What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery? Review – A Powerful Exploration of Alcoholism, Depression, and Trauma

 

In the end, any documentary about mental health essentially digs into layers of pain. Whether this process is inherently exploitative is up for debate, and it’s a conversation that should precede both the making and watching of such films. From there, the programme must be evaluated on how thoughtfully and respectfully it unearths – or allows the subject to reveal – those layers, and whether it resists the urge to hasten the narrative or push the subject further than they’re comfortable with. By these standards, *Horizon’s What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?* (BBC Two) stands out as a shining example of the genre.

For many of us who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s, Tony Slattery is best remembered for his charm, wit, improvisational skills, and mischievous face on Channel 4’s *Whose Line Is It Anyway?* He was a ubiquitous presence – appearing on panel shows, in adverts, and hosting award ceremonies, seemingly enjoying a great career. But behind the scenes, things began to unravel. A few years later, Slattery retreated from the public eye, battling alcoholism, drugs, and depression, struggles that have defined much of his life over the past 25 years. Though he no longer uses drugs, alcohol still plays a destructive role, and he has yet to find balance.

At 60, Slattery has begun to re-emerge, embarking on a tour where he discusses his mental health. The tour is an exploration of whether he has undiagnosed bipolar disorder, but beneath that lies the deeper issue of the childhood abuse he has recently spoken about in interviews.

The hour-long documentary thus becomes an examination of the complex interplay between causes and effects, exploring what ultimately shapes us. Is Slattery’s depression aggravated by his drinking and drug use, or did he turn to substances as a form of coping? Is there a genetic predisposition at play? Does his trauma lie at the root of both his struggles with addiction and depression? These questions are difficult to untangle after decades of entanglement, and the programme grapples with the challenge of determining what came first, and how to approach treatment when the causes are so deeply intertwined.

As a portrait of the complexities of mental health, the documentary is exceptionally well-crafted, underscoring the idea that – as Slattery’s close friend, Stephen Fry, notes – “All the ways people deal with pain if it is undiagnosed are dangerous.” But what truly resonates is the depiction of the power of love. Mark Hutchinson, Slattery’s partner for 32 years, is forthright about the toll Slattery’s struggles take, yet remains unwaveringly devoted. He occasionally takes breaks to recharge, but his commitment to Tony is clear. Their relationship is one built on a profound and enduring love, and it’s likely that Hutchinson’s steady support is what has kept Slattery grounded all these years.

It’s easy to understand why Mark is so dedicated to Tony. The same warmth, charm, and gentleness that made Slattery so beloved in his earlier career are still evident, even if he struggles with some of the consequences of his past. Despite his occasional stammer, possibly from brain damage caused by an alcohol-related stroke, he remains articulate and thoughtful. When anger does emerge, it is directed at the source of his childhood suffering, and he’s often harsher on himself than on his abuser. Throughout the programme, he worries that exploring the reasons behind his drinking and mood swings could be seen as “self-indulgence,” questioning why he hasn’t “shrugged off” his past by now. In a poignant moment, his psychiatrist gently suggests that this guilt is a direct result of the abuse he endured. “Oh,” says Tony, after a pause. “It’s never been put to me like that before.”

By the end of the programme, while Slattery and Hutchinson still have a long journey ahead, there’s hope. Tony has made progress, cutting back on his drinking, though he hasn’t stopped entirely. Some seeds of insight have been planted, and there’s the possibility that they may grow over time.

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