Serendipity for Aussie love story

Ryan Corr (left) and Craig Stott play the lead roles in Timothy Conigrave's enduring tale recalling prejudice against his homosexual relationship. Photo / Supplied

Same-sex political tussles across Tasman add to ‘magic’ around release of film based on cherished memoir.

Actor Ryan Corr well appreciates the responsibility he has been asked to shoulder in portraying Timothy Conigrave in the film adaptation of his book Holding the Man.

The struggles experienced by Conigrave and John Caleo throughout their 15-year relationship and the prejudices they faced in 1970s Australia have been brought into stark relief as the country's leadership tussles with the question of same-sex marriage.

The coincidence of the film's release as discussions on legalising gay marriage are high on the Australian political agenda is not lost on Corr.

"It's completely serendipitous, the timing," Corr said.

"There's been something magical that's hung around from the very start of this project."

Several spooky things have happened that give Corr cause to believe Conigrave is watching as the project comes to fruition.

When the screen was bathed in pink because of a fault with the projector during the premiere at the Sydney Film Festival, thoughts immediately went to Conigrave's theatre company, The Pink Theatre group.

"Tim's sister Anna says none of this is a mistake ... he's been a part of the timing of this release," he said.

The stance taken by the Government towards marriage equality is something Corr believes would disappoint Conigrave.

"I don't think Tim would be very pleased, and it's time we caught up with the rest of the world. I know it's inevitable, 70 per cent of the consensus, 70 per cent of Australia, support gay marriage," he said.

"Everyone can recognise love and it's time we moved forward in that direction."

Corr is passionate about this role and set his sights on it as soon as he heard about it.

It was also evident very quickly that his eventual co-star would be Craig Stott, who plays Caleo, because of their chemistry.

"I remember Craig walked in and he just looked up and became very available.

"We just followed the music of the way our version of this scene played out. And I think that sort of found its way into the film," he said.

The book, and subsequent play, has maintained a strong position in the Australian consciousness since it was published in 1995, with people relating to the boys' struggles and their love. Corr admits there was a level of responsibility for him dealing with a character that is so beloved by so many people, and such an important book. But Conigrave's message became his focus.

"The film is continuing the story of these two boys, of what they stood for, Tim's political activism and this love that is understood by everyone."

Holding the Man: screening now at Academy Cinema

- AAP