Prayatna Pune's first ever parents meet held on March 18 was the largest & most appreciated event in its 1 year history. One of the issues talked about was the rare support of fathers for their gays sons. Hence we felt that "The Sum Of Us" is an ideal film to show, also with its USP of an extraordinary performance by young Russell Crowe portraying a sexy gay man, a kind of risk-taking role that he may never again explore in his career.
It is a 1994 Australian film directed by Kevin Dowling and Geoff Burton and adapted for the screen from a 1991 play of the same name by David Stevens. Chosen the Best Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival, its screenplay won awards from the Australian Film Institute and the Montréal World Film Festival. The story is very simple. 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." The father, his son's best friend, is not only tolerant but encouraging of his son finding a male lover. So it's refreshing to find a film which is about love in all its genuine forms: sexual (both gay and straight), platonic, and most important, familial. As the dad explains in the movie, our kids are after all "the sum of us". Its funny, sad, touching, hilarious, sweet, and in general a feel good movie. Even during its most dramatic moments, it retains a lighthearted tone that keeps things from becoming too grim. There's always a joke right around the corner, and none of the humor seems ill-suited to the situation. Actors Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe are a joy to watch as Harry and Jeff, father and son, and best mates, "typical, masculine" Aussie blokes, in this genuinely wonderful, touching movie. The device of these two main characters narrating directly to the camera is very effectively employed. The most touching and haunting scenes in the film 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. Surely one of the best father-son relationship movies, this is also about the search for love and growth in life as both characters are there for each other in the sometimes troubled journey. At one point, Harry's mother said, "The greatest explorers are the explorers of the human heart." That's the focus of the film. For all those who enjoyed the parents meet, this film is a great sequel to it. For those who missed it, another chance to feel the relationship of a gay & his parent. We look forward to seeing you for the film & the discussion thereafter. Do's: 1) Get your friends. 2) Dress sensibly to suit taste of everyone considering we may have newbies. 3)Please arrive in time ( preferably mins before). 4) Pls check parking dates.( Kanchan Lane HAS P1\P2 parking. Its 1st so park at P1). 5) May opt for informal chit chat over coffee\tea later. Feel free to ask. 6) Feel free to ask any questions & express opinions decently & without getting into arguments. 6) Enjoy your movie Don'ts: 1) Giggle & talk too loud. Its residential zone. Consider neighbors comfort req. 2) Stand for too long in the gate. Sunday April 1, 2012, from 5.30 to 8 pm Venue : Open Space, B-301, Kanchanjunga building, Kanchan lane, off Law College road, Pune 411004 [Kanchan lane is the lane between Barista & Krishna Dining Hall on law college road. Kanchanjunga bldg is almost at the end of the lane ( 3rd last building) on your left.] Looking forward to seeing you there. Team Prayatna
