The Sum of Us (1994)

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."

Directors:

Geoff Burton, Kevin Dowling

Writers:

David Stevens (play), David Stevens (screenplay)

Stars:

Jack Thompson, Russell Crowe, John Polson

6 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Thompson	...	Harry Mitchell
Russell Crowe	...	Jeff Mitchell
John Polson	...	Greg
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

Storyline

Set in Sydney, Australia. A (heterosexual) father and his gay son are trying to find Ms/Mr Right respectively. The film shows their relationships with one another and the objects of their affection as tradgedy strikes. There is no overt 'message' in the film, just a very natural, entertaining story-telling.

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Plot Keywords:

sydney australia | australia | homosexual son | father son relationship | based on play | 

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Taglines:

Not your typical father and son story.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some sexuality

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 March 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Summe der Gefühle

Filming Locations:

Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

AUD 3,465,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$766,000, 16 March 2015

Gross USA:

$2,510,448, 30 June 2015

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,530,888, 1 July 1996

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Great Sum Film Limited Partnership, Southern Star Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Greg: "Baxter"?
Jeff Mitchell: It's a joke. The footy team, you know. Back's to the...
Greg, Jeff Mitchell: -wall, here comes Jeff.

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Connections

Featured in 40,000 Years of Dreaming (1997)

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Soundtracks

I've Learned to Cope
Written by Maxwell, Ferris, Russell
Performed by Bass Culture
Courtesy of Mushroom Records

User Reviews

Family in the true sense...

A very special Aussie film dealing with the strains of gay males and society issues in their path. Top performances by Russell Crowe and John Polson , with monumental support from legendary icon actor Jack Thompson as the understanding and supportive father. A must see film in my book , as reality meets society , with a realistic feel for todays cinema.

Unlike many other of Crowes films , this one is very serious and addresses very real issues in todays multicultural society , and especially the gay movement of Sydney , Australia. This film hits the viewer head on with the unknown side of single sex relationships , and their effects on both family and friends.