There is a point during the brilliant documentary But Also John Clarke where no less a comedic authority than Ben Elton comments that what Clarke used to do on Australian television – a series of rather Brechtian political sketches with creative partner Brian Dawe – was more or less unique in the world. It is a moment that stands out in particular, because it more or less encapsulates the reason why the documentary exists. John Clarke was a comic, an actor, and a writer, but ultimately he was more or less a unique figure in Australia and New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

Clarke – a comedian to the end – died of a sudden heart attack on Mount Abrupt. Prior to his death he had been participating in a series of interviews by his daughter Lorin. It is these interviews, recorded over a long period onto cassette tape, that form the spine of Lorin Clarke’s spectacular new documentary. It covers his childhood, his career, his family, and his friends. It palpably zeroes in on why he was such an immense comic talent, and why he has left such a strong legacy today.

You have seen this kind of documentary many times before. Its biographical focus is fleshed out with archival footage of old performances, and ‘talking heads’ interviews with friends and colleagues. It is that eerie amount of narration by Clarke himself that makes it jump well above the typical quality of these sorts of films. As for its director, she keeps herself visible throughout: scenes of father and daughter larking about or sharing a joke give the film a liveliness that stretches beyond a simple career overview.

The overview is there, of course: his popular Fred Dagg persona that made him a household name in New Zealand, but then shackled him unwillingly to a formula. His iconic supporting turn in Australian classic Death in Brunswick is prominently featured, as is his superb comedy series The Games – which managed to stretch beyond a simple Olympics satire to be something quite profound. His use of actor John Howard to stand in for the former Prime Minister of the same name and deliver a televised apology to Australia’s stolen generations remains the single-best thing Clarke ever did.

Then there were the political sketches with Brian Dawe. First on commercial television, and then revived for the ABC, these weekly faux interviews were remarkable in how precisely Clarke and Dawe skewered their targets, and in how year in, year out their delivery never changed. It turns out the bluff and mealy-mouthed avoidance of politics never changed either.

As with all biographies of popular entertainers, But Also John Clarke is absolutely a film for his pre-existing fans. It profiles him wonderfully, however, with a combination of love, precision, and faithfulness. It covers all of the career bases and still finds room to be an honest love letter from daughter to father.

This film is joy. And a little sadness, but mainly joy.

But Also John Clarke premiered at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival. Click here for more information.