A Man Called Otto Explained (2024)

A Man Called Otto
Director:Marc Forster
Screenplay:David Magee
Starring:
  • Tom Hanks
  • Mariana Treviño
  • Rachel Keller
  • Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
  • Truman Hanks
  • Mike Birbiglia
Cinematography:Matthias Königswieser
Editing:Matt Chessé
Music:Thomas Newman
Distributor:Sony Pictures Releasing
Runtime:126 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English
Budget:$50 million
Gross:$113.2 million[1]

A Man Called Otto is a 2022 American comedy-drama film directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by David Magee. It is a remake of the 2015 Swedish film A Man Called Ove, which was based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Fredrik Backman. The film stars Tom Hanks in the title role, with Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in supporting roles. The plot follows a bitter old man who reluctantly gets involved in the lives of his neighbors.

A Man Called Otto began a limited theatrical release on December 29, 2022, before a wide release in the United States on January 13, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $113 million worldwide against a $50 million production budget.

Plot

Otto Anderson is a 63-year-old widower, living in a rowhouse in suburban Pittsburgh. Six months after losing his wife Sonya, a schoolteacher, Otto has become a cynical, fastidious curmudgeon. Pushed into retirement from his job at a steel plant, he cancels his utilities and plans to kill himself to join his late wife.

Preparing to hang himself, Otto is interrupted by the arrival of new neighbors: pregnant Marisol, her husband Tommy, and their daughters Abby and Luna, who try to befriend him. When he attempts suicide, the noose collapses from the ceiling, so he visits Sonya's grave, and has flashbacks to their past: as a young man, he was rejected from the army due to his hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and met Sonya on a train, where she lent him a 1964 silver quarter he has kept ever since.

Otto helps his neighbor Anita with her radiators, despite holding a grudge against her husband Reuben, a non-responsive stroke survivor. Otto attempts suicide again via carbon monoxide poisoning in his garage, thinking back on his and Sonya's courtship, but he is interrupted by Marisol when Tommy breaks his leg after borrowing Otto's ladder. Otto reluctantly drives Marisol and the children to the hospital, where he assaults a clown for taking his special quarter during a magic trick.

While waiting on a train platform for another suicide attempt, Otto remembers his graduation from engineering school, when he asked Sonya to marry him. He saves an older man who fell onto the tracks and lets himself be pulled to safety at the last second. When his allergic neighbor Jimmy rescues a stray cat, Otto reluctantly adopts it. He confronts a teenager named Malcolm for delivering unwanted advertising circulars, and the boy recognizes Otto as his former teacher's husband, recounting that Sonya supported him as a transgender student.

Annoyed by Marisol's inability to drive, Otto gives her lessons. They visit Sonya's favorite bakery, where Otto explains that Anita and Sonya were best friends, but he and Reuben grew apart over rivalries and trivialities such as loyalties to different car manufacturers, culminating in Reuben's "coup" replacing Otto as chair of the neighborhood association. Otto babysits Abby and Luna while Marisol and Tommy spend a night out together, and befriends Malcolm, helping to fix his bicycle.

Otto dodges social media journalist Sharie Kenzie after a video of the incident at the train station goes viral. Unwilling to come to terms with Sonya's death, Otto lashes out at Marisol and an agent for Dye & Merika, a real estate company trying to buy up the neighborhood. He prepares to commit suicide by shotgun, remembering the bus crash on a romantic trip to Niagara Falls that caused a pregnant Sonya to lose her baby and become a paraplegic. Malcolm, who was kicked out by his father, knocks on the door, and Otto lets him stay the night.

Otto learns that Dye & Merika are conspiring with the estranged son of Reuben and Anita. They are leveraging Anita's secret Parkinson's diagnosis to buy their house and put Reuben in their nursing home. He resolves to fight them and asks for Marisol's help, finally explaining Sonya's stillbirth and disability, his frustration at the inaccessibility of the Dye & Merika housing development, and how he was voted out as association chair after a heated confrontation with the company. When Dye & Merika staff arrive to take Reuben, the neighbors band together to stop them, with Kenzie exposing their illegal access to Anita and Otto's medical records.

Otto collapses and he is taken to the hospital, identifying Marisol as his next of kin. She is amused to learn "his heart is too big", then goes into labor and gives birth to a son, Marco. Otto gives Marisol and Tommy the cradle he built when Sonya was pregnant, gives his car to Malcolm, and grows closer to his neighbors.

Three years later, following a snowfall, Tommy notices Otto has not shoveled his walkway as he normally would. He and Marisol enter his house and find that Otto has died of heart failure. They also find a letter to Marisol bequeathing his home, savings, new truck, and cat. Following his wishes for a funeral, the neighbors gather to remember Otto.

Cast

In addition, Christiana Montoya and Alessandra Perez appear as Luna and Abby, respectively. John Higgins appears as a store clerk.[2]

Production

In September 2017, it was announced that Tom Hanks would star in an English-language adaptation of the 2015 Swedish film, A Man Called Ove, and would also produce alongside Playtone partner Gary Goetzman, wife Rita Wilson, and Fredrik Wikström Nicastro of SF Studios.[3] Marc Forster was confirmed as the film's director in January 2022, with David Magee writing the screenplay.[4] On February 10, 2022, it was announced that Sony Pictures pre-bought the rights to the film for around at the European Film Market.[5]

Filming

Filming began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in February 2022[6] and wrapped up in three months later in May.[7] [8]

Soundtrack

Thomas Newman composed the film's score. The soundtrack album was released by Decca Records on December 30, 2022.[9] [10] The album also features the single "Til You're Home" by Rita Wilson and Sebastián Yatra, which was released on December 2, 2022,[9] and was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.[11]

Release

The film began limited theatrical release in New York City and Los Angeles on December 29, 2022, before a wide release in the United States on January 13, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing.[1] [12] It was originally set for a wide release on December 25, 2022,[13] [14] then moved up to December 14, 2022, before moving to its current date.[15]

Home media

The film was released through video on demand on February 28, 2023. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on March 14, 2023.[16] [17] The film was released on Netflix in the United States on May 6, 2023.[18] Disney signed a "pay two window" deal with Sony in April 2021 which also included A Man Called Otto.[19]

Reception

Box office

A Man Called Otto grossed $64.3million in the United States and Canada, and $48.8million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $113.1million,[1] against a budget of $50million.[20]

A Man Called Otto grossed $60,000 at four Los Angeles and New York theaters on its opening three-day weekend.[21] It expanded to 637 theaters the following weekend, making $4.2 million and finishing in fourth.[22] In its third weekend the film made $12.7 million after expanding to 3,802 theaters, surpassing its $8 million projections and remaining in fourth.[23] It then made $8.8 million in its fourth weekend, finishing fifth.[24]

Critical response

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[23]

External links

Notes and References

  1. March 1, 2023.
  2. Web site: Massoto . Erick . 2023-05-29 . 'SNL' Fave John Higgins Delivers Deadpan Humor in 'The Country Club' Trailer . 2023-11-08 . Collider . en.
  3. Web site: Tom Hanks To Star In 'A Man Called Ove' Remake. Mike Jr.. Fleming. 21 September 2017. Deadline Hollywood. March 10, 2022. September 29, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190929025316/https://deadline.com/2017/09/tom-hanks-a-man-called-ove-remake-swedish-film-1202174361/. live.
  4. Web site: Marc Forster To Direct Tom Hanks In 'A Man Called Ove' With SF Studios, Rita Wilson & Playtone Producing David Magee Script. Wiseman. Andreas. Deadline Hollywood. January 18, 2022. March 10, 2022. January 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220118152035/https://deadline.com/2022/01/tom-hanks-man-called-ove-marc-forster-rita-wilson-comedy-movie-1234914185/. live.
  5. Web site: Tom Hanks Comedy A Man Called Otto Pre-Sells To Sony For $60M In Biggest Ever EFM Deal. Andreas. Wiseman. Mike. Fleming Jr. Deadline Hollywood. February 10, 2022. February 11, 2022. April 22, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220422052234/https://deadline.com/2022/02/tom-hanks-movie-man-called-otto-sony-record-deal-efm-1234931136/. live.
  6. News: Axelrod . Joshua . Western Pa.-shot film Cha Cha Real Smooth set for June 17 release . . 9 March 2022 . March 9, 2022 . March 16, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220316222932/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2022/03/09/apple-tv-cha-cha-real-smooth-pittsburgh-dakota-johnson/stories/202203090106 . live .
  7. News: Cuneo . Kevin . Crew for Tom Hanks movie in Pittsburgh hiring scores of extras . . 21 February 2022 . February 20, 2022 . February 21, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221033613/https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/02/21/kevin-cuneo-tom-hanks-film-seeks-extras-walker-scobell-big-screen-erie-wright-exhibit-carl-reiner/6834095001/ . live .
  8. Web site: Fleming . Mike Jr. . Sony Pictures Lands U.S. Rights To Miramax's Here; Robin Wright Joins Tom Hanks, Robert Zemeckis, Eric Roth In Forrest Gump Reteam – Cannes Market . . May 11, 2022 . The acquisition furthers the studio's relationship with Hanks, whose A Man Called Otto just wrapped production. . May 12, 2022 . May 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220512174510/https://deadline.com/2022/05/robin-wright-tom-hanks-robert-zemeckis-eric-roth-forest-gump-reteam-sony-pictures-miramax-1235021582/ . live .
  9. Porter . Sierra . Rita Wilson Enlists Sebastian Yatra for 'A Man Called Otto' Song 'Til You're Home' . 17 January 2023 . . 2 December 2022.
  10. News: 'A Man Called Otto' Soundtrack Album Details . 17 January 2023 . Film Music Reporter . 29 December 2022 . January 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230125071340/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/12/29/a-man-called-otto-soundtrack-album-details/ . live .
  11. Burlingame . Jon . Oscar Music Shortlists: Weeknd, Selena Gomez, 'RRR' Songs Make the Cut; 'Avatar,' 'Nope,' 'Don't Worry Darling' Scores Advance . 17 January 2023 . . 21 December 2022.
  12. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . 2022-10-17 . Tom Hanks Movie 'A Man Called Otto' Shifts To Christmas . 2022-10-18 . Deadline Hollywood . October 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018070358/https://deadline.com/2022/10/tom-hanks-a-man-called-otto-shifts-christmas-release-1235147329/ . live .
  13. Shafer . Ellise . Sony Dates Tom Hanks Vehicle A Man Called Otto for Christmas Alongside Whitney Houston Biopic . Variety . 19 February 2022 . February 18, 2022.
  14. Web site: Sony Moves Oh Hell No Off Schedule, Confirms A Man Called Otto For Christmas, Sets Umma Date & More. February 18, 2022. Erik. Pedersen. Deadline Hollywood. February 19, 2022. March 5, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220305055316/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sony-release-dates-oh-hell-no-a-man-called-otto-umma-whitney-houston-biopic-1234957127/. live.
  15. Web site: Sony Moves Madame Web To Fall 2023, Dates Marvel Universe Title For Summer 2024. July 19, 2022. Anthony. D'Alessandro. Deadline Hollywood. July 19, 2022. July 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220719193227/https://deadline.com/2022/07/madame-web-mcu-sony-insidious-5-release-dates-1235072577/. live.
  16. Web site: Hunt . Bill . M3GAN is official for Blu-ray & DVD, plus Scream's The Exorcist III 4K, A Man Called Otto & a look at Zavvi's UK Superman 5-Film Ultra HD Steelbook . The Digital Bits . February 17, 2023 . 2023-02-21 . February 21, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230221011158/https://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/021723-1430 . live .
  17. Web site: A Man Called Otto DVD Release Date. DVDs Release Dates. February 26, 2023. February 26, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230226062338/https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/10757/a-man-called-otto. live.
  18. Web site: Moore . Kasey . 2023-04-23 . 'A Man Called Otto' Coming to Netflix US in May 2023 . 2023-04-30 . What's on Netflix . April 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230430151514/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/a-man-called-otto-coming-to-netflix-us-in-may-2023/ . live .
  19. Couch . Aaron . 2021-04-21 . Sony Films Will Move to Disney After Netflix Window Expires . 2023-05-13 . The Hollywood Reporter.
  20. Web site: Buyers Circling Tom Hanks Comedy A Man Called Otto On Eve Of Virtual EFM. February 8, 2022. Andreas. Wiseman. Deadline Hollywood. February 9, 2022. February 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220209003748/https://deadline.com/2022/02/tom-hanks-man-called-otto-efm-buyers-circling-1234928680/. live.
  21. Web site: Goldsmith . Jill . January 1, 2023 . Hanks Banks $75K In 'A Man Called Otto' Exclusive Run – Specialty Box Office . January 1, 2023 . Deadline Hollywood . January 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230101201335/https://deadline.com/2023/01/specialty-box-office-man-called-otto-tom-hanks-broker-turn-every-page-1235209634/ . live .
  22. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . January 8, 2023 . 'M3GAN' Slays With $30M+ Opening; 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Hits Half Billion Faster Than 'Top Gun 2', 'Rogue One' – Sunday AM Box Office Update . January 8, 2023 . Deadline Hollywood . January 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230108015724/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ . live .
  23. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . January 13, 2023 . 'Avatar 2' Rules With $35M 4-day, 'M3GAN' Moves $20M+, 'Man Called Otto' A Bright Spot For Adult Pics – MLK Weekend Box Office . January 14, 2023 . Deadline Hollywood . January 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230114041308/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-plane-gerard-butler-the-avatar-way-of-water-m3gan-1235221135/ . live .
  24. Web site: Domestic 2023 Weekend 3 . . January 23, 2023 . January 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222530/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2023W03/?ref_=bo_wey_table_1 . live .

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A Man Called Otto Explained (2024)

FAQs

A Man Called Otto Explained? ›

Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.

What is the message of A Man Called Otto? ›

The main messages from A Man Called Otto are that even when everything looks desperate there's still hope, and we can find new meaning to life if we look for it. Values in A Man Called Otto that you could reinforce with your children include persistence, kindness and hope.

Does Otto have autism in A Man Called Otto? ›

Furthermore, the film provides a sensitive perspective on the life of an individual with Asperger's Syndrome whose social tendencies earn him the reputation of the “grumpy old man” but who becomes an empathetic person through the close bond that he develops with an immigrant family.

Why did Otto and Reuben stop being friends? ›

They visit Sonya's favorite bakery, where Otto explains that Anita and Sonya were best friends, but he and Reuben grew apart over rivalries and trivialities such as loyalties to different car manufacturers, culminating in Reuben's "coup" replacing Otto as chair of the neighborhood association.

What is the story behind the movie A Man Called Otto? ›

Synopsis Based on the comical and moving New York Times bestseller, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors.

What is the moral of the story of A Man Called Otto? ›

Life is too hard for us to do by ourselves. We need support from family, friends and neighbors to get through hard times and to bring joy to our lives. No matter where we live and what we do in life, we are part of a community. And reaching out to each other is what helps us get through life.

What condition did Otto have? ›

While it is not the primary focus of the movie, the main character, Otto, just happens to have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).

What disease does Reuben have in a man named Otto? ›

Both Rune and Reuben have Alzheimer's but Reuben is depicted as paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Otto still doesn't seem to have forgiven Reuben for being a Ford man instead of a loyal Chrysler customer. To make matters even more unforgivable, Reuben buys a Toyota! The “coup” still looms large in Otto's memory as well.

What happened to Otto's wife in the movie Otto? ›

The film opens six months after Otto's cherished wife Sonya (Rachel Keller) has died of cancer. In flashbacks, we learn how Sonya and Otto met, all they loved about each other, and the horrific crisis they faced together.

What happened to Sonya and Otto's baby? ›

Otto agrees to help Anita and Reuben. Marisol refuses to assist Otto (she is angry with him about shutting her out) until he tells her that he and Sonya went to Niagara Falls to celebrate Sonya's pregnancy. On the bus back home, they were involved in a crash, and Sonya became paralyzed and had a miscarriage.

What happened to the baby in A Man Called Otto? ›

Although they both work hard and have little time off, they finally take a vacation together, where a bus accident claims the life of their unborn child and confines Sonya to a wheelchair.

What happens at the end of a man named Otto? ›

One morning, Tommy tells Marisol that he notices Otto didn't shovel the snow off his walk. The two go to his house and find Otto dead on his bed, having succumbed to his heart condition.

Was the cat in A Man Called Otto real? ›

About 10% of the cat ended up being all in-camera and about 20% CG cat. The rest are cat comps, greenscreen plates comped in to the photography. JAMM Visual, led by Kevin Pierce, completed all of the cat work. They did the CG cat and they did all of the cat comps, which turned out very well.

What is the moral lesson of the story A Man Called Ove? ›

Throughout the story, Ove is constantly reminded of the importance of human connection. He learns that life is worth living, even in the face of loss and adversity. Ove's journey is a testament to the power of friendship and community, and the impact that these relationships can have on our lives.

What is the psychological analysis of A Man Called Otto? ›

Otto becomes an independent person and rarely relies on others because he is capable of doing many different things. Otto has a strong sense of purpose, which makes him determined and strong-willed. Otto is compulsive need for change, he cannot see something out of place or when someone makes a mistake.

What are the critics saying about A Man Called Otto? ›

Critics Thought A Man Called Otto Was Formulaic But Sweet

The critics' consensus promises that A Man Called Otto will “tug at your heartstrings” despite following a “tried-and-true” formula. It might be predictable, but it's an enjoyable ride.

Does Otto have OCD in A Man Called Otto? ›

The movie's subplot is that Otto also has obsessive-compulsive disorder — OCD. He established a daily routine that benefits his neighbors to compensate for the disorder. Otto is the ad-hoc overseer of safety and security on his block of townhouses.

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