On Richard's Side

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On Richard's Side is the third in a trilogy of documentaries about Richard and his family. The first two films - Driving with Richard (1992) and Wonder Boy (2001) – are also available from Ronin Films.

This remarkable and emotionally charged story begins thirty-five years ago when Richard was born – revealing through home movies and footage from the previous films how Deirdre coped, caring for Richard as a lovable child who also had highly erratic and often violent impulses. It also reveals the strong bonds that grew between a father and son when Richard's dad, Charlie, became his sole carer for eighteen years.

Deirdre, now in her early sixties, is her son's primary carer and she must plan the remainder of both of their lives. We witness the extraordinary day-to-day effort required to look after Richard, and Deirdre's fierce determination to build a circle of friends and carers for Richard in case anything happens to her. Deirdre's efforts to find a sustainable, long-term accommodation solution for Richard take her and Richard on a roller-coaster emotional ride as Richard's health fluctuates wildly. Deirdre is resilient but the emotional toll on her becomes apparent as she fights to create and put in place the 'good life' for her son.

The leading voice of this film is the fearless and impassioned voice of Deirdre and that voice, just one of many, tells us that to care for someone means to care for life. Amid the immense struggle, the film reveals moments of humour and great tenderness and how, in many, many ways, Richard gives to others even as he receives their care.

ATOM has also produced a study guide for On Richard's Side. This study guide is available for download here.

Classification exempt - Ronin recommends: PG

Running time: 90 mins