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THE SUM OF US

Australia, 1994
Director: Geoff Dowling
Stars: Russell Crowe, Jack Thompson, John Polson

The Sum Of Us is the finest Australian gay-themed film.

Russell Crowe stars as the burly rugby playing Jeff Mitchell who’s gay and lives with his father Harry, played by the Aussie screen veteran Jack Thompson. John Polson plays Crowe’s smitten (well who wouldn’t be) love interest, Greg.

Jeff and Greg’s romance is ill-starred, getting off to an unpromising start, interrupted by Harry interfering with excessive friendliness, and Jeff’s emotional reservations. For his part, divorcee Harry isn’t getting any younger and is having a similar run of romantic luck to his son.

Even though everything takes place in inner-suburban Sydney, there’s not a harbour vista or a thumping disco scene to be found in The Sum Of Us. Even more amazingly - apart from a flashback sequence that would have been better off out of the film - there’s nary a gay disco in sight. 

Having said that, it is a little troubling that they are both so blokey. I know plenty of gay men are like this, but how many guys are so blasé about being gay without being disaffected in some way, so close to their family, and so solidly built? Having said that, if you are one of these such men, please contact me STRAIGHT AWAY.