Dennis O’Rourke died last night at the age of 67. He was a remarkable filmmaker, fiercely articulate and a wonderful ratbag, who helped to build the very idea of independent documentary in Australia. .
Dennis O’Rourke’s health has been deteriorating for some time as age took its toll on a vigorous man who spent a lot of time in the sun, dragged heavy equipment, and was capable of great joy and stubborn anger. He died of a rare form of cancer, donated his body to science and laughed with the doctor who will accept it.