The Sum of Us

Plot synopsis:
The plot revolves around the comfortable relationship between widower Harry and his gay son Jeff and their individual searches for the right mate. Harry unconditionally loves his Rugby-playing son and even takes an active part in Jeff's search for Mr. Right. Harry reveals that his mother (Jeff's grandmother) was a lesbian, perhaps accounting for his accepting attitude toward Jeff. Jeff's new boyfriend, Greg, who is closeted from his own homophobic father, finds it difficult to relate to Harry's well-meaning matchmaking ways. Greg is ejected from his own home by his father when he discovers his son's sexuality. Harry, via a video dating service, finds a woman that he likes, a divorcee named Joyce, who may not be so understanding after spying a gay magazine in Harry and Jeff's house. Unfortunately, Harry suffers a massive stroke and is disabled, leaving him unable to speak or walk. Jeff cares for him as best as he can, taking him to the park for an outing one day. Jeff and Greg meet up in the park and agree to try and rekindle their romance, while Jeff's Dad, although unable to speak, gives his overwhelming approval.

Tags: flashback

Review:
To simply label this as a gay movie is to miss the entire point its a Romance movie, both father and son looking for a partner of same/different gender.
To make a tired point I love this movie Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson are brilliant..
The character-to-camera (audience) device seems a lot stagier now than it did when I first saw it, but overall it doesn't mar any of the film's inherent bittersweet attraction.I've always been a sucker for good father/son relationship movies, and this ranks up there with the best, and not because of the twist: Harry's (Jack Thompson) almost too-willing acceptance of his son's gayness.
Thompson is funny and engaging in a kind of role that he's not usually known for, (for that, see the excellent BREAKER MORANT.) And as for Russell...I saw this for the first time only weeks after seeing ROMPER STOMPER, and not only was it a startling contrast, but a sure-fire sign that this boyo was a talent to watch even in the early stages (now proven a thousand times over.)And here's another refreshing difference: nobody's in OTT drag, (you can rent TO WONG FOO for that), nobody gets AIDS, OD's, commits suicide or otherwise meets the Grim Reaper most tragically, as gay characters are wont to do in most big-budget Hollyweird "gay-friendly" dramas.
David Stevens writing remains true to the joys of "Australiana" (a new word that I love, thanks to an earlier reviewer here), which means that some less-experienced viewers may find Harry's extremely tolerable demeanor and the turn from comedy to tragedy off-putting.
Russell Crowe is adorable as the rugby-playing gay son of a charming Sydney widower played by Australia's favorite actor, Jack Thompson.
The gay son's dad is supportive of him and his search for love, so in the end, when the father has a stroke, the son is there to take care of him.
Young gay Australian plumber lives with his widower dad; they both want a serious commitment with a special someone, and both find the path to romance rather rocky, but dad is fully committed to seeing that his "poof" son finds a partner who won't break his heart.
Crowe, young but not green, is very affable in this movie, shy and sweet and tender, however it's raffish Jack Thompson as his papa who steals the scenes.
I love this movie because it really adds another face to Russell Crowe's versatility.
Top performances by Russell Crowe and John Polson , with monumental support from legendary icon actor Jack Thompson as the understanding and supportive father.
I just saw this movie on the Independent Film channel, which may be showing because of the popularity of Brokeback Mountain in theaters now, which has another young Aussie's, Heath Ledger, award-winning portrayal of unrequited love for another man.
Crowe's brilliantly nuanced performance underscore his acting genius and the viewer can favorably compare this work to his captivating work, three years later, as a tough cop (Bud White) in love with a high-class call girl in "LA Confidential." "The Sum of Us" however has a more universal theme, as Jeff and his widowed father also work out their relationship: Filial love is contrasted with romantic love.
Watching this movie for the first time in nearly ten years I was reminded of how it was very much window of its time but also a movie with universal themes of love that will always keep it relevant and involving.The narration to camera by the two main characters can take a bit of time to adjust to but once the movie settles in the main story between the father and son is very moving as it is the story of unconditional family love and loyalty.
The movie is also about the search for love and growth in life as both characters are there for each other in the sometimes troubled journey.The son in the story is gay and this becomes a primary focus in the story.
The father is not only tolerant but encouraging of his son finding a male lover.Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe are both terrific in their roles.
The son although a "blokey" plumber who plays football, is gay; the father is well read and has an enlightened view of life as he passionately encourages his son to not only find love but to read more, to dream big and discover the world.Jack Thompson's Harry is a wonderful character to journey with as he merrily goes forward in life, determined to find love and fulfillment, despite the blows that life has dealt him.
Russel Crowe's Jeff is a character that anyone, gay or straight, will identify with who wants to find love but is cautious not to be hurt and rejected again.The movie was released in 1994, a time in Australia when the Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras(featured in a scene in the movie) was arguably at it's peak, in terms of crowd attendance and media exposure and the nation was very progressive towards equal rights for gay and lesbian people in Australia.
Eleven years later the movie can be viewed partly as window to that time that now seems bygone as the nation is currently in a large conservative grip.But no matter what what the political climate the film's universal themes, star quality as well as the beautiful sunny shots of Sydney will guarantee it will be around and viewed for many years to come..
I have seen every movie Russell Crowe has ever appeared in and this is my absolute favourite.Forget gladiator,(which I liked,but felt he should have won the Oscar for A BEAUTIFUL MIND) and his other big Hollywood movies, if you want to see crowe at the top of his form watch this .His style is flawless as if he isn't acting at all which is I suppose the hallmark of great talent 'his ability to make it look so easy.The story is not a new one ,that elusive search for love we all have,only here the main character is gay.His dad played by Jack Thompson, is wonderful but a bit too enthusiastic about helping his son find Mr. Right which is where this movie veers off the beaten path.There are no secrets between father and son(a refreshing change to say the least) and russells date for the night seems overwhelmed that his father knows all about his lifestyle and does everything in his power to understand and help his son.
All kids should have the kind of relationship that Jeff (the character played by Russell Crowe) is lucky enough to have with his father.
Jeff is gay, and rather than being the stereotypical "movie father" full of shock at his son's sexuality, Harry is very supportive of his sons lifestyle.
As Harry explains in the movie, our kids are after all "the sum of us" .Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe are a joy to watch as Harry and Jeff, father and son, and best mates,  and this is a genuinely wonderful, touching movie which draws as many tears as it does laughs.
A sweet, sensitive movie on an original topic, especially for its time.Making a movie that features a homosexual man, his relationship with his father, how his father accepts him and loves him unconditionally, and their trials and tribulations, makes for a very original and special story.
In 1994, when the movie was made, it would have been even more novel.Sensitively told story, based on the play by David Stevens.Great performances by Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson as the son and father, respectively.
The banter between them is one of the highlights of the movie.A timely reminder of how much acting talent Russell Crowe has, here demonstrating his range.
Russell Crowe does a good job as the son, but Jack Thompson really is the star of the movie, his character is the heart of the show.
What's this, Russell Crowe playing it gay in a low budget Australian flick, could that be true?
The Australian film "The Sum of Us," which was adapted by David Stevens from his own play, portrays the close relationship between a widowed father and his openly gay son.
When an actor addresses the audience, he is saying in effect "this is only a movie and I am only an actor playing a part." However, despite this flaw, which is a serious one, the film offers two fine performances by Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson and an often-memorable story of love and the search for love.Although Harry Mitchell, played by Thompson, is an incredibly tolerant and understanding father, he is the proverbial "too much of a good thing." In his seemingly endless desire to see his son find the right mate, he is intrusive, overbearing, and completely oblivious to his own meddling.
While his looks are not classically handsome, his appeal is undeniable, and, to his credit, he does not play the character of Jeff with any hint of stereotypical gay mannerisms, and he is not averse to displaying affection towards another man.Although the movie follows Jeff's search for Mr. Right and Harry's search for Miss Right, the most touching and haunting scenes in the film and the play before it relate to the relationship that Harry's mother had with a woman named Mary.
The two women lived and loved each other for 40 years before well meaning, but unintentionally cruel, relatives separated them "for their own good." The separation of his mother and her lover haunts Harry with the thoughts of what the two women discussed on their last night together, knowing that it was the last time that they would see each other.
I watched this movie a couple years after coming out myself and I could only wish that I had that kind of relationship with my father, or even something close to it.
Russell Crowe is outstanding and, in my opinion, on of the most sexiest characters I have ever seen in a movie.
I know, I know, it was an idealistic portrayal of a father and a gay son relationship...but really just having a positive movie without the spectre of AIDS was a welcome relief.
Of course, as it turns out, the father and sometimes the son talks directly to the audience throughout the entire movie to explain their life and situation a la Malcolm in the Middle.
Even when the father is incapacitated later in the movie, he is able to go back to normal and talk the audience when the son leaves the room.
Jack Thompson is outstanding as the father and Russell Crowe is terrific as the son.
This movie about a working class gay man and his relationship with his father touches a lot of emotions without making a big deal about it.
This film should have been titled "The Sum Of Me" as certainly through the thoughts of writer David Stevens, the father, Harry Mitchel, never stopped thinking of what was best for himself.
Thanks, Dad!The son, Jeff, was played by Russell Crowe, prior to his super stardom, and done very well.
Now that the charismatic Russell Crowe has become such a well-known and sought-after film actor, it's interesting to review this earlier-career work.
These were family values and respect that I would like to see more often and I think "Sum Of Us" is one of the few films that portray these values - and it doesn't really matter that Russell plays a gay character.
Jeff Mitchell (Crowe) is just an ordinary young man, working as a plumber, who enjoys playing a good game of football in his spare time.
The loving relationship between Crowe and Thompson as father and son, is endearing and so well done, it would seem that both actors were born for their parts.
I think that he is secure enough as a man to mention he played a gay man and in a film which is quite good.
Jack Thompson is such a great actor, I think this film should be seen..
I have to say The Sum Of Us is not just about how a father accepts his gay son, but also about a father son relationship and their search for love.
The two leads, Jack Thompson as Harry Mitchell and Russell Crowe as his son Jeff, are excellent here.
I saw this movie years ago..and fell in love with the guy Russell Crowe..who would of thought he would be where he is today!
Wonderful film about a gay man and his loving relationship with his dad.
Here we have a 24 year old gay guy(Crowe) living with his father.
Proud Father intent to see gay son happy - Early Crowe effort.
"Aussie" Film Stars Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe as father & son "best friends", looking for lasting love/companionship with a life partner.
"Aussie" Film Stars Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe as father & son "best friends", looking for lasting love/companionship with a life partner.
The aging "dad", who is a widower, habitually tries to play cupid for his gay 20-something son, seemingly spoiling all chances of "success", and eventually starts a search for his own second love.
The aging "dad", who is a widower, habitually tries to play cupid for his gay 20-something son, seemingly spoiling all chances of "success", and eventually starts a search for his own second love.
The deeper message of tolerance towards gays and lesbians, as well as loyalty to a loved one in need (when the father suffers a stroke, the son refuses to abandon him, caring for him like a parent would care for a small child) is not diminished by the brilliant humor which surrounds it.
The deeper message of tolerance towards gays and lesbians, as well as loyalty to a loved one in need (when the father suffers a stroke, the son refuses to abandon him, caring for him like a parent would care for a small child) is not diminished by the brilliant humor which surrounds it.
Jack Thomson captivating performance as the father of a gay son is a joy to watch as he manages the  various personalities and relationships that crop up in the film.
He also believed Russell Crowe to be a rising Australian acting icon, who turned in the best "Jeff" performance he'd witnessed.
David thought it very important that these actors are able to present the dialogue in its native Australian tongue "with all of its natural rhythms and natural attitudes".He defends the use of the "asides" to the audience as being more than a mere hangover from the play, saying that they are necessary to allow "Dad" to communicate his thoughts to the audience, when he is physically incapable doing so with the film's characters.Some gay critics objected to its highlighting of "straight-acting" gayness, but I don't see the film saying anything less than that being honest and self-accepting is vital to expecting acceptance from others - and that everyone is capable of real and passionate love, provided they are willing to make an effort and can accept that it's not likely to be all "sunshine and lollipops".The film's look, feel, language, sound and music are all genuine Australiana.
Watch it for the rapport between the lead characters, there's a genuine warmth about the father-son relationship played by Thompson and Crowe.
Both do solid work as Harry and Jeff Mitchell, a father and gay son living together in small town Australia.Unfortunately, the material doesn't quite measure up.
I thought that the film was very sweet and the relationship between father and son was acted out superbly.
Russell Crowe's movie, The Sum of Us, can be found at Amazon.com for $12.95 (dvd version).
Russel Crowe can play any character.
This movie was very different from any of the others I have seen with Russel Crowe.
There aren't many movies that focus on adult fathers and sons who get along (I can't think if any others, actually)--so, the fact that the son in this movie (played by a young and adorable Russell Crowe) is gay makes the premise even more original.
(most gays in movies are either all about sex, or are nice and funny--but seem asexual) The father also is a well-developed character who embarks on a relationship of his own.I'm not wild, though, about the talking to the camera bits--especially in a couple of instances when one character physically can't speak at all.
Russell Crowe is a marvel -- the first straight actor I've seen that does an incredibly believable, albeit a rather subdued-macho type, gay man act.
So, the film has weaknesses; but I highly recommend this film for fans of good acting performances, and especially that of Russell Crowe's..
Could this possibly be Russell Crowe's best movie ever?
From the first scene when Russell Crowe's character talks about what his visits to his Grandmother and her lover means to him, to the scenes when his father talks to the camera after his stroke, made me feel as if I were a friend of these people and they were drawing me into their lives.
Watching Russell Crowe's attempts to seduce a man who he hopes will become his boyfriend were completely natural and I believe many people who do not care to see homosexual themed movies would warm to this as it comes from a place of love and shows that a family doesn't have to be nuclear to be complete and loving.
*SPOILERS* Harry (Jack Thompson) and Jeff (Russell Crowe), father and son, are really close, and even though Jeff is gay, there is no animosity or sadness from Harry, who acts as if his son was going out with girls (sometimes to Jeff's embarrassment).Jeff, who's pretty selective since having had his heart broken three years before, seems to have found a likely candidate for the title of 'Mr. Right' in Greg, a young man with a family situation way different from Jeff's, and Harry seems to have found 'Miss Right' in the person of Joyce, until she leaves when she finds out that Jeff is gay.