrome in Australia and, as life expectancies increase steadily over time, more and more people with Down syndrome are likely to outlive their parents or carers.
For many, this raises a host of questions. Among those asking these questions is writer and director John Jarratt, in his award-winning film, What About Sal? starring Australian actor Gerard O’Dwyer.
In asking “What about Sal?” the film is really asking “What about everyday Australians living with disabilities?” The Curb recently reached out to both John and Gerard to learn more about the film.
The film centres on a young man with Down syndrome (played by Australian actor Gerard O’Dwyer) who sets out to find his absent father (played by John Jarratt) when his mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. What follows is a young man’s journey towards greater independence and a new connection with the father he never knew.
While the film has disability as a central theme, John said it was also about the family disruption that can happen to all of us.
For Gerard, the film had an important message surrounding the difficulties facing people with disabilities in Australia, and this was something he was passionate to share.
“It’s important that our films reflect society and that people with a disability are represented in film. It’s about awareness and showing the world what I can do,” Gerard recently told The Curb.
“I want people to feel inspired after watching What About Sal because it’s a very powerful film and it will make people laugh and it will also touch people’s hearts.”
The road to Gerard playing Sal started, strange as it may seem, when John and a friend went to a football game.
I was at a football game. Next to me was a Down syndrome man,” John recalled.
“It was such a pleasure to be at the game with him, he was so exuberant, full of joy, as Down syndrome people are. Every time we scored a try he would go bananas. He was there with his elderly mother. I thought to myself, ‘What would happen if his Mum died and he had nobody.’ I immediately knew I had a brilliant idea for a film.”
John also had Gerard already in mind for the role, having previously met him at the Riverside Theatre.
“I remember he came to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta where I work,” Gerard said.
“He was doing a two man show which was called The Sum of Us. I was a huge fan of McCleod’s Daughters, which starred John. To this day I still call him Terry from the show.
“John had me in mind to be the lead actor in his film. He said to my Mum, ‘How would you feel if I asked your son to be the lead actor in my film, What About Sal?, and she said ‘why not?’ The rest is history.”
Gerard knew he wanted to be in the film from the moment he read John’s script, and he greatly enjoyed his time on set.
“I loved reading it and getting the feel of it. I had all these images in my mind as I was reading the script. I was excited knowing that it was actually going to happen,” he said.
“My favourite part is where Sal is very determined and goes on a mission to find his father so that he can be independent. He faces a lot of challenges along the way.”
“I definitely enjoyed and loved working with John on set. He’s fun to work with. When he was in character as Sal’s father in the film, he was using strong language towards Sal and this was tough for Sal to deal with. Sal had to put up with a lot, but he never gave up on his dad.”
John said working with Gerard was an absolute pleasure, and that he brought a great deal of emotion and poignance to the film.
“Gerard O'Dwyer is one of the best actors I have ever worked with. He’s a phenomenal actor. And I’ve worked with Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson and Jamie Fox to name a few. Gerard is up there.
“My favourite Gerard moment in the film is when he’s sitting crosslegged on a rock with waves crashing in front of him and the sun is rising. He’s upset about his Mum dying. He had a determined expression on his face and one by one tears fell out of his eyes. I didn’t direct that - he knew.”
John was also struck by Gerard’s determination to be seen beyond the limiting gauge of disability.
“Gerard will tell you he’s not a Down syndrome actor, he’s Gerard O’Dwyer, the actor.
“His so-called affliction doesn’t stop him and doesn’t encumber him and doesn’t define him. Down syndrome people have a happy demeanour, and they are capable of unconditional love. Most so-called normal people have a lot of disability in this area.”
Gerard has already had a long and successful career in the film and theatre industry, first starring in the award-winning short film Be My Brother, in 2009. While he noted that he would like the industry to be even more inclusive, he has enjoyed his career up to this point. His advice to those starting out is simple.
“You have to commit to things, never say no to an opportunity because there are many opportunities for people out there, with or without a disability,” Gerard said.
“My favourite thing about being an actor is the catering!
“But seriously, I do love my catering on set. Other than that, I love being in front of the camera and getting to work with talented actors, extras and crew.”
A screening of What About Sal?, and Q&A sessions with John Jarratt, will be held at the State Cinema in Hobart on 16 July at 6.30pm. Tickets available here.
What About Sal? is coming soon to Netflix