MovieChat Forums > The Sum of Us (1995) Discussion > Love this movie...one question...a few f...

Love this movie...one question...a few faults (IMO)

posted 17 years ago by Clue55
10 replies | jump to latest

1. I thought the relationship between the father and son was so amazing to see 100% honesty and acceptance between each other was amazing

2. I like how Russell Crowe's character was not stereotypical and did not define himself.

(But the only thing I found strange was...seriously...Russell Crowe would not have been single)

Why did the father's girlfriend get angry when she found out about Russell Crowe's character?

(I assumed it was because she felt she had been lied to and since her last marriage ended because he cheated I thought she felt betrayed.)

All in all I loved this movie!!!

[–] Tricky_Ricky 17 years ago

I always thought it was because Harry was so accepting of his gay son. She probably thought he should be discouraging it. Perhaps she thought it was something he should have told her about (having a gay son) but Harry did not see his son's sexuality as a big issue worth mentioning.

[–] moogie (205) 7 years ago

Yes, Joyce's "disapproval" is the bottom line here. Harry loved his son and though he would have like to have seen him in a heterosexual relationship (as demonstrated by his joy when Jeff told him he tried a couple of women just to see if he was missing something lol) he was accepting because he wanted Jeff's happiness. I also understand Joyce's viewpoint hurt and skeptical from her previous marriage, but I don't look at Harry not telling her about Jeff in a timely manner as a "lie" per se. We know that Harry had plans to tell Joyce, she just happened across the magazines beforehand. And too, with Harry's accepting attitude, there would have been no reason to hide the magazines either. Joyce was invited to spend the evening with Harry and as with any new relationship, there must always be the outcome of eventually discovering each others baggage. Joyce had just reached her limit and could no longer give any more to their relationship and this wall is as real to her as if Jeff was a terrorist and murderer to you and me. It was interesting when Joyce brought Harry the flowers, meeting Jeff all handsome and presentable you could see she was reevaluating her prejudices.
Love this movie, frank and uninhibited. And love Crowe and Polson in the parts.

[–] hadmatter 16 years ago

I definitely got the impression that dad's girlfriend was disapproving. I thought that her anger was due to the secrecy as well as the approval.

Ooo, baby, your domestic gross is SO BIG. That's how I know how GOOD you are!

[–] Sylvie17 15 years ago

I think the porn magazines freaked her out and made the situation much worse than if the father had just had a talk with her about his son. And I agree that Russell was gorgeous in this movie and it was hard to believe he seemed so lonely.

[–] Blondfashionisto 15 years ago

I think the girlfriend's reaction would be typical of an individual in a small town who is not exposed to gayness directly (at least that they are aware of) - Shock at first and then a better understanding later. I think she was very impressed that Jeff would take such good care of his dad. And, too, I agree, I think the porn intensified the character's reaction (as well as the secrecy).

And, finally, I, too, thought - Why the heck wouldn't he have a bf?! But, then again, he was in a smaller area so I'm sure the pickings would be slim.

'There’s a name for you ladies, but it’s not used - Outside a kennel! (Crystal Allen in The Women)'

[–] SPfromOZ 15 years ago

Actually the film is set in a Sydney suburb (Balmain, I think). Our Gay Mardi Gras is famous around the world. So it's not the gayness that shocked her, maybe more the Porn, and there would be nothing 'slim' about his pickings. He would only have to go to the local pub or the local park (as he did)!

[–] YourSock 14 years ago

They state a few times in the film that he doesn't have so much trouble in getting the guys its that they're only interested in ONE thing.

That's one of the reasons why he was so sad that "being domestic" was a deal breaker.

According to the Chasers Sydney is a rather small fishing port.

I want freedom from unwarranted accusations of sucrose theft and I want it NOW!

[–] SPfromOZ 14 years ago

'According to the Chasers Sydney is a rather small fishing port.'

Is this sarcasm? or a you being serious?, maybe I don't know exactly what you mean by 'Chasers' or where you're from so I'll give you 'the benefit of the doubt'
Sydney is the defacto capital of Australia! Officially it's Canberra but only polititions and weirdos live there, and yes I'm being sarcastic. Sydney is the largest city by area and poplation, not to mention it has the main tourist attractions. Haven't you heard Oprah is coming here!

I finally changed it from 'Mark_AJ'

[–] YourSock 14 years ago

Yes it was sarcasm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chaser%27s_War_on_Everything

Watch this for some idea of what to see if you ever visit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpHGLXZ-j-Q

[–] SPfromOZ 14 years ago

OK, you got me.

It must have been late at night when I posted and wasn't very alert. Of course I know the Chasers, if fact my son who is a great fan has been in one of their sketches. He's been in their studio audience at the ABC, and we live in the same suburb as Chaz (yes I live in Sydney, so won't have to visit).
So they called Sydney a fishing port, they must have been talking to the yanks about tourist places in Australia, the naughty boys!

I finally changed it from 'Mark_AJ'