The Sum of Us (1994) directed by Geoff Burton & Kevin Dowling

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Directors: Geoff Burton & Kevin Dowling

Writers: David Stevens (play)
David Stevens (screenplay)

Release Date: 12 July 1994 (Sydney, Australia, premiere)
8 March 1995 (USA)

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Tagline: Dad's looking for Miss Right, his son's looking for Mr. Right. (Australia Theatrical)
We're all just . . . The Sum of Us. (Australia Theatrical)
A surprising comedy of love. (Australia Theatrical)
Not your typical father and son story.
There's a man in Jeff's life who'll fight for him and stand by him forever.
How's a guy supposed to find Mr. Right when his dad won't stop trying to help?

Plot: A widowed father has to deal with two complex issues: while he is searching for "Miss Right," his son, who is in his 20s and gay, is searching for "Mr. Right."

Set in Sydney, Australia, the film shows their relationships with one another and the objects of their affection as tragedy strikes. There is no overt 'message' in the film, just a very natural, entertaining story-telling. (Fred Curtis)

"The Sum of Us" is an Aussie story about a father and a son both searching for love and sharing an unconventional bond. Harry, the father, is the caring and open-minded "mate" that borders on annoyance. His son Jeff unsucessfully searches for love, with the un-wanted guidance of his father. (jason@spyring.com)

Awards: 1994 Australian Film Institute Award as Best Screenplay (David Stevens)
1994 Australian Film Institute Nominations as Best Achievement in Editing (Frans Vandenburg), Best Achievement in Sound (John Dennison, John Patterson, Leo Sullivan, Tony Vaccher), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (John Polson), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Deborah Kennedy), Best Film (Hal McElroy)
1995 Best Film Award (Geoff Burton & Kevin Dowling), Cleveland International Film Festival
1995 Film Critics Circle of Australia Award as Best Actor - Male (Jack Thompson), Best Screenplay - Adapted (David Stevens), Best Supporting Actor - Male (John Polson)
1994 Best Screenplay (David Stevens), Montréal World Film Festival

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Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
Russell Crowe ... Jeff Mitchell
John Polson ... Greg
Jack Thompson ... Harry Mitchell
Deborah Kennedy ... Joyce Johnson
Joss Moroney ... Young Jeff
Mitch Mathews ... Gran
Julie Herbert ... Mary
Des James ... Football Coach
Mick Campbell ... Footballer
Donny Muntz ... Ferry Captain
Jan Adele ... Barmaid
Rebekah Elmaloglou ... Jenny Johnson
Lola Nixon ... Desiree
Sally Cahill ... Greg's Mother
Bob Baines ... Greg's Father
Paul Freeman ... George
Walter Kennard ... Barman
Stuart Campbell ... Leather Man
Graham Drake ... Leather Man
Elaine Lee ... Woman on Train
Ross Anderson ... Gardener
Michael Burgess ... Foreman
John Rhall ... Dad's Brother
Helen Williams ... Brother's Wife
Jan Merriman ... Nurse