August 31
From Francine: Great Big Sea playing in Chicago at Celtic Fest in September
Latino Review: Low Res posters for BOL - Thanks, Steph
Body of Lies Billboard seen from the Hudson River - Thanks to a friend of Sue's
From Darrin: Sarah has made a VERY cool vid featuring Maximus, using Tenpole Tudor's "The Swords of a Thousand Men"
DVDTown.com: Ron Howard Spotlight Collection 4-Film DVD Box Set (Nov 25) - Thanks, Madchen
The LA Times: The 25 best L.A. films of the last 25 years - #1 LAC - Thanks, Cindy
Hello Magazine: Russell Crowe indulges his two great loves on day off Down Under - Thanks, Steph, Allison
Eonline: Hot Flicks - Summers 10 Best Movies - 4. Bra Boys: Aussie doc about surfers narrated by Russell Crowe that should be turned into a scripted feature. - Thanks, Allison
August 29
Thanks for the birthday wishes!!!
Darn! Roosters 22 defeat Rabbitohs 20 - Thanks, CGee
The GBS album that includes company of fools has gone gold in Canada!
Spoilers!!! -- SOP Related: PLAYBILL.COM'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER With Michael Berresse - What else are you working on? --MB: Well, I shot a movie called "State of Play" with Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren and Ben Affleck amongst others. It's a political thriller and I play the darkest character in the movie. It's a chance for me to play a killer. It's very unlike me and at the same time it's amazing as an actor to tap into things, and you say, "Well, I guess it's alive in there somewhere." That's probably the largest role I've done in a film to date. - Thanks, Steph
August 28
EXCLUSIVE: Brand-New Poster for Ridley Scott's 'Body of Lies' - From Cinematical - Thanks, Cindy, who says -- Another cool poster for BOL. This one puts Russell in the background, but as Ed Hoffman he is more of a shadowy character, in the background pulling the strings. I like it. It's interesting, too, because I've seen several comments after the trailers that Russell is somewhat channeling the great character actor, J.T. Walsh, his look and the type of character Walsh often did. And I gotta say, in this poster he does resemble him.
August 27
From Cindy: Lynn Bracken’s House
Statue of ‘Gladiator emperor’ found - A large statue of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius has been unearthed in Turkey. The marble sculpture, which includes a 1metre-tall head, was found at Sagalassos, a city in the south of the country. The emperor, who ruled from AD 161-80 and was depicted by Richard Harris in the film Gladiator, was an advocate of Stoicism and was famous for his philosophical work Meditations. The right arm and legs were also discovered on August 20th in a 13,500 sq ft room at Sagalassos' Roman baths, which was destroyed by an earthquake between 540AD and 620AD. Archaeological work has been going on for 12 years at the site, alongside other excavations in the ancient city. In 2007 archaeologists headed by Prof Marc Waelkens, from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, found a statue of the emperor Hadrian. They think the room, or frigidarium, contained a gallery of Antonine emperors and their spouses; earlier this month a statue of the empress Faustina was uncovered, wife of Antoninus Pius. The team will continue excavations in the room in 2009, believing a depiction of Marcus Aurelius’s wife is also buried there. * Further information HERE - Thanks, all
Music from the Movies: A quintet of albums from Varèse -- A week later sees a trio of albums, with relative newcomers Marc Streitenfeld and Atli Orvarsson delivering intense and exciting turns in the shape of Body of Lies and Babylon A.D. respectively. The former sees the composer working once again with Ridley Scott, following their collaboration on American Gangster, and his exotic score supports the gritty drama on screen, led by fine performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. - Thanks, Cindy
NRL.com: Roosters v Rabbitohs Preview - Thanks, babzee
August 26
Kansas City.com: Still on point - The Los Angeles Times noted recently why “Nottingham,” Ridley Scott’s revision of the Robin Hood story, got stalled. The first script had Russell Crowe playing the sheriff as a “CSI style forensics investigator,” says Universal Chairman Marc Shmuger. But Scott wanted something more and got Brian Helgeland to do a rewrite. That didn’t work out, so now Paul Webb is taking a shot at it. Webb wrote “Lincoln,” which Steven Spielberg is supposed to direct soon. If things go well, filming could begin in late October. The delay could work to everyone’s advantage as Joe Abunasser, a Las Vegas-based trainer who works with NBA players, will be sent to Australia to work with Crowe to make sure the actor is in top shape. “Those bowmen were extraordinary athletes,” Shmuger said. “I don’t know the pressure per square inch, but it surely took a real athlete to handle the kind of bows they used back then. But that’s the point — this movie is going to feel real. It makes a legend we all know feel historically relevant.” - Thanks, Allison
August 24
Blog Critics: Blu-Ray review: 3:10 To Yuma
SOUTH SYDNEY 19 CANBERRA 40
August 23
I will be on vacation this week. There will be updates, but they will be less frequent.
August 22
CC2K.com: Advance script review for State of Play (If you haven't seen the miniseries from the BBC, this is full of spoilers) - Thanks, Maria
Maryam from Iran also has the Body of Lies trailer at her site
Related: The UK Telegraph: A star is born. Young actor earns impressive results. - Freddie Highmore, who starred in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, had to find time between shoots to study for his GCSEs but still managed to achieve straight A star grades.
The actor was awarded the highest grade in English language; English literature; maths; Spanish; French; Latin; geography; biology; chemistry and physics. Highmore now plans to study at A-level but has not decided which subjects to take. He will have to continue to balance his studies with his career as he has been cast in four major films to be released over the next two years. - Thanks, ChristineBillHicks.com - "Latest News - August 18, 2008 - MOVIE NEWS Reports and rumors have been circulating about Russell Crowe starring in a Bill Hicks movie. We can confirm that a script is in development for a production company owned by Mr. Crowe. Anything you've heard regarding director, casting, filming schedule and release date is mostly speculation and cannot be decided until a script is substantially complete and the project is formally set up. Further confirmed details will be announced once they are known. Please note: this "biopic" film is not the documentary already in production under the title American: The Bill Hicks Story (which is currently planned for a television broadcast and/or home video release sometime in the latter half of 2009)." -- Thanks, Oz Fan
Lovely ---- YouTube: "Young Spaniard" sings Raewyn - Thanks, Pal
A blog post about Company Of Fools - And this bit from the Great Big Sea Web Site - Looks like the Bill Hicks thing has been in mind for awhile - Thanks, Cindy
Also from Cindy: A post about Ben's Chili Bowl in DC turning 50. There's a picture of Russell I don't remember having seen before.
From Darrin: NBC aired an extended and a regular version each of the "Body of Lies" trailer during their Olympic coverage tonight and thanks to a head's up from my mate REE, I managed to get it for download!
August 21
The Body of Lies trailer was on the Olympics on NBC tonight, during the platform diving competition. Looked great on a big TV screen.
Zappo.com: "With the onslaught of gladiators this season, the 'Croww' sandal from Steve Madden finds the perfect balance of chic and laid back." - Thanks, Marion
Celebrity Baby Blog: Tenny, Dani and her mother stroll in the park in Sydney - Thanks, Maria
Russell is once again up for "most attractive" at Hello Magazine - the weekly vote - Thanks, Petra
Monsters and Critics; LA Confidential DVD -- “Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush!” - Sid Hudgens LA Confidential. Everything is suspect, everyone is for sale and nothing is what it seems. L.A. Confidential returns to the streets on September 23 from Warner Home Video with a special Two-Disc DVD for the suggested retail price of $20.97. The film will also be available on a single disc Blu-ray for $28.99. [Russell does some commentary on Disc 1] - Thanks, Cindy, Allison
From Dee: PhillyBurbs.com: Video View -- "The only title to appear on both the list of top-five renters and sellers for the first half of the year is "I Am Legend." And Russell Crowe ("Gladiator") is the only actor to have two titles in the best-renters category. --- According to Home Media Magazine, the top-five rental titles so far this year are:
1. "3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate; $29.99, DVD; $39.99, Blu-ray Disc), starring Crowe and Christian Bale ("The Dark Knight") in an R-rated frontier tale. (The title should surprise many studio chiefs, since most Hollywood executives normally consider the Western genre dead and buried.)
2. "I Am Legend," with Smith.
3. "No Country For Old Men" (Paramount; $29.99, DVD; $34.99, Blu-ray Disc), starring Javier Bardem, who won an Oscar for best-supporting actor. The R-rated film received an Academy Award as best picture and Ethan and Joel Coen won for best director.
4. "American Gangster" (Universal; $29.99, DVD; $34.99, three-disc, special-edition DVD), with Crowe and Denzel Washington ("Training Day") in a fact-based crime drama available in R and unrated versions.
5. "Good Luck Chuck" (Lionsgate; $29.99, DVD; $39.99, Blu-ray Disc), with comic Dane Cook ("Mr. Brooks") and Jessica Alba ("Sin City") in a comedy (available in both R and unrated versions) that bombed in theaters but found new life in DVD outlets."The UK Times: Armani's Code -- 12. Good clothes can help to make you feel confident and improve your performance. I had a call from a friend who had bought the rugby team that he supported as a child. They were doing badly. He asked me to dress them, and I agreed. That friend was Russell Crowe and now his Australian rugby league team, the Rabbitohs, are winning again. - Thanks, CGee
August 20
LA Times Dishrag Blog: (That would be some long trip for a party!) -- An exclusive party to launch the Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai will be thrown by Donald Trump and His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at a private estate in Bel-Air on Saturday night. And the stars are definitely coming out for this bash. The long black limo list includes Hilary Swank, Russell Crowe, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter, Brent Bolthouse, Aaron Eckhart (Harvey "Two Face" in "Dark Knight"), Kate Walsh, HBO honcho Colin Callendar, Wolfgang Puck, and more. Heidi Klum, Naomi Watts and Demi Moore turned out for the NY version June 23. - Thanks, steph
The NY Times Movie Review: Richard Serra: Thinking on Your Feet --- Listening to Richard Serra talk about sculpture is like listening to Russell Crowe talk about acting: after a while you feel you’re either in the presence of genius or the victim of an elaborate con. Fortunately for both, their work speaks for itself.
rleague.com: RABBITOHS TO PLAY 2009 TRIAL AGAINST PANTHERS IN COFFS HARBOUR -- The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced that they will be playing a trial match against the Penrith Panthers at Coffs Harbour's BCU International Stadium on Saturday 14 February, 2009. The trial match will be a culmination of a week-long training camp held at Camp Rabbitoh at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour. - Thanks, Allison
The Festival of Sail begins in San Diego today. -Jess at the Crowe Yuku Forum has a great picture of the Surprise taken yesterday
Just in case --- a small beginning page for Bill Hicks
Lots of Bill Hicks routines on You Tube
Alarabyia.com: Iran has banned an award-winning young actress from leaving the country over her appearance in a star-studded Hollywood production, the state news agency IRNA said on Wednesday. "Golshifteh Farahani was banned from leaving by the authorities at the airport on Tuesday when she was about to leave for Hollywood to examine a new offer," IRNA said quoting an informed source. The state agency said the decision was prompted by her starring in Ridley Scott's latest movie "Body of Lies" with Hollywood heartthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. - Thanks, Steph
Russell Crowe to Play Bill Hicks? - from Cinematical -- Also in New York Magazine (with comparison pictures) and everywhere else.
Rotten Tomatoes au: 20 CGI Classics -- "While The Matrix was all about showing off, Gladiator's use of CG was far more subtle, designed to heighten and make more expansive Ridley Scott's vision of Ancient Rome but not to take centre-stage. In fact, it's so subtle most don't remember it as a film aided by CGI, but its recreation of the Coliseum is breathtaking." - Thanks, Allison
World Soundtrack Awards: Yuma (for best original score0 and AG (for best original song) among them - Thanks, Cindy
The Washington Post: 50 years of friends and chili -- It's hard for Nizam Ali to pick his favorite celebrity sighting at his family's restaurant. There was the day he got a call that U2's Bono would be arriving in 10 minutes. And the day Russell Crowe arrived to film a scene for the upcoming movie "State of Play."
August 19
The West.com: Record Aussie Oscar haul looking likely --- There is also plenty of buzz for Crowe's Oscar vehicle, the Ridley Scott-directed thriller, Body of Lies, co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film is about a CIA operative sent to Jordan to track down an al-Qaeda leader. After consecutive Oscar nominations in the early 2000s, Crowe has fallen out of favour with Academy voters, who snubbed his recent performances, including Cinderella Man, 3:10 to Yuma and American Gangster.
[Russell writ large] ReelSave Blog: Exclusive ‘Body of Lies’ poster from New York Times Square - "Well, I was at Times Square, Manhattan few hours back and I was lucky enough to have a camera with me to take some snapshots of Ridley Scott’s ‘Body of Lies’ Poster. I don’t remember seeing the poster few days back when I passed by, so it has to be something which will be released soon. The best part with this poster is its location and placement. Its at a good height, neither too high nor too low and as a result, almost everyone will see it." - Thanks, Cindy
August 18
The Denver Post: Spencer Peak added to Colorado mountain lexicon -- The U.S. Board of Geographic Names on Friday designated the 13,087-foot-high peak in the San Juan National Forest "Spencer Peak" for Donald Clayton Spencer, the recipient of the 1989 National Medal of Science... Spencer later taught at Princeton University, where he was a mentor to a John Nash — the math prodigy featured in the Ron Howard film "A Beautiful Mind." Spencer encouraged Nash, a post-graduate student, to pursue research that led to Nash's first major breakthrough in pure mathematics. When Nash became ill, Spencer tried to raise money and arrange treatment for Nash's schizophrenia. - Thanks, Allison
Eonline: Rate A Trailer - BOL - Thanks, Allison
Strike news - Variety: SAG facing a coastal split
Of Note --- PBS - Cinderella Man/Depression related: PBS: DOCUMENTING THE FACE OF AMERICA: Roy Stryker and the FSA/OWI Photographers - And from the NY Times - Gladiator related - Television tonight - The Discovery Channel: Sword-and-Sandals Men With Back Story Revealed
A Blog Critic reviews The Insider - Thanks, Allison
Iran is proud of Golshifteh Farahani, an actress who has a role in Body Of Lies - Thanks, maryam
August 17
The Daily Telegraph: SOUTH SYDNEY 40 MANLY 32 -- SOUTH Sydney fullback Nathan Merritt bagged a hat-trick to put a massive dent in Manly's NRL minor premiership hopes as the Rabbitohs surged to a 40-32 upset victory at ANZ Stadium today - Thanks, CGee, Penny, Petra
From Ivani: Thanks to Jen from Body of Lies' forum at IMDB, scans of the Entertainment Weekly Fall Special Edition, Body of Lies, one of the movies of this fall
From Darrin: I've made a new Illustrated Song featuring Russell's character from American Gangster, Richie Roberts, using Dirty Vegas' "Late Nights & Street Fights". Click here to go directly to my page for downloading!
August 16
Russell and Family 8-10-08 - US Magazine - Thanks, Kris C
The SMH - News! Rusty relaxes as film takes leaf of absence -- "I have another project based on the life of comedian Bill Hicks, which is going from treatment to draft stage with Kiwi writer Mark Staufer." It is understood he is considering playing the main role of Hicks — a controversial and brilliant American comedian who battled drug and alcohol abuse before dying from cancer at 32. - Thanks, Kittie
Once Again -- This the URL for the new Crowe Forum at Yuku
Adelaide Now: Sam Worthington's Terminator role worth Crowe-ing about -- ...Worthington - whose deep voice, brooding intensity and tough-guy reputation have seen him regularly compared to the Oscar-winner - says Crowe was one of his most valued mentors and friends. "Russell's my hero and I admire him greatly," he says. "So why not ask him for advice on the industry and how to do certain things? "As for the comparisons, I think they're silly - there's only one of him - but it's very humbling even if it's completely wrong.'' - Thanks, Chats
The Malaysia Star: Strolling Through Sydney
The Washington Post: DVDs to watch: · Bra Boys (Unrated) No, this isn't a film about men who like to dress in women's clothing. It's a documentary narrated by actor Russell Crowe exploring the underground culture of Sydney's Bra Boys: Are they a violent gang or just a bunch of guys who like to surf?
From Darrin: Constant Crowe Updates: On the current month page, I've rendered the May 2005 Tonight Show appearance where Russell visited to promote Cinderella Man
August 15
For fun I Photoshopped Russell as the sheriff (Thanks to Keith Allen)
New York Magazine: Tropic Thunder review --Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t just steal Tropic’s thunder, he owns it -- "The movie centers on the catastrophic making of a Southeast Asian war epic, and Downey plays one of its stars: Kirk Lazarus, an edgy Aussie modeled on Russell Crowe who gets so deep into his characters that he’s a thorough pain in ass."
Variety: Universal's Golden Summer - " She (production prexy Donna Langley) and Working Title scrambled to save "State of Play" after Brad Pitt left the picture during the writers strike, citing script issues. They replaced Pitt with Russell Crowe and Edward Norton with Ben Affleck. "It's a different movie than if we had shot it with Brad," she says. "Russell gives a wonderful, naturalistic performance. In terms of what we set out to achieve, it's a dramatic thriller with a romantic triangle at the center. That's intact." Crowe was set to reunite with Ridley Scott on the Robin Hood adventure "Nottingham," which Langley figures would cost between $100 million and $120 million. But SAG uncertainty made it impossible to commit to a narrow shooting window, and the pic was recently postponed. "It's a big expensive movie," Langley says, "all shot outside." The filmmakers were building sets north of London and needed just the right summer foliage. Universal always insisted that if things weren't resolved with SAG, it would not proceed with filming until next year. Besides, she says, "We needed the script to bake a little bit." The film will start next year. - Thanks, Cindy
Related: PR-Canada.net: Global Robin Hood Epic is "Hollywood's Best Kept Secret" - While speculation grows over the reasons behind the recent shelving of Ridley Scott's Russell Crowe starrer "Nottingham" weeks before it was to commence filming, Robin Hood fans still have much to look forward to as another ambitious Robin Hood epic set in the US and also filmed in Canada, France, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Hungary, Thailand and India is nearing completion in Toronto while generating growing buzz online. -- Thanks, Allison
The Popcorn Meter at JoBlo gives the BOL trailer 9.5 out of 10 - Thanks, Allison
August 14
Sue's Gladiator stories from the past have been restored by Frank, who uploaded the stories and their translations at this url - Thanks,
From Dee: Entertainment Weekly has a list of 20 fall movies they can’t wait to see, including BOL.
From Darrin: Sue has made caps from the hi-res version of the Body Of Lies trailer! They can be found at her site here
Cinematical: On BOL Trailer -- Despite that the plot doesn't come through very well, I went from feeling a bit "meh" to thinking it looks like a smart political thriller that will probably leave me ranting about American foreign policy. Plus, I would watch Crowe read out of a phone book, especially if directed by Scott. (Yeah, I've even seen A Good Year -- and you know what? I didn't hate it. Am I alone in that? Probably.) Sound off on what you think of the trailer below. - Thanks, Steph
The Daily Telegraph au: Souths' pokie plan flawed from start - Thanks, Steph
LA Times: Liongate's novel plan of attack -- "...So a year ago, Lionsgate scheduled "3:10 to Yuma" for the weekend after Labor Day, drawing loud protests from star Russell Crowe's camp, who thought it was a foolhardy date. But the western opened in first place with ticket sales of $14 million, eventually grossing more than $53 million domestically. This year, Cage's "Bangkok Dangerous" will premiere the weekend after Labor Day, "and right now, we're the only film out there in wide release," Rothenberg says."
August 13
The Toronto Star: This week, rumours were swirling about the possible appearance of Leonardo DiCaprio. However, TIFF says he is not due to come to town with Body of Lies, or any other film associated with the festival.
NY Times: Gems of the Ring, Guarded by a Professor in Boxing Gloves (No mention of Braddock, but I bet there are some of his items in this collection)
iesb.net: Full Trailer for BODY OF LIES Revealed - Thanks, Allison - A larger version HERE (Thanks, Cindy)
LA Times Blog: The Waiter Rants -- JC: Was Russell Crowe really the only person to guess your secret identity? The answer, after the jump.... SD: It sounds nuts, but it's true! Russell Crowe was making a movie nearby and ate in my restaurant on several occasions. So, like an idiot, I wrote about one of Mr. Crowe’s visits on my website. I didn't realize that mega film stars have publicists who scan every scrap of news that pops about their client up on the Internet. Two nights later Mr. Crowe walks in and asks me if I'm author of the Waiter Rant blog! To this day he is the ONLY customer who ever confronted me. But he was also very nice about it! And a good tipper! Play me in the movie, Russell! Please! - Thanks, Steph
Posh24: Pics of the family at the play land and cafe at Fox Studios Entertainment Quarter in Sydney - Thanks, Cindy
The Chronicle Herald (Nova Scotia) - Scroll -- Boxing coach Gordon (helped Russell during Cinderella Man) faces rehab after surgery for bacterial infection - Thanks, Ro, Maggie Mac
August 12
NOTE: I have deleted the Murphsplace Forum. It was riddled with spam problems and unwanted requests by spammers to join. Here is the url for the new Crowe forum at Yuku. I will be fine tuning it as I learn more about Yuku. You are welcome to post there.
Brightcove.com: A clip of Russell talking about Ridley - Around AG time - Thanks, pokenprod
People.com: Sunday Rose Joins Nicole & Keith's Celebrity Pals -- "Sunday was another big day for all-star socializing. Visiting the Urbans at their harborside home were Kidman's Australia costar, Hugh Jackman, along with his entire family: wife Deborah-Lee Furness, son Oscar and daughter Ava. After they departed, Kidman and her immediate family – Urban and Sunday Rose – paid their own social call to the home of longtime pal Russell Crowe, at Sydney's posh Woolloomooloo Wharf."
It looks like The Insider on TV has a bit on BOL tonight - Thanks, Maria
CanadaEast: The Biography Channel kicks off a Cool Dudes programming theme tonight with a profile of Steve McQueen. Others "cool dudes" on the docket are Lee Marvin, Sean Penn and Russell Crowe. Their programs will air throughout the rest of the week. (The Biography Channel Canada ) - Thanks, Cindy, Allison [ed note: Not sure if this is new]
From Darrin: Jackie has written another original song, this time a Rabbitohs Fan Song entitled, "Glory, Glory"! Please visit Constant Crowe for links!
August 11
The Florida Times Union: Cinderella Man -- "Sometimes you have an instinct," the script goes, "... You see something in a fighter. You don't even know if it's real, you're looking for it so bad. You can't have no hope at all." The line was pure Hollywood, right out of a movie about Irish-American boxer James J. Braddock. He was scrapping his way through the Great Depression, a so-called Cinderella Man who risked his life boxing with a broken-down hand to feed his family.
Reel Suave Blog: Russell Crowe in Tenderness - Thanks, Layne
New York Magazine: Show Stoppers -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t just steal Tropic’s thunder, he owns it. -- "...The movie centers on the catastrophic making of a Southeast Asian war epic, and Downey plays one of its stars: Kirk Lazarus, an edgy Aussie modeled on Russell Crowe who gets so deep into his characters that he’s a thorough pain in ass..." And From Canoe-Jam's Review: "The most serious side of the comedy concerns Robert Downey Jr.'s controversial character. He plays an Oscar-winning Australian in Hollywood (among others, Downey admits he is channeling Russell Crowe). But the guy has gone off a little, or a lot, and dyed his skin dark so he can play the African-American character in the movie-within-the-movie."
August 10
Greenestreetfilms.com: Quick pic of Tenderness. Says it is coming soon. - Thanks, barbiecat
On Line Art Classes: Russell Crowe preliminary sketches - Thanks, Linda K
From Ray: Here's the link to the official Russell Crowe & The Ordinary Fear Of God Facebook page
Incontention.com: The Contenders 2008 - Leo for best actor BOL, Russell for best supporting. - Thanks, Caroline
August 9
YouTube video of Chicago and the fans at The House of Blues August 2003, by vindobona - Thanks, Linda K
Related (Sting): The NY Times: With Jokes and a Kiss, the Police End a Civil Reunion
Sharks 28 - Rabbitohs 14 - Thanks to CGee, Petra
Ninemsn: Nicole and Keith's circus run - "Meanwhile, the paparazzi pack following Kidman and Urban have managed to upset another Australian movie star, Russell Crowe. While chasing Kidman and Urban at Fox studios today several photographers also spotted Russell Crowe and wife Danielle, Fawcett said. "Russell and Danielle didn't seem too happy to have their photo taken and they started running away from the cameras." - Thanks, Avril
House of Wax: This wax figure of Russell Crowe from the motion picture Master and Commander shared the same ship as the Pirates of the Caribbean guys, but was delegated to the rear of the boat, and did not have the same spotlight that they did. He is at the helm, and I suppose that's where he needs to be. There's another figure of Crowe is in the museum. It's from his successful film, Gladiator. - Thanks, Steph
August 8
timestranscript.com (Canada): Blockbuster hits keep coming -- "As we move into the fall, it signals the kids are back in school," says Dean Leland of Halifax, vice-president of movies and studio relations for Empire Theatres Limited .... A third film, also touted as being potential Academy Award material, he said, is Body of Lies, which is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie involves a former journalist, who is injured in the Iraq war, being hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. It is based on the novel by David Ignatius. - Thanks, Allison
The Guardian: Guy Pearce and the death-defying career -- His CV includes such enormous hits as Neighbours and LA Confidential, but also duds like The Time Machine. It's all about balance, the Death Defying Acts actor tells Xan Brooks (Russell is mentioned) - Thanks, Deborah
The Australian: Downey denies impersonating Russell Crowe - you decide -- See the trailer for Tropic Thunder at YouTube
Fundraising ended -- Thank you all so much for donating to my site. I really appreciate the support!!!
The log.com: Festival of sail to celebrate nautical past - The Festival of Sail in Los Angeles, Aug. 15-17, will feature numerous vessels, including the tall ship HMS Surprise, a replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate that was used in the movie “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” with Russell Crowe. - Thanks, all (So we remember, the NY Times review for M&C -- "This stupendously entertaining movie, directed by Peter Weir and adapted from two of the novels in Patrick O'Brian's 20-volume series on Aubrey's naval exploits, celebrates an idea of England that might have seemed a bit corny even in 1805, when the action takes place. The Surprise is a stiffly hierarchal place of pomp and ritual that is nonetheless consecrated to ideals of fair play, decency and honor and ruled by a man whose claim on the words in the film's title comes, if not by divine right, then at least by demi-godlike force of character.")
August 7
Comingsoon.net: Robert Downey Jr. on Tropic Thunder - " Q: And making fun of Russell Crowe? - Downey Jr.: I love Russell Crowe. --- Q: Will you send him a gift basket and hope he doesn't beat you up? - Downey Jr.: First of all… I'm not going to make any threats. I can take care of myself. Second of all, I love Russell Crowe. Third of all, when I was thinking about Kirk Lazarus, I was thinking about Colin Farrell. Particularly when I was standing out on the balcony with my d*ck out and I also wanted to have a love child in my hand and a bottle. I just wanted this thing like how dare you look at this baby that I have with this woman you've never met? That was my idea but then I also love Daniel Day-Lewis a whole bunch and I've seen him when his beard was grown out and he was wearing weird sweaters and I was like, "That guy is crazy cool." And Russell Crowe is nuts and awesome and so gifted. So I wasn't really thinking about any of them, just like when I was thinking about Lincoln Osiris, it's not like I picked a guy and said, "Oh, that's who I'm going to…" I just thought more the energy of it. I think you get more energy if you're not specific." - Thanks, Cindy
Defamer chimes in on Nottingham
The Guardian: Yuma Related: Still gunning for the Western - To find the last true pickings from the motherlode better turn to Elmore Leonard's The Complete Western Stories (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2006), in which the interested reader can watch a fine writer serve his apprenticeship, and turn from novice to master.
IGN on the LA Times Nottingham story -The Trouble in Nottingham - What's delaying Ridley's Robin Hood reimagining? Thanks, Allison
August 6
The LA Times: 'Nottingham': Will Russell Crowe ever romp in Sherwood Forest? -- Scott brought veteran screenwriter Brian Helgeland on to do rewrites, but wasn't entirely happy with the results. So now, Hollywood being Hollywood, the movie is getting a new rewrite, this time by British playwright Paul Webb. He has worked on several highly regarded unproduced scripts, most notably "Lincoln," which has Steven Spielberg attached to direct, and a civil rights drama called "Selma." Webb is supposed to turn in his new draft later this month, which--if everything goes right, which it usually doesn't--could allow filming to begin as early as late October. It is more likely the project won't gear up until early 2009, making it impossible to make its original November 2009 release date. The delay could help on one front. Crowe, who has looked, shall we say, like he's been feasting on the king's venison in recent films, needs to lose some weight before he's ready to play such an athletic part. (After all, he's not playing Friar Tuck in this movie.) As encouragement, the production team plans to send Joe Abunassar, a top Las Vegas-based trainer who works with NBA stars, to Australia to get Crowe into fighting shape. Still, Universal is bullish on the movie, which it sees as an elevation of the many different TV and film renditions of Robin Hood over the years. - Thanks, Steph
Pictures to purchase from The Australian Children's Music Foundation Ball
August 5
Cinematical: Westward Ho with the 'Appaloosa' Trailer - I don't necessarily have a soft spot for westerns -- although 3:10 to Yuma, Seraphim Falls, and The Proposition certainly didn't hurt that cause -- Toss in a supporting cast that includes Jeremy Irons and Lance Henriksen (that reminds me, The Quick and the Dead merits mention as well), and the benefit of my doubt at least has been earned. Appaloosa is scheduled to play Toronto in September, followed by an October 3rd release.
www.imdb.com has officially updated the status to "unknown - production postponed indefinitely" as of July 28, 2008. - Thanks, Allison
From Ro: Would you be really kind and mention that the Mac desktop countdown widget for Body of Lies' October release is available for free download ? You need to have a Mac using OS 10.4 or better to use this.
From 411Mania.com: Body of Lies (Trailer in Hi Def - scroll) - The new Ridley Scott pic featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. It looks phenomenal, but that should be expected with such brilliant talent. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0 - Thanks, Allison
EW.com: Hans Zimmer reflects on 15 of his most memorable film scores - GLADIATOR (2000) ''The opening scene with the hand on the wheat — that didn't exist. It went from the title to straight into the battle. I kept saying, 'Hang on a second. We can do something else. We can be more poetic.' I said to Ridley, 'I'm going to give you this as a gift.' I did something at the beginning that says to you, 'It's not just a gladiator movie. This is something special.' So, the opening music set a tone.'' - Thanks, Allison
The SMH: Downey Jr denies channeling Russell Crowe -- In his new action comedy Tropic Thunder, Robert Downey Jr plays a rugged, tough-talking Australian movie star. Downey Jr's mannerisms and Aussie accent have Hollywood movie critics speculating. Was Downey Jr channelling Russell Crowe? "I certainly wasn't trying to impersonate him," Downey Jr told AAP in an interview in Los Angeles today. Audiences can decide for themselves. - Thanks, Steph
Nice story from Teresa: "I just wanted to share a little story with you. This evening my seven boys (ages 15-19) and I watched a Beautiful Mind. Of course, as an RC fan I have seen the film before as did one of my boys, but it is always a pleasure to watch this one again. Anyway, the point is that these young men are living in a group home for dependent/delinquent boys that my husband and I run. This type of film is generally not what they would choose. They loved the film. They were on the edge of their seats, could not stop talking about it and were generally blown away by RC's performance. One of them told me that he has a new found respect for RC! I was so pleased by their reaction and thought it might interest you as well."
From Oz Fan: Regarding the news bit below about Russell and Rock -- Chris Rock's monologue and words about Russell at the 2005 Oscar ceremony ---- "I love Russell Crowe. Russell Crowe to me is one of the greatest actors in the world, okay? I think all period pieces should star Russell Crowe. Everything. If you're doing a movie about the past, you best to get Russell's ass. Okay? I don't care if you're making a movie about three weeks ago -- you need to get Russell Crowe. 'Cause Russell will do the research about three weeks ago. He'll cut his hair like three weeks ago. He will walk like three weeks ago. He will talk like three weeks ago. And you'll close your eyes and you'll listen and go, 'That sounds like three weeks ago!' If you can't get a star, wait."
The Daily Telegraph :---- MURMURS ----- TOO MUCH STAR POWER -- FORGET about Sunday night tea in front of the telly -- if you're a celeb the only place to chow down is Otto Ristorante, or so it seemed this past weekend. While Kyle Sandilands and fiancee Tamara Jaber chewed the fat with JeffFenech and wife Suzee, they were upstaged by Russell Crowe and visiting US comedian Chris Rock. The two Hollywood heavyweights didn't arrive together, but joined their tables after Crowe went to Rock's table to say G'day. - Thanks, Maria, Layne
August 4
The Sunday Sun UK: North director is browned off -- IT’S usually train services which are disrupted by the “wrong kind of leaves” . . . but now it’s the excuse for a Hollywood film hitting the buffers.
The Daily Mail UK: Look away Keith: Nicole films VERY romantic scenes with co-star Hugh Jackman -- Russell Crowe was originally set to play The Drover, but quit over pay. At the time of his departure, Russell said: 'I just didn't want to work on that movie in the type of environment that was being created because of the needs of the budget. I do charity work, but I don't do charity work for major studios.' - Thanks, Amelie
August 3
From Sue in Austin: "Lovely memories... Hellos and hugs to the lovely family of friends who enjoyed TOFOG's first Austin, Texas shows exactly eight years ago today -- August 3, 10, and 17, 2000. In addition to the unforgettable memories of seeing TOFOG perform live, we made some great and lasting friendships with fans from all over the world (still e-mailing and getting together today for visits -- thank you, TOFOG!). These were truly magical moments - beautifully captured and portrayed in the "Texas" dvd. Just for those (mostly) ladies who spent all that time together with me in long lines and squashed at the front of the stage in Stubb's, the high temperature today in Austin will be a record-breaking 107 degrees F - I know you can all appreciate that (lol)!! Thanks so much, Murph, for the great site and all the news, book info, poetry, etc." [ed note: If you want to share your memories of that time, you can do so in the Crowe Music Blog comments section.]
Oprah.com: Russell's favorite books
The UK Times opinion: The winner's version of history. That's original -- Sir Ridley Scott wants us to see Robin Hood through the sheriff's eyes. But you can't have revisionist fiction - Thanks, Amelie
The Boston Herald: Boston College celebrates fighting Irish - “This exhibit isn’t just about boxing - it’s about life in America,” said O’Neill, who cited boxer Braddock as an example of someone “trying to raise a family in Depression-era America.” He noted the film “Cinderella Man,” in which Braddock and his wife are portrayed by Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. “Braddock and his wife at one time thought of giving their children up to family because they couldn’t afford to raise them,” O’Neill said. “Boxing became a way for others to improve their financial lot in life. Some, like Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, did very well for themselves.” - Thanks, Layne
August 2
From CGee and Penny: Bunnies win 18 to 16. -- Bunnies beat the Warriors in what turned out to be a back and forth time, which each capitalizing on dropped balls.
Thanks to Oz fan, ABC AU ran a progam (Money Shot) on paparazzo Jamie Fawcett -- From the Money Shot transcript: "When Russell Crowe was getting married to Danielle Spencer, the wedding was to take place at the Nana Glen property in Coffs Harbour. There was a huge media contingent from all around the world. There was only one helicopter available for photography work in Coffs Harbour. It was very noisy and we paid that fellow to take the weekend off. All of the other helicopters, mostly news crews, had to fly higher. We'd brought in a much quieter and smaller helicopter from Sydney which enabled us to fly a little bit lower and certainly quieter whilst the wedding was under way.
JAMIE FAWCETT (in helicopter, above wedding): That's the bride, that's the bride, come around, this is my shot.
MALE (in helicopter): Hold the position, hold the position.
JAMIE FAWCETT (in helicopter): They're not going to move, they're not going to move. We've got it. We've nailed it.
JAMIE FAWCETT: I spent about $30,000 planning for that wedding. The pictures that I took sold all over the world."
August 1
NOTE: I have a limited time fund raising button in the right column. I have need to hold an extra fundraising effort this year. It will end on August 8. Thanks to all of you who have already given. Your generosity and kindness will long be remembered by me.
US Magazine - Russell kicking the ball around - Thanks, Kaspi at the CC board
The SMH: Souths likely to reject ban on pokies -- THE grandiose vision of the Rabbitohs NRL part-owner Peter Holmes a Court to have a poker machine-free South Sydney leagues club is expected to be scuppered at a vote of the membership on August 17. The Herald understands the chairman and the board of the club believe the proposal is unrealistic - Thanks, Steph
HBO will run American Gangster in September - Thanks, Kris C
Related: Richard Harris -- The Film Society of Lincoln Center is premiering the film of Malcolm McDowell's theatrical memoir "Never Apologize: A Personal Visit With Lindsay Anderson" A highlight of his fascinating presentation of memories, diaries, letters, and clips about a key figure in Kitchen Sink Realism is his discussion of Anderson's and Richard Harris's tumultuous relationship that produced the ground-breaking portrayal of British masculinity on screen in "This Sporting Life" (spoiler: yes, Anderson was in love with him), which has so influenced Russell Crowe. His description of Harris attending Anderson's memorial service recalls Russell attending Harris's. McDowell will be present for Q & A's at several of the screenings 8/15 - 8/21. ("This Sporting Life" is also included in the retrospective of Anderson's films and influences.) - [You can buy the book on Anderson at Amazon] Thanks, Nora
Sarah has made a new Illustrated Song featuring a lovely black and whiteslideshow of Russell pix to Nils Lofgren's "Be Good Tonight"! Also, Jess has outdone herself with this month's "Pic Of The Month"! Constant Crowe
Variety: Studios go to work despite strike talk -- Film business to resume after Labor Day (Unfortuneately no mention of Nottingham)
Film.com: Seven Films That Could Eclipse The Dark Knight (BOL) - Thanks, Allison