Otto; or Up with Dead People

Watch Otto; or Up with Dead People

  • 2008
  • 1 hr 35 min

Otto; or Up with Dead People is a unique and provocative movie, directed by Bruce LaBruce, that blends zombie horror, political commentary, and avant-garde art. Released in 2008, the movie caused controversy and critical acclaim for its bold depiction of queer sexuality, identity politics, and the ethics of media representation. The story centers around Otto, a young and gay zombie who rises from the dead in the midst of a global pandemic that turns people into flesh-eating creatures. Unlike most of his kind, Otto is introspective, non-violent, and haunted by memories of his past life. He roams around the empty streets of Berlin, trying to make sense of his undead existence and seeking some form of human companionship.

Through a series of nonlinear flashbacks and surreal visions, Otto's story unfolds as a political allegory about the marginalization of queer people and the stigmatization of difference in contemporary societies. We learn that Otto was a struggling filmmaker and performance artist who faced rejection, censorship, and ridicule from both mainstream and alternative audiences. His latest project, a subversive zombie film, was rejected by a prestigious film festival, and he felt disillusioned and isolated. But after his supposed death, Otto finds a new creative outlet and a new sense of purpose, as he becomes the star of a sensationalistic reality TV show that exploits his undead status for commercial gain. The show, called "Where the Dead Are," becomes a viral hit, attracting millions of viewers who are fascinated by Otto's uncanny charisma and his "authentic" representation of zombie culture.

The movie raises many questions about the ethics of media production and consumption, especially in the age of reality TV and social media. It satirizes the ways in which the media industry commodifies human suffering and sensationalizes difference in order to maximize profit and ratings. It also critiques the ways in which oppressed groups are pigeonholed and stereotyped in popular culture, reducing their complexity and diversity to mere spectacle.

However, the movie is not just a dry political treatise. It is also a poetic and erotic celebration of the human and the non-human body, and the interplay between them. The movie depicts several graphic sex scenes between Otto and his love interest, Fritz, a living human who is attracted to Otto's queer undeadness. These scenes are not gratuitous or sensationalistic, but rather intimate and tender, exploring the boundaries between life and death, pleasure and pain, desire and disgust. The movie also features several surreal and mesmerizing sequences of dance, music, and performance art, blending various genres and cultures in a postmodern collage.

The movie's aesthetics is characterized by a sense of punk rock DIY ethos, with low-budget production values, rough cuts, and experimental camera angles. The movie also subverts the conventions of the zombie genre, by showing the undead as complex and emotional beings, capable of love, art, and philosophy. The makeup and costume designs are creative and imaginative, with Otto's blue skin and black lipstick making him stand out in the sea of zombie flicks.

Overall, Otto; or Up with Dead People is not a movie for everyone. It is challenging, subversive, and disturbing, but also funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. It is a movie that explores the limits of cinema and the limits of humanity, inviting viewers to question their assumptions about death, sexuality, and conformity. Whether you are a fan of horror, art, or queer culture, you will find something to ponder in this daring and unforgettable movie.

Otto; or Up with Dead People is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Otto; or Up with Dead People
Description
Where to Watch Otto; or Up with Dead People
Otto; or Up with Dead People is available to watch free on Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Otto; or Up with Dead People for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2008
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English,German