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

@IMDb
@Amazon: The Sum of Us
@Netflix











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

Comments

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

This is one of the movie that always comes out when you speak of Gay Romance, I think more for the thrill to see Russel Crowe kissing a man than anything else, since the "romance" is not the main argument of the movie. This is a classical father and son movie, the usual hard work two men have to do to find a common path when your lifes are heading in different direction. The most interesting thing is that Harry, the father, is very supporting of his gay son Jeff, maybe even too much, so much to scare off any potential boyfriend.

There is a nice contrast in Jeff, so "macho man" in attitude and look, but then, deep inside, he is searching for Mr Right. He seems tired of superficial relationship and wants something stronger and good, something maybe that can replace the strong bond he has with his father.

Anyway, romance or not, it's a good movie, who preserves also the different taste of a movie made in a somewhat less glittering than USA country like Australia, and so the glitter doesn't distract you from the story.

[lab-jazz.livejournal.com]

I bought this because it's Australian and Jack Thompson and Russel Crowe are both fine actors, but alas it's still on my must watch at some stage list :)

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

It's a nice movie, not so much pushed on the romance side, and there is only a smushy scene, for all the rest is a father / son story. But Russell Crowe is young and cute ;-) Elisa

[lusiology.livejournal.com]

Oh! A Russell Crowe film I've completely missed. Thanks for posting this. My family often says 'up yer bum' when making a toast at home. :)

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

LOL I thought everyone knew about this movie. If you like Russell Crowe you haven't to miss it. Elisa

[lusiology.livejournal.com]

I've got mr lusi onto it now lookin for it.

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

The thing I really loved was seeing Russell Crowe play rugby!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Yes, that one was a very nice scene ;-) Elisa

[heidicullinan.livejournal.com]

OH MY GOD. GAY RUSSEL CROWE? *runs to Netflix queue*

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Didn't you know? There is even a nice kiss scene and some heavy petting on a couch... and a glimpse of a naked Russell Crowe in a shower! Elisa

[heidicullinan.livejournal.com]

Oh, EXCELLENT. Hurry, mailman! And thanks, Elisa. :)

[kirby-crow.livejournal.com]

Or you can watch the kiss scene on Youtube if you can't wait. (evol!Kirby!)

Honestly, I adore this film. This one and "Big Eden" are 2 of my very favorite gay films. A list? Why, yes. Yes, there is a list. :)

[heidicullinan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved Big Eden. Well, the protagonist made me want to beat him about the head, but I loved Pike, and I wanted what made him happy.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Pike was such a wonderful man that yes, if he wanted those skinny artist, he had to have him! Elisa

[kirby-crow.livejournal.com]

The townsfolk were so lovely and gentle to Pike in that film. I wish it were like that in real life. :(

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Yeah, probably it's not a real situation, but it was so tender, and the townfolks were so nice... a very good movie. Elisa

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

LOL Kirby you are spoiling the movie! Evil! but also I saw the kiss scene first on youtube and then tracked down the movie ;-) Elisa

[kirby-crow.livejournal.com]

I found the kiss scene first too! And it was in a really crappy HUGE file format that took me forever to download on dial-up (it was that long ago) but whooo it was worth it!

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

This is a great film. It really deserved that Best Screenplay... a lot more depth than I expected from the blurb, but I really can't say any more without spoilers. Five stars, all possible thumbs up... Jack Thompson deserved an Oscar for this.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Yes, the father was a great role, and all the movie, even its ending, was worth the see. Elisa

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I forgot, also the role of the grandmother was so beautiful even if sad. It was a wonderful love story even that one. Elisa

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's what I meant by depth--the tragedy explained what looked like complete foolishness and gave a whole different insight into the father's behavior.

[tc-blue.livejournal.com]

*hee* I seem to recall recommending this movie a while back. So glad you found the time to watch it and even more happy that you liked it, hon'. :)

For its time, it was pretty darned progressive, and even today its message is very valid. To me, that's the sign of a film that's "timeless", y'know?

Now I just need to buy it on DVD. I've about worn out my old VHS cassette. LOL

~T

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Yes, it was you that reccomend me to see it and I knew of the movie for that famous kissing scene ;-) It's available on DVD, what are you waiting!?! ;-) Elisa