The Sum of Us (film)

The Sum of Us is a 1994 Australian LGBT-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 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.
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.
Box office.
"The Sum of Us" grossed $3,827,456 at the box office in Australia.
Awards.
Stevens' screenplay won awards from the Australian Film Institute and the Montreal World Film Festival, and the film was named Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival.