December 31 - Happy New Year!
Access Hollywood: Monday, January 5 - A look at how celebrities celebrated New Year's; a preview of the film "State of Play"; 2008's box office. - Thanks, Allison
December 30
New York Magazine: Vulture -- Revolutionary Road’s David Harbour -- I was going to ask if you ever make friends with your castmates on movies, but actually what I really to know involves State of Play. How was working with Russell Crowe? - I mean I’ve heard stories about him, but I found him to be lovely. I think part of it is that I’m kind of an alpha guy. I’m a big guy, and I’ve a strong personality and a strong presence and I think he is too. Sometimes when two guys like that meet, there can be one of two directions that it can go: You can either get in fights and resent the person or you can just laugh and be like “Oh, look at you!” and see yourself a bit in the mirror. I really did have that experience with him. We had a really good time. We laughed a lot, and he was very respectful. The time that I had with him, he really wanted to work. There was one scene where I was struggling a bit with my lines and he got on my case about it. I was impressed with him actually.... It’s like, I’m flubbing my lines, hide the phones! The dude’s got personality. He’s definitely a very outspoken individual, but I didn’t get any phones thrown at me.
The Times UK: Film - our picks for 2009 - "...But neither of these bold bits of casting should hold a candle to Russell Crowe's decision to play both Robin Hood and Nottingham in Ridley Scott's Nottingham (late in the year or 2010). For Crowe, this is the fulfillment of a cherished dream in which he can wear a pair of freshly ironed green tights in one scene and beat himself up in the next. I truly can't wait." [Those Brits won't let it rest]
The dcexaminer: Year in review: Celebs out of context - » Russell Crowe waiting in line at Georgetown Cupcake during filming of “State of Play.”
From Darrin: Mariola has made a beautiful Captain Jack Illustrated Song video using a beautiful spanish tune which she's kindly translated within the video. Here's the link to her page -- Also, Judy sent me a link to CinePolitics' Dec 3rd show in which they discussed BOL, for those interested. It can be downloaded from the main page here
The Miami Herald: 2008 was a very good year on dvd - "You can tell Curtis Hanson's superb film noir L.A. Confidential is a bona fide classic because 11 years after it was released to theaters, it feels like it could have been made yesterday. Warner Bros. gave the film a much-needed spit and polish for its two-disc special edition and loaded it with some terrific extras, including lots of featurettes about Hanson's struggle to make the movie exactly the way he intended. You can tell the cast members recall the experience fondly, since all of them -- Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger and James Cromwell -- show up on retrospective documentaries to share their remembrances." - Thanks, Allison
The Washington Times: King of the Gladiators -- I watched Ben Hur on Christmas Day on Turner Classic Movies. Love the film, even the intermission they showed as well, just like the days of the great movie theater palaces. The chariot race (that would give horse racing a boost) is still one of the most remarkable scenes ever filmed. Charlton Heston was one tough guy, and it made me wonder who would win in a fight among Roman gladiator type movies? What about Ben Hur vs. Spartacus? Or Maximus, from Gladiator? Here's my Roman gladiator battle royal: Ben Hur (Charlton Heston) Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) Maximus (Russell Crowe) from Gladiator Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) from The Robe. Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor) from Quo Vadis. I am going with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus -- a slave who led an uprising of slaves. Curious about any of your choices. I'm Spartacus. - Thanks, Allison
denofgeek.com: Top 50 movies special effects shots -- A show reel shot for SFX company Mill Films and compelling trailer-fodder to boot, this recreation of gladiators entering the Roman coliseum is an exceptional meeting of superb cinematography and cutting-edge CGI effects. Arguably it's the fact that the actors are standing in front of a bit more than a green screen that really sells it - a large proportion of the lower sections of the coliseum were built on location in Malta, and blended seamlessly with the 3D architecture. Apart from anything else, this shot is a triumph of the rotoscoper's art, as Russell Crowe and company have had to be extracted from the 'missing' parts of the background on a frame-by-frame basis. - Thanks, Allison
December 29
The Sunday Sun UK: 'North' [Our Friends in the North] star turns movie villain -- "...Mark is set for a very busy new year after Sherlock Holmes comes out, as he’s set to play two villains . . . a New York gangster in Kick-Ass, which will be followed by a trip North to shoot Nottingham, being made by South Shields’s very own Sir Ridley Scott. Mark said: “I play the Guy of Gisborne character in Nottingham — that will be the second film with Ridley [after BOL] — although I don’t think he’s called Guy of Gisborne. I think it’s a revisionist kind of thing."
Devon Fairley, Russell's driver when the family is in LA, has self-published a book of poetry, Whispers In Season. You can sample and buy a copy HERE at his web site (I particularly liked "Breathe Again", page 77)
SOP Tony Gilroy Related - The NY Times review of Michael Clayton [Which I watched again last night and enjoyed even more the second time. The face-off between Clooney and Swinton at the end makes me anticipate even more Russell's with Affleck in SOP]
The Independent UK: (Critical article) - Chris Maume: Rabbitohs in the headlights after Crowe exhausts his motivation - Russell Crowe's South Sydney Story, Channel 4, Friday - Thanks, Jan
From Cindy: via Variety -- Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film (Documentary -- TCM, Mon. Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ET) -- I don't remember if this has been posted previously, but it's worth a look. TCM has a documentary on Ron Howard tonight. I'm sure as well that 'musing about working with Russell Crowe' means both ABM and CM will be discussed.
From the NY Times: 8 P.M. (Turner Classic Movies) RON HOWARD: 50 YEARS IN FILM From Opie to the Oscars, Mr. Howard, 54, narrates his ascent from child stardom in “The Andy Griffith Show” and movies like “The Music Man” and “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” to his Academy Awards for best director and best picture for “A Beautiful Mind.” He also discusses his latest film, “Frost/Nixon.” Three films Mr. Howard appeared in or directed follow: “Grand Theft Auto” (1977), in which he and Nancy Morgan play young lovers in a race to marry in Las Vegas before her father can catch them, at 9:30; “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) at 1 a.m.; and “The Journey” (1959), his first credited role, at 3:30.
December 28
The Toronto Sun: T.O. haunted by the Gardens - It's been 10 years since the Leafs deserted their namesake building, but the memories linger
The Miami Herald: Iconic Sydney pie van celebrates 70 years -- Except for a stretch during World War II, Harry's Cafe de Wheels has been catering to average Joes and big name celebrities since 1938 - ...Celebrities, too. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch once paid to have Harry's pies shipped to Los Angeles for an Academy Awards party attended by Australians Kidman and Russell Crowe. Hannah said he is currently in talks with a Hollywood-based business to open a branch there.
December 27
The Age au: Revenge of the B Flicks -- "...Also due soon is Duplicity by Tony Gilroy, who made the much-lauded Michael Clayton. In his new film, two corporate spies working within the generally vilified pharmaceutical industry compete to boost their employers' profits by cornering some life-saving innovation. Clive Owen, who seems to be this year's go-to guy for moral high ground, stars alongside Julia Roberts. Gilroy also wrote the screenplay for Kevin MacDonald's State of Play, in which Russell Crowe plays a police detective trying to investigate the murder of a congressman's mistress." - Thanks, Steph
December 26
The Daily Post UK: Location Scouts -- North Wales narrowly missed out on another blockbuster. Another film location manager Bill Darby, who worked on First Knight starring Sean Connery in North Wales in 1995, explained how costs scuppered filming of Ridley Scott’s new blockbuster Nottingham in Caernarfon in 2007. Mr Darby, 48, a freelance film location manager based in London, said: “We were going to recreate the Tower of London at Caernarfon in the harbour car park. We went into very extensive negotiations with the trust which runs the dock. In the end it came to nothing. “We didn’t come to North Wales for budgetary reasons. There would have been 200 crew and taken ten weeks to build a set.” Mr Darby added: “We hope to make it in 2009-2010 but not in North Wales. It’s a shame. “Everyone was very disappointed including us. We got a very long way down the line. In the end, we elected to recreate the Tower digitally. We ended up within striking distance of Shepperton Studios in Middlesex.” - Thanks, barbiecat
NY Times Book Review - related -- Plowing Through the Door (A new bio of Rupert Murdoch) -- "...The rest of the gang at Murdoch’s News Corporation fares no better. According to the book, Bill O’Reilly “talked dirty to underlings” and is loathed by everyone, including Murdoch. Wolff writes that Richard Johnson, the Page Six editor of The New York Post, “took money from sources.” (See December 22 with a Page Six link) And Roger Ailes, the ferocious creator of Fox News, is feared by all, even Murdoch himself."
Screen Daily: FILMS 2008: An A-Z of the key films of the year (BOL under B)
Box Office Prophets: In Contention: Chicago Film Critics -- By Josh Spiegel -- "The Chicago Film Critics announced their annual awards on December 18th, and their choice for Best Picture is unquestionably the current unlikely dark horse in the race for the coveted Best Picture Oscar: Disney-Pixar's WALL-E. The lovestruck robot, while the title star of one of the year's best (in my opinion), wouldn't seem as likely a choice for any major awards back in the summer, when expectations were high for many year-end releases like Milk, Australia, and even Body of Lies. Now, with the last film having disappeared (along with Russell Crowe's fake accent and blubber) and Hugh Jackman likely to only host the Oscars instead of win, some surprise films have emerged as possibilities for the top five, and yes, WALL-E is one of those films."
December 25 - Merry Christmas!
Thanks to Flakkeroo and Susi, the SOP Poster - and the official site
(For a similiar political newspaper/reportage story, rent or buy All The President's Men)
Merry Christmas....
little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower
who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly
i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don't be afraid
look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arms
and i'll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy
then when you're quite dressed
you'll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they'll stare!
oh but you'll be very proud
and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we'll dance and sing
"Noel Noel" - by e e cummingsDecember 24
I Watch Stuff.com: 'State of Play' Sure is a Political Thriller!
Thanks to everyone for their Christmas greetings. I wish I could respond individually, but time does not allow -- So -- "A Joyous Holiday to all of you - loyal Crowe fans extraordinaire"
PlanetRugby: Cast of World Cup Film Revealed -- Clint Eastwood's next up-and-coming blockbuster will see the Academy award-winning director take a shot at bringing South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning story to the big screen. The project is an adaptation of John Carlin's book The Human Factor: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Changed the World. Morgan Freeman has already signed on to play Mandela, and Matt Damon is looking to star as Pienaar....So with 'Dirty Harry' calling the shots behind the camera, Planet Rugby takes a look at which actors we think will be ideal to get down and dirty in their roles as South Africa's heroic rugby players... Lights, camera, action! -- 15 Andre Joubert: The Rolls Royce of full-backs will be played by Russell Crowe. Not only was Crowe's Oscar-winning part in Gladiator testament to the on-field battle Joubert had to undergo in the '95 final with a broken hand, but the New Zealand-born actor (who calls himself an Aussie) also has the sports knowledge required to play the part from running a Rugby League side (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Down Under. - Thanks, Steph
State of Play Trailer!!!! - Thanks to all
Cinema Blend: SOP Trailer -- "You can never have too many reporter fights his way to the truth movies. Actually with the rapidly dwindling respect for freedom of the press in our modern world, we could probably use a few more of them. State of Play has Russell Crowe leading an all-star cast in a film that looks like a mix of All the President’s Men and The Pelican Brief. Ok, it’s probably a little more Pelican Brief. Also working against it is Ben Affleck in a leading role. I thought we’d all agreed Ben would stay behind the camera from now on? Cut the guy some slack, because the movie’s first trailer is here and it’s a solid looking, journalism thriller. Watch it in high-res over at Yahoo or watch it below:" - Thanks, Steph
Empire UK: State Of Play Trailer Now Online -- See Crowe and Affleck face off (The UK view)
December 23
E On Line: Dame Edna --- How do you think he’ll (Jackman) do as host of the Oscars? -- I think he’ll be very good. He’s very charming. He has the most star quality out of all my pupils. I taught a lot of these people. I have a school for acting in Australia called the Dame Edna Academy of Drama. It’s known as the DEAD. I have produced Olivia Newton-John, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Hugh. Their parents bring them to my home. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Crowe saying, “We have this little Russell,” and he stood on my kitchen table and recited something. And frankly, I didn’t think he would do very well. - Thanks, Allison
From Darrin: I've added a new Illustrated Song to my page, a fun slide show featuring Russell and some of the "boys" done to Bitter Sweet's "The Bomb". Click here to go to my page!
UPI: Reps: Crowe not trying to oust Scott
December 22
The NY Post: Page Six Gossip -- DIRECTOR STRESSES OUT CROWE - Thanks, Kris C - [They can't even get the plot for Nottingham right] - "Pure bu__sh_t"
MyTalk.au: Don Spencer on 2UE's Kearns and Robertson (Audio) -- Don Spencer, legendary singer/song writer, TV and radio presenter and actor caught up with Kearns and Robertson for their 'celebrity interview' segment. - The Australian Children's Music Foundation - Thanks, Oz Fan
December 21 - Happy Birthday Charlie Crowe!!
From Allison: Russell's appearance on Regis & Kelly will repeat on 12/31.
Results of Your Favorite Crowe Look are at the bottom of the page
From Marie: The State of Play trailer is playing prior to Gran Torino this weekend.
The Wilkes-Barrie Times -Leader: Reel inspiration -- "...Stanton-Smith said she cut her writing teeth on fan fiction, where writers take characters from established movies or television shows and write new adventures for them. It’s a method she encourages for other aspiring writers, so much so that she takes time to edit the work of 15 to 20 writers on her Web site, russellcrowefanfiction.com, a site dedicated to expanding the “lives” of characters played by Russell Crowe. Stanton-Smith said she’s met Crowe a few times, at the premier for “Cinderella Man” and the Academy Awards ceremony where the movie was up for awards, but hasn’t yet told him she’s behind the fan fiction site. She also hasn’t told him the fish in her fish tank are named after his characters. “I think he’d be cool with it, though,” she said."
The UK Times: Go for your bows: rivals race to film 1066 - The historic turning point has been ignored by cinema - Hastings until now --- "...The screenwriter on the second version is William Nicholson, whose numerous film scripts have included Shadowlands and last year’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age. “In Hollywood terms it is a ‘buddy’ movie about two men which ended in tears,” said Nicholson, whose other work has included the Roman epic Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, with its grandiose opening battle. But Nicholson added: “I don’t see this primarily as a battle movie.”
Candles/Carols in the Domain Sydney-style - We had a lovely time at the carols last night - while we couldn’t see the stage clearly from where we were sitting, we could just see the large screen to follow who was on stage. They had a good line-up of local singing stars including Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Paulini, and Brian McFadden plus others. We had a star of our own, though, as we found ourselves joined by a certain ’Gladiator’ along with his family, bodyguard and nanny … definitely a highlight of the night for me! You can see him in the sunglasses just behind us (I felt uncomfortable taking more photos as he was enjoying a family night out, and I thought that would be too intrusive) - Thanks, Maria (No pony-tail????)
December 20
Charlie's birthday is today in OZ, and tomorrow around here. Wish him a happy day!
Beyondhollywood.com: More images from State Of Play - Thanks, Cindy
From Darrin: Lucyla has made her annual year round up video and it's just delightful!! Set to Chipper's "Ai No Corrida", the video captures almost all of Russell's public appearances in 2008! Click here to go directly to her page to download!
December 19
The Daily Mail: Gladiators set to return to Colosseum for first time in 2,000 years - Thanks, Cindy
The SMH - opinion: Knockabout roles for Cousins and Crowe - Thanks, Maria
A still from SOP (RC and Ben) - Thanks,
The Daily Telegraph: Rusty is no dumb bunny -- [ed note: out of the past!] Jack Marx on Russell's video message about the Rabbitohs - "...For the record, I don't have a great deal of affection for the man, a fact that should have been obvious to all on the publishing of a widely read story some two years ago, which documented Crowe's attempt to manipulate me into writing him a good yarn. I haven't spoken to him since, and it's sufficient to reveal we won't be exchanging Christmas cards this year or any year hereafter. I suspect he's as comfortable with that arrangement as me. But that doesn't make me a lifelong cheerleader for the Anti-Crowe League, a club whose membership is greater, it seems, than that of any football club." - Thanks, Maria [I've posted this on the Crowe news back-up blog, in case anyone wants to comment]
The NY Observer: A Single Person's Movie - American Gangster - ...And while Russell Crowe seems woefully miscast, at once too hulking and intimidating to play the loser cop trying to bring Frank Lucas down, by the end his sweaty persistence brings to mind Walter Matthau in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
December 18
Happy 5th Birthday Charlie! December 21--- Add your wishes HERE (For your message, click on "post," at the top of the page, not on "post a reply")
In People's Best of 2008 issue, AG was the #10 Top Selling DVD - Thanks, Allison
Spoiler TV: Russell on the set of SOP in November - Thanks, Steph
Yahoo News: Hollywood icon Robert Redford and Oscar-winner Russell Crowe have joined the growing ranks of stars opposed to a possible strike by the top actors union, it was reported Thursday. Redford and Crowe and other stars including Julianne Moore and Hilary Duff have added their names to a petition urging the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) board not to hold a strike ballot, Daily Variety reported. - Thanks, Allison - Also in the Australian press - Adelaide Now - Thanks, Oz Fan
Variety: Ron Howard: 50 years in show biz - "...Now that I've worked with a handful of bona fide artists, I really understand the difference. Watching the way Tom Hanks worked. On 'A Beautiful Mind,' Russell Crowe took so many chances that were so effective, it was an incredible thing to be around.
Fosters.com: 'Waiter Rant' entertaining and insightful - But there's also the elderly couple who let him dodge out to watch the grand finale of the Fourth of July fireworks display before they order, and, well, Russell Crowe. (Honestly, what memoir would be complete without a little Russell Crowe in it? I sure hope mine isn't the exception.) - Thanks, Allison
Darrin's report on seeing a preview of State Of Play - Information added
December 17
the Age au: Battlefield relics could rewrite Roman history --ARCHAEOLOGISTS say the history books about Roman legions in Europe will have to be revised following the "sensational" discovery of a battlefield in northern Germany this week. Arrowheads, axes, catapults, spears, coins and lucky charms of the centurions of Rome who clashed with the Hun tribesmen in the 3rd century AD have been found in a forest. The clash of arms, say experts, would have resembled those portrayed in the Russell Crowe epic Gladiator. - Thanks, Anne S
The NY Times: Filmgoers Seek Cheer; Studios Toil to Deliver It -- What did not work nearly so well were the historical calamities of “Australia,” the missing children and mayhem of “Changeling,” or jihad — no matter how far it was kept from the billboards — as in “Body of Lies.” Even so, studios have continued to green-light a number of such sober, serious films in the face of global economic mayhem. - Thanks, CGee
From Russell: I'm not going to be playing bill clinton - rc
Daily india.com: Russell Crowe to play Bill Clinton in new biopic? (Notice the dubious sources - contact music and Wenn) - Thanks, Kris C
December 16
MSN Movies UK: 40 Movies You Must See in 2009 - Thanks, Wendy
Russell at the premiere of Revolutionary Road yesterday in LA [ed note: I recommend the book] - More pictures HERE at WireImage:
The Courier Mail: Souths' fans stick with Crowe -- REDFERN is a long way from Tinseltown, but it seems Russell Crowe is far from out-of-touch with Rabbitohs fans. - Thanks, Steph
Cleveland.com: Whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand still battling tobacco industry- Thanks, Allison
Don't forget to send your wishes to Charlie Crowe for his 5th birthday on the 21st.
December 15
The Brisbane Times: Crowe ends Souths aid to foster self-sufficiency -- "Now don't worry about the bill, between generous sponsors and myself, we'll get it done this time. I will tell you this, though, I won't continue to put the type of cash I've had to into Souths so far, forever. The business has to begin to stand on its own. Be quite sure that is not an emotional issue for me, it is what it is." Richardson said yesterday the message was not about Crowe slowing or stopping his funding, it was about progress, and that meant building membership and making the club self-sufficient. "Membership is the most important thing to clubs," Richardson said. "We're the largest ticketed member club of all the Sydney clubs. Last year we had 6700, this year we're already over the 6000 mark and we want to get to 8000 [next season] and eventually 15,000. All Russell is doing is coming out on the video and explaining the importance of membership and being involved with the club. It was not a media release or put on the website, it's put directly to the members. - Thanks, Steph
Den of Geek: Dark Knight sequel: new Catwoman rumours -- Earlier this year, we presented our choice of actress to play Catwoman, but we missed the current name circling around off our list (although it did, to be fair, crop up in the Comments section). And that’s Rachel Weisz, who a couple of sources – including Blast here - are now citing as under consideration to play Selina Kyle. While Tilda Swinton remains our favoured option, Weisz – who is about to start work on Phillip Noyce’s Dirt Music, possibly alongside Russell Crowe – isn’t the worst shout. We still take all of this with a pinch of salt, though. Experience has taught us that until Mr Nolan has something to say on the matter, then it’s pretty much all speculation…
Music From The Movies: Body Of Lies is veteran director Ridley Scott's latest foray into the murky world of contemporary politics and all the devilish bargaining therein. The film is interesting enough while not offering anything particularly new and its main draw is ultimately the performances of its two leads, Leonardo DiCaprio (as Roger Ferris) and Russell Crowe (as DiCaprio's boss, Ed Hoffman). Composer Marc Streitenfeld returns for his third collaboration with the director and their relationship looks set to continue to flourish.....
The Herald Sun: Russell Crowe has let Souths down: George Piggins - SOUTHS' original saviour George Piggins last night said Rabbitohs supporters had a right to feel let down by the latest grab for cash from club owner Russell Crowe. In a state-of-the-union style address from his rented Hollywood mansion - emailed to South Sydney football club members - Crowe appealed to fans to chip in and financially support the Rabbitohs.
Rugby League Live: Rusty's warning to fans: I won't keep bailing Souths out -- Russell Crowe has called upon South Sydney fans to support the struggling club financially, admitting his cash injections will not last forever. The Hollywood actor-cum-Rabbitohs co-owner personally issued the impassioned plea in a video email to all members - a six minute propaganda piece which featured Crowe sitting somber-faced in front of a very distinguished timber bookcase - Thanks, All - Also at the Daily Telegraph and all the other Oz Media (Thanks, Steph)
December 14
A new page for Jim Braddock from Murphsplace -- and at Libris Crowe - "I have a new page up on Libriscrowe with pictures that Marilyn Auman took on sort of a pilgrimage on Dec. 7th to the sites of Jim's home, church, and gravesite. - Jo"
The LA Times Envelope: Ten ways to make the Oscar telecast good TV - Sure, keep the movie stars. But get some TV pros to fix this thing -- "4 Robert Downey Jr. Not all movie stars are dead weight when they go live. Downey is King of the Mountain right now, he's capable of speaking in full (and hilarious) paragraphs and his brain neither stops nor slows. Bring him up there with Russell Crowe, whom he parodied in "Tropic Thunder" -- who wouldn't tune in for that?" - Thanks, Oz Fan
Stage and Screen - Playbill: Viola Davis (Doubt) - "When you get a job, you hope that it will be the one that opens doors. When I got 'Doubt,' I thought: 'It's a great role. I get to work with Meryl Streep. This is it!' Since I finished the film, I've done one day of work, in 'State of Play' [a 2009 release, starring Helen Mirren and Russell Crowe]. One day! [Laughs]" She's now a Golden Globe nominee for "Doubt," and won the National Board of Review's Best Breakthrough Performance."
December 13
Per a poster at www.imdb.com, the SOP trailer was shown before "The Day the Earth Stood Still". (Thanks, Allison) - From The Constant Crowe Blog: "Met" Russell Crowe's Cal McCaffrey tonight! Lovely long "State of Play" trailer in front of "The Day The Earth Stood Still"! The movie looks to be a really great, taut mystery thriller and Cal is DEFINITELY gonna make all us fans HAPPY.
NZ Stuff: Martin Crowe, Russell's cousin, is getting married - Wedding bells for Crowe and Downes - Thanks, Anne from CA, Steph
Moviemorlocks.com: Confessions of Captain Von Trapp: AN INTERVIEW With CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER - TCM: I'm going to jump ahead to something more recent, your performance as "60 Minutes" Reporter Mike Wallace in THE INSIDER. Was that intimidating to play someone who is still quite active and visible in their profession and would probably see your performance? CP: Well, it was kind of dangerous and I like danger because, you know, I think you have to go in where angels fear to tread. And I met Michael and have even been interviewed by him. And I watched him when I was a youngster…and he was barely a youngster too then…as the angry young man of television. So I didn't have to do much research because I remembered very well how his voice sounded…and how he attacked everybody and was an extraordinary, probing commentator. No, that was wonderfully challenging and greatly helped I was by Michael Mann [the director] who kept me from imitating him. He insisted that I put some of my own personality into the Mike Wallace character which is correct..because otherwise that's just a simple imitation of the man and that's cheap. So he guided me very well though that and I admired him. And of course my friendship began with Russell Crowe and Al Pacino, both of whom I admire enormously. It goes without saying about Al Pacino and Russell Crowe, who is probably the most talented leading man that Hollywood has had in a long time. - Thanks, Cindy
The Kansas City Star: In a poor economy, we’re the richer for these 10 films about economic woes (Cinderella Man)
The Detroit News: Carr keeps busy doing his own thing -- He's a consultant for Eastern, Motor City Bowl, but former coach is staying quiet about Michigan - In addition to his duties as U-M associate athletic director, he is part of the Motor City Bowl advisory board, helping his friend, former Michigan State coach George Perles, the bowl's CEO. Carr also is consulting on Eastern Michigan's ongoing search for a head football coach, has visited with friend and actor Russell Crowe and has speaking engagements and travels with his family.
On Turner Classic Movies tonight, the original 3:10 To Yuma
December 12
Great news: St George Open Air Cinema in Sydney - Tenderness will have its premiere February 19, 2009 - Thanks, Maria
Gossip: The SMH - People: PSsst … Rupert Murdoch's authorised biography unveiled in New York this week makes for some interesting reading, especially the claim by the author Michael Wolff in the US edition (it was omitted from the Australian edition) that when Russell Crowe bought Lachlan Murdoch's Elizabeth Bay house Berthong, included in the deal was a "guarantee" of no adverse coverage in Murdoch's New York Post. Murdoch paid $6.85 million in 1995 for the house and sold it to Crowe in 2001 for $9.2 million. Wolff travelled the world interviewing Murdoch's family, including Lachlan, who was in New York for the 40th birthday party of his stepmother Wendi Deng on Monday night. Lachlan was a noticeable absentee from Wolff's book launch the following evening.
Reminder for UK fans from JJ: On Channel 4 -- Russell Crowe's South Sydney Story 01:10 – 02:10 tomorrow morning 13th December 2008.
December 11
At my Amazon AStore, recommended by Russell - Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System - By Roberto Saviano, Virginia Jewiss - (Read the review in the NY Times) - He also recommends seing Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle
TMZ: ...And Up Ahead We Have Russell Crowe - Thanks, Maria
Denofgeek.com: 55 movie remakes currently in the works -- Can a great, six hour miniseries be remade as a two hour movie? That’s the plan, as the John Simm-starring series becomes a big Hollywood film with Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams in the cast. It’s in post-production now, for release in April 2009. Kevin Macdonald directs, following on from his success with The Last King Of Scotland. - Thanks, Allison
EW's Pop Watch: (Scroll) - Which of these nominees deserved the 2003 Best Director Oscar? - Thanks, Allison
UK Times On Line: 100 Worst films of 2008 -- 47: Body of Lies - "Ridley Scott’s expensive adventure is a lump of indigestible paranoia. Leonardo DiCaprio is the most gifted CIA agent who has ever glued on a beard in Iraq" - James Christopher
December 10
San Diego City Beat: Fight Night -- Let’s call Frost/Nixon a rematch for Ron Howard. Why? Well, you might remember Howard’s 2005 film Cinderella Man, which starred Russell Crowe as hard-luck depression-era boxer Gentleman Jim Braddock, who went from working on New York’s docks to winning the heavyweight-championship belt. More likely you don’t remember it, because even though it was one of Howard’s better movies, it was knocked out at the Oscars and is about as memorable as any of Lennox Lewis’ bouts. Frost / Nixon is his second fight picture.
Variety: 'Wolfman,' 'Nottingham' delayed - "Marking major changes to next year's slate, Universal Pictures has pushed back the release of horror franchise hopeful "The Wolfman" from April 3 to Nov. 6 and taken Ridley Scott's "Nottingham" out of 2009 entirely". - Thanks, Kris C
Happy Birthday Charlie! December 21--- Add your wishes HERE (For your message, click on "post," at the top of the page, not on "post a reply")
December 9
EW.com: Acting Out -- Heath Ledger, Tom Hanks, and more got Oscar nods for playing gay characters - Thanks, kaspi
Off Topic: Share your favorite Christmas And Hanukkah recipes
Extra TV: Video of Russell at the fight. Short and sweet. - Thanks, Kris C
USA Today: Howard's 'journey' from Opie to filmmaker hits 50 years - Thanks, Kris C
December 8
Vegas Deluxe has many pictures from Saturday night's fight. - Thanks, Carole
The Writers Almanac - NPR: It's the birthday of the travel writer Bill Bryson, (books by this author) born in Des Moines, Iowa (1951). (Russell recommends this book by Bryson - Shakespeare the World as Stage) Click on link - Today's page at The Writers Almanac also includes a poem
on the Great Depression (Cinderella Man territory)
December 7
Actor Russell Crowe, left, greets comedian George Lopez prior to Oscar De La Hoya's welterweight boxing match against WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. -- (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)December 6
The LA Times: Pacquiao forces De La Hoya to quit -- With a crowd of approximately 16,000 – including, according to publicists, heavyweights from the worlds of entertainment (Eva Longoria, Russell Crowe, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, George Lopez, Usher), sports (Reggie Miller, Magic Johnson, Gary Sheffield, Frank Thomas) and boxing (Juan Manuel Marquez, Thomas Hearns, Mike Tyson), looking on the ring emptied of the two boxers' sizable entourages as Pacquiao and De La Hoya met to get the final instructions from referee Tony Weeks... - Thanks, Oz Fan
Actor Russell Crowe attends the Oscar De La Hoya v Manny Pacquiao welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena December 6, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) - Thanks, oz Fan
US Magazine: Russell and the boys in the park - Thanks, Kris C
Gossip - Variety: Anne Thompson's Web Log -- State of Play: Crowe vs. Affleck -- Universal and Working Title refused to let their screen adaptation of the Brit mini-series State of Play fall apart just before the writers' strike when Brad Pitt insisted on rewrites. So director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) recast Pitt's role with Russell Crowe, already working in-house on Nottingham (which was eventually pushed back anyway) and Ben Affleck in the Edward Norton role. Word is, the on-set chemistry was not ideal. While Crowe is never easy, he and Affleck were supposed to be playing best friends, and they couldn't stand each other. Poor Macdonald had his hands full. It remains to be seen whether their on-set chill will negatively impact their performances. State of Play is due in April, 2009. - Thanks, Cindy
December 5
HRD - The HD Room: Warner Schedules Body of Lies for Blu-ray - Thanks, Allison
Female First on SOP - Thanks, Allison
The USDaily: Interview with Brian Grazer -- THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: WHAT ARE YOU MAKING NEXT? Grazer: I'm doing the L.A. riots. I'm hoping to make "Nottingham," the origin story of Robin Hood that would start Russell Crowe. We're hoping to start filming in March. - Thanks, Allison
DVD Times UK: 2-Disc Digital Copy Special Edition Blu-ray offers over 2-hours of bonus content, including interactive features and interviews with the cast. BD Live content includes an inside look at the film’s action scenes and special effects. The list of features includes:
- Commentary with Director Ridley Scott, Screenwriter William Monahan, and Author David Ignatius
- Actionable Intelligence: Deconstructing Body of Lies
- Interactive Debriefing
- Deleted Scenes
- Plus Digital Copy on Disc
Thanks, Allison
December 4
The Man, Rusty ringside by Fiona Byrne, Megan Miller and Jane Metlikovec - Confidential - Herald Sun - Friday, 5 December 2008 -- "Boxing champ Anthony Mundine flew out of Sydney Airport yesterday, bound for LA. The loud-mouthed sportsman was planning to meet Oscar winner and boxing fan Russell Crowe when he touched down. The pair were then expected to jump on a private jet and fly to Las Vegas to attend the Oscar De La Hoya world title fight against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night. Crowe's appreciation of boxing is well known. He played boxer Jim Braddock in the 2005 film Cinderella Man. Angelo Dundee, who trained Muhammed Ali, was Crowe's boxing trainer." - On HBO Pay For View -- Thanks, Oz Fan
Awards and Festival Related - Variety: NBR names 'Slumdog' best of year -- David Fincher wins directing kudos for 'Button' - plus More star power at Sundance
From Darrin: Jessie has screen capped the high quality version DVD of "For The Moment" and generously donated them to the Constant Crowe Gallery! The caps are so crisp and beautifully enhanced, Jess did an awesome job! Click here to check them out!
Liz Smith in the NY Post: RUSSELL CROWE is still working on losing the 50 pounds he gained when he co-starred with Leonardo DiCaprio in the Ridley Scott film "Body of Lies." In February, the New Zealand star will begin filming "Nottingham" under Ridley's direction - a different look at the Robin Hood legend. Crowe will play two roles - that of the heroic Robin and also the Sheriff of Nottingham. He is practicing on his Australian farm with a longbow. Says Crowe: "There's no point in making a second-best Robin Hood film. We have to do it with the thought in mind that we've got the chance of making the best Robin Hood movie ever." - Thanks, Steph, Kris C
Monsters and Critics: Revenge is a dish best served cold, and here are the Top 10 Revenge Flicks - Gladiator #10 - Thanks, Allison
The Gaslight Hotel Crowe Site of original stories has been updated - Thanks, Sharon
Ground report: Boxing (Dundee) -- Celebrity Boxers Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Paquiao Mobbed in Las Vegas -- Among the celebrities that confirm attendance are Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, Robert Crowe (????), George and Mario Lopez. - Thanks, Oz Fan
December 3
The Miami Herald: Angelo Dundee in Vegas advising de la Hoya -- "...Let him tell you about the prospects he's working with now. Or how he taught actor Will Smith to impersonate Ali and Russell Crowe to fight like James J. Braddock in Cinderella Man -- ''my 16th world champion,'' he said, laughing. ''I think I'm a happy character,'' he said, explaining his energy. "I enjoy people.'' - Thanks, Steph
The Telegraph au: Russell Crowe getting fit for Sheriff of Nottingham role -- RUSSELL Crowe has abandoned the stodgy tucker he loves and embraced a rigorous fitness program. Crowe is to play the Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott's new film Nottingham and the heavy-set actor, who played chunky characters in recent films, is on a mission to trim down for the role. Not since he played fighter Jim Braddock in the 2005 movie Cinderella Man has Crowe worked so hard to improve his fitness levels.- Thanks, Steph
For all Russ and Souths fans in the UK who didn't manage to get a copy of South Sydney Story, the series has finally reached our fair shores. The first programme will be shown on Channel 4 in the early hours of Saturday December 13, at 1:10am. Don't forget to set your timers. - Thanks, Bejay
Yahoo Movies: Top Movie Heartthrobs of the Decade (#1) - Thanks, Marie
Related: Variety -- Craig Bierko (Max Baer in "Cinderella Man") has been cast in "Guys and Dolls"...... Thanks, Marilyn K
December 2
Related: I Watch Stuff - Michael Mann's Public Enemies (Christian Bale and Mann)
Cinematical - Mark Strong On Sherlock Holmes -- While we received a number of shady answers (followed by evil smirks) from the cast and crew regarding Moriarty during our set visit, IGN managed to get someone to talk: Mr. Mark Strong. At the British Independent Film Awards over the weekend, Strong said this about Moriarty's involvement: "Moriarty's in it ... but you don't really see him. I think he's there because if the franchise carries on, there's a possibility that he will appear in a larger guise. But for the purposes of this one and the detective narrative, I'm the guy that Sherlock's after, Lord Blackwood. And he's a cultist/Satanist lord who is the ultimate cad." So he's there, but you don't see him? Hmmm. I guess we'll take that as solid confirmation ... until we find out who's playing him (ahem, Russell Crowe?).
LocateTV: Russell on USA Television
Related: Variety -- Rosemary DeWitt nominated for best supporting for Rachel Getting Married at the Independent Spirit Awards - Thanks, Marilyn K
From Kaspi - Video -- Charlie Rose Interview with Baz -- "Great interview. Charlie and Baz go head to head over Russell's involvement in Australia about 11:05 minutes into the interview."
The Daily.com au (This must have been before Russell came to LA): Coast boxing night minus Mundine -- Malcolm said Anthony Mundine rang him on Monday to say he was with the Aussie star who wanted him to fly to America for the Oscar de la Hoya weekend fight in Las Vegas. “They are talking to Oscar’s people about arranging for Anthony to fight for his Golden Boy Promotions. “He said Russell wanted him to go and asked what he should do and I said: ‘You have to go Choc’. - Thanks, Cindy
Rabbitohs.com: Fan video of the Rabbits - very cute - "The SS-TV team is looking for Members to send in their Rabbitohs-related videos to be shown on SS-TV on www.rabbitohs.com.au We’re certain there are many budding young filmmakers out there who are keen to have there productions shown to a broader Rabbitohs audience and here is your chance." - Thanks, Oz Fan
December 1
X17 On Line: Russell bikes in Beverly Hills - Thanks, Allison
DVD Times: Warner Home Video have announced the UK Blu-ray Disc release of L.A. Confidential on 9th March 2009. Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger and Danny DeVito star in L.A. Confidential which was directed by Curtis Hanson and based on James Ellroy's "L.A. Quartet" series of novels. Released back in September on US Blu-ray, extras on the UK version are TBC but likely to match the US release.
MTV Movie Blog: Brian Grazer Reveals ‘Nottingham’ Plot Points, Sets Record Straight On Russell Crowe Confusion - Warning, major spoilers - Thanks, Steph
The Coffs Coast Advocate: Rabbitohs committed to Coffs community - Thanks, CGee
The NY Times: Related -- ‘Mentalist’ Is a Hit, but Who Can See Into Its Future?
At the Crowe Forum -- a New Topic, "They Worked With Russell." Add your entry (Click on "add reply")