The Sum of Us is a 1994 Australian LGBTQ-related comedy drama film directed by Kevin Dowling and Geoff Burton. The film is based on the 1990 play of the same name by David Stevens, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson. The screen adaptation mimics the play's device of breaking the fourth wall with direct to camera conversational asides by both Harry and Jeff Mitchell.
Contents
Plot
Widower Harry Mitchell (Thompson) lives with his gay son Jeff (Crowe), with both men struggling in their searches for true love. Harry is completely comfortable with his son's sexuality, and is almost over-eager in his support for his son's search for a boyfriend. Harry meets an attractive but judgmental divorcee through a dating service, and this leads to some conflict between the two main characters. However, when Harry suffers a stroke and loses the power of speech, the story takes a darker turn, becoming a meditation on the enduring strength of love, both familial and romantic, in the face of adversity.
Cast
Source:
Jack Thompson as Harry Mitchell
Russell Crowe as Jeff Mitchell
John Polson as Greg
Deborah Kennedy as Joyce Johnson
Joss Moroney as Young Jeff
Mitch Mathews as Gran
Julie Herbert as Mary
Des James as Football Coach
Mick Campbell as Footballer
Donny Muntz as Ferry Captain
Jan Adele as Barmaid
Rebekah Elmaloglou as Jenny Johnson
Lola Nixon as Desiree
Sally Cahill as Greg's Mother
Bob Baines as Greg's Father
Box office
The Sum of Us grossed $3,827,456 at the box office in Australia.
Awards
The film was nominated for Best Film and Stevens' screenplay won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1994 Australian Film Institute Awards, while Polson and Kennedy were nominated for best supporting actors, and Frans Vanderburg for editing and the sound team. Other accolades came at the Montreal World Film Festival, and the film was named Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival.