June 30
Related: Trumbo: The Movie - "This film, about the blacklisted writer, Dalton Trumbo, opens June 27th and stars three of Russell's former co-stars: Josh Lucas, David Straitharin and Paul Giamatti! You can go to Trumbothemovie.com for the official preview and more information." Karen
From a Russell fan: "I'm sending info about a related Russell subject - on HBO tonight (9pm EST) there is a documentary about the Australian woman Schappelle Corby which looks at the crime she was charged with of smuggling marijuana and her conviction which netted her a 20 year prison term. I remember Russell supported her at one time."
On ESPN2 this morning, for the Wimbledon tennis matches, they interviewed Leyton Hewitt [not Roddick!], who plays Roger Federer today. He had a Rabbitohs cap on his head!!! - It is on line
June 29
What might have been -- from fiddlegirl: "Just thought some Russell fans might be interested to know that there is a great interview and photo spread with Nicole Kidman for Baz Luhrman's "Australia" in the July issue of Vogue magazine (American edition). The photo spread features some of Nicole's costumes for the film, I believe, and the interview gives some good background on the movie itself."
Related news
Related - The NY Times: Marie Bremmer, the author who wrote the original Vanity Fair magazine piece on The Insider, The Man Who Knew Too Much, has written a well-reviewed memoir about her brother - Apples and Oranges
Travel Related - The NY Times: The Hidden Gardens of Paris [ed note: makes me want to go back]
June 28
Another Victory!! -- Souths Web Site: Rabbitohs 29 DEFEAT Cowboys 28 - “This win by the Rabbitohs is the second biggest comeback in Rugby League's 100 year history.” -- Thanks, CGee, Penny
Bleacherreport.com: Greatest Sports Movies of all time -- Honorable Mentions -- Cinderella Man - I don't believe that Russell Crowe can make a bad movie. This stunning story is no exception. A boxer that goes from rags to riches by fighting his way to the top. Simply fantasic. - Thanks Allison
June 27
From Ellen: "I thought you'd enjoy these RC mentions in the new Entertainment Weekly - double issue cover story of The New Classics (date on Magazine is June 27 & July 4th) -- From Jodie Foster - "My Top Ten" - New Classic Near-Death Experiences - #10. Russell Crowe, Gladiator (2000) "Images of peace and family wavering in yellow reeds. The perfect contrast to death in the face of hideous beasts." -- From the New Classics - Movies: #43. Gladiator (2000) "When in Rome...stage one of the most exciting sword-and-sandals movies of all time.(Yes, we know that Ridley Scott's epic vengeance yarn was actually filmed in England, Morocco, and Malta.) As Maximus, Russell Crowe isn't just macho-he makes masculinity mythically cool." -- And in the Rest of the Best 51-100, at #59. L.A. Confidential (1997)"
The SMH: Modesty prevails -- "...This is Bail's first novel since Eucalyptus, which came out 10 years ago in more than 20 countries, sold more than 100,000 copies in Australia, was a New York Times notable book and won the Miles Franklin Award, the ASAL Gold Medal for Literature and the Commonwealth Writers Prize. It almost became a film starring Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman (and there are hints it could be revived, without Kidman, if Baz Luhrmann's Australia proves popular)." - Thanks, Steph
June 26
LA Times - The Dishrag: Sienna Miller -- On her new movie: “I’m doing a movie with Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott about Robin Hood. I’m Maid Marion to Russell’s Robin Hood - well sort of he plays Nottingham -- so there’s no green tights …gutted! I’d love to see him in green tights. Can you imagine?!” - Thanks, Allison
NJ Jewish News: On Thursday, June 26, at 7 p.m., Richie Roberts, the Weequahic High School graduate whose work as a undercover narcotics detective inspired the 2007 film American Gangster — which starred Denzel Washington and, as Roberts, Russell Crowe — will be on hand for a screening of the film at the West Orange JCC. Admission is $10. - Thanks, Allison
Audio of Russell delivering the Nash 1994 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences - from ABM - Thanks, Layne
Yahoo News: Oscar Season kicks off - "...Yet there are still plenty of awards aspirants coming from pedigreed filmmakers. Leonardo DiCaprio will appear in Ridley Scott's CIA tale "Body of Lies" and Sam Mendes' domestic drama "Revolutionary Road" opposite Kate Winslet, who also stars in Stephen Daldry's "The Reader," set in post-World War II Germany." - Thanks, Kris C
Cute - and sad - story - Name related: A Rooster's Life - Thanks, Littleboot
Worst Previews has a gallery for Tenderness - Thanks, Ivani
The Hollywood Reporter: Cine Expo - "Exhibitors also saw new footage from another fourth-quarter debutante -- "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett -- and got a peek at the first trailer for the fall's Leonardo DiCaprio-Russell Crowe starrer "Body of Lies," with a brief intro by director Ridley Scott. An extended clip from Guy Ritchie's fall-slotted "Rocknrolla," starring Gerald Butler, Tom Wilkinson and Jeremy Piven, drew a good audience reaction." - Thanks, Allison -- Also in Variety: "Head-turners from the WB slate included sneaks of Guy Ritchie's London-set gangster movie "RocknRolla," Brad Pitt starrer "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and Ridley Scott thriller "Body of Lies," which stars Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. intelligence agents battling an emerging terrorist leader."
Wired.com: Nottingham Casting Not Clear as Strike Nears -- "...Some reports had Christian Bale rejoining his 3:10 to Yuma co-star Crowe as the Prince of Thieves. But would Bale have time? He's got another Batman flick and two more Terminator movies to finish. Then, other sources had young Sam Riley opposing Crowe. But, could such a fledgling actor, though talented, hold the screen with an Oscar winner? And, do any of these casting rumors matter if the looming Screen Actors Guild strike or possible lockout kills production? That last question is getting ready to disrupt a lot of would-be movies in Hollywood." - Thanks, madchen, Allison
June 25
Parade: Article on Christian Bale. No mention of Russell or their films together. Thanks, Penny
London Features: Russell leaves the gym in Sydney - Thanks to Russell Crowe Noticias and ivani
The Hollywood Reporter: - future film related -- A-listers fire back for SAG
New Forum: Let's Talk About Clive, and Russell and...after July 7, this forum will replace my old Murphsplace Forum, which is filled with spam and unwanted users.
June 24
Stuff NZ: Video -- League: Rabbitohs beat Gold Coast Titans 23-22
From Dee and Avril: The Chronicle Herald - Nova Scotia News: "...Another collaboration of note is the rousing Company of Fools penned by Doyle and his good friend, Oscar-winning actor/musician Russell Crowe, who has a habit of showing up by surprise at Great Big Sea shows. -- "We were in D.C. playing a big St. Paddy’s Day beer bash for 17,000 people, and he was in town making a film, so he got up on stage with us and hosted a big after-party for us," McCann recalls of his last encounter with the actor from Down Under. -- "He tried to convince us to play Guitar Hero, but we told him that was a party killer, so instead, we passed around a real guitar and sang great songs all night. -- "In the film he was shooting with Rachel McAdams (the upcoming thriller State of Play, based on a BBC miniseries) he plays a loose-cannon cop, and he got them to use The Night Pat Murphy Died for the car chase, while he’s driving around D.C. going nuts, trying to eat a bag of Cheetos. Who knows, that could be our big break, finally. Every little bit helps."
The Independent UK: Preview: Hungarian film showcase, Curzon Mayfair, London --- "...For Macdonald, who is currently editing his latest feature, State of Play – starring Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Ben Affleck, and based on the BBC mini-series of the same name– the documentary about his grandfather was a landmark in his own career. "It was the first longer-form documentary I ever made. It is quite amateurish." - Thanks, Allison
At The People's Choice Awards, there is a Buzz Poll on Russell - Thanks, Deborah
June 23
From Carole Ann: "Great Big Sea will be performing at The Phila Folk Festival which is Aug 15 thru 17. It is just outside of Phila just go to www.pfs.org/PFF.php for information. I've only been one time but it was a lot of fun." [ed note: GBS will perform on Sunday, August 17. Tickets can be ordered HERE]
The Hollywood Reporter: Headache for SAG -- Hanks among those backing vote to ratify AFTRA pact
Yippee!!! -- The Daily Telegraph: South Sydney Rabbitohs beat Gold Coast Titans in thriller - Thanks, CGee
June 22
Rotten Tomatoes: RT Interview: Sienna Miller on Dylan Thomas, G.I. Joe and Nottingham - "I have a role in Nottingham, as Maid Marion, but because of the actor's strike, nothing's clear because we need the summer leaves for that in England, and if not September we'll have to push it a year, so it's very much dependent on that and it's very difficult timing." - Thanks, Cindy
Link to a video of Sam Riley (Possible Robin?) and Control
Latino Review: Exclusive: Nottingham's Robin Hood May Have Control! -- "So the Daily Mail was going around saying that Christian Bale was going to play Robin Hood in the upcoming NOTTINGHAM, which is directed by Ridley Scott. Well, not quite. Mr. Beaks debunked that story earlier today on Ain't-It-Cool-News. Guess what? I know who Russell Crowe wants for the role of Robin Hood." (Info on Sam Riley HERE)- Thanks, Steph
Thanks to Oz Fan: The Sun-Herald -- Bra Boy talk wide of Mark - Christine Sams -- June 22, 2008
RUSSELL CROWE has responded to reports of Mark Wahlberg's involvement in a feature film about the Bra Boys, saying he knows nothing about it.
"I have no idea where the Mark Wahlberg connect comes from," said Crowe, in an email last week. "Imagine and Universal are very positive about the project but the Bra Boys idea is still in the early stages of development. A second draft script is being worked on."
Despite continuing rumours regarding who will play the Abberton brothers, Crowe said nothing had been finalised.
"There are no decisions made regarding casting, though there is an Australian actor loosely attached (not me) who will get to accept or pass when a shooting script is finally ready," he said.
Crowe is said to be interested in directing the movie, but he is yet to confirm the extent of his involvement. He is now preparing for his role in Nottingham, his next film with director Ridley Scott.
June 21
The lyrics to Company of Fools (Thanks to Russell)
AICN: Is Christian Bale NOTTINGHAM'S Robin Hood? Beaks here... Though I am loath to believe a single word printed in the Daily Mail, I must admit that yesterday's gossip item about Christian Bale being "in talks" to play a bad-guy Robin Hood in Ridley Scott's revisionist NOTTINGHAM seemed fairly genuine. With Russell Crowe on board as the good-guy Sheriff, and Sienna Miller recently cast as Marian... why the hell not Bale? While I can't provide any specifics, I can tell you this much: there is absolutely no truth to the Daily Mail's rumor. Christian Bale is not playing Robin Hood. As for who might be picking up where Errol Flynn, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, Richard Gautier and a cartoon fox left off, I'm sure we'll know soon, 'cuz NOTTINGHAM is currently scheduled to begin shooting this August. I wonder what Paul Bettany's up to. Bale's next movie is called THE DARK KNIGHT. I hear it's pretty damn good. - Thanks, Steph
Skewed and Reviewed Blog: (CM) - Crowe is riveting as he is able to convey his characters plight to the audience without making it seem forced or heavy handed. Where Crowe truly shines is his ability to mix the emotional sequences of the film with the athletic and action filled ring sequences and not lose any of his character. Far too often actors fail to convince in one aspect when they try to mix drama and action, but Crowe easily transitions between the demands of the role proving again that he is the most gifted actor in Hollywood. - Thanks, Layne
This Is Nottingham: BATMAN AND ROBIN: WILL BALE DON OUTLAW'S GREEN TIGHTS -- Crowe has said: "We'll have a look at how the Robin Hood mythology morphed over time, who was in power and what was the current church we should all attend - and in this country that changed quite regularly! "And then we'll look at the Hollywood mythology and how much of that is embedded in the psyche of people when they think of Robin Hood. "I tell you this - Richard the Lionheart won't be bounding up in the last scene and saving the day. I mean the bloke only spoke French and only spent six months of his reign in England." [Plus - Lots more on the film]
June 20
Off Topic: Some of my actor sketches and paintings - done a long time ago! - More added.....
Hollywood Hills.com: Ridley Scott’s “Body of Lies” Gets Re-Retitled, Rewritten, & Teaser Trailer Date -- "Lastly, and this is more exciting than the others to me, but I got a tip on when we could expect to see the teaser trailer: right in front of “The Dark Knight”! Wow, that’s huge for “Body” considering the other hotly anticipated trailer supposedly appearing before “TDK” is that of “Terminator 4″. Both “Body of Lies” and “The Dark Knight” are Warner Bros. flicks, so this is completely believable. You heard it here first!" - Thanks, Maria
The Times UK: Related - Jason Bateman -- Hancock could make Jason Bateman a star at last -- "...He has just finished a role in the Hollywood film version of the British TV drama State of Play opposite Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, playing the character of Dominic Foy, the part originally taken by Marc Warren. The director was the Scottish wunderkind Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland). “In this version Foy is a bisexual fetish club promoter who has some information that Russell's character wants, which he is not willing to give. It's about a 15-page segment of the film and my character goes from A to Z in 15 pages.” - Thanks, Allison
The Independent: (More on Jason) -- Jason Bateman - a child star grows up -- "If playing a genial, happily-married PR guy wasn't much of a stretch for the affable actor, then he's eager to get his teeth into his next role as a fetish-club promoter in the thriller State of Play, co-starring Russell Crowe and Robin Wright Penn. "It's a bizarre and nasty character who wears a lot of leather and likes gags and also has an OxyContin addiction," he enthuses." - Thanks, Allison
Yahoo pictures: Actor Russell Crowe goes for a walk on the Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney June 20, 2008. - Thanks, Ivani
Related -- GBS USA Tour Dates, if you would like to pre-order
The Herald Sun: Paddy whacked our Gladiator - you can hear the song HERE (no comment....) - Thanks, Lori
From CGee: I found this link to Canada.Com on the GBS official site and it has most if not all of the new GBS songs on the Fortunes Favor CD. Company of Fools is among them! It’s not a bootleg site so I guess they have the songs with GBS’s permission.
Mail Times Au: I'm Serious (Nick Cave) -- "WARRACKNABEAL could be home to a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of former local Nick Cave in as little as six months. Speaking at the conclusion of his European tour, the singer- songwriter told the Mail-Times this week his plans to install a bronze statue of himself, semi- naked atop a rearing horse, in his hometown were true.....Russell Crowe, my mate, has promised to attend. Snoop Dogg, a rapper, says he'll come if they let him into the country. Kylie Minogue said she wouldn't miss it for the world; she even promised to wear her gold lame hot pants." - Thanks, Steph
June 19
The Guardian Blog - Peter Bradshaw: What happens when actors wax lyrical -- "...Off the top of my head, I can think of only one other actor who has quoted a poem in an acceptance speech, and that was Russell Crowe, who on getting a BAFTA in 2002, quoted Patrick Kavanagh's Sanctity"
Great news if it comes off - Bale Plus Vanessa plus Hurt!!!! --- Baz Bamigboye in the Mail: (Scroll) "Christian gets tied up in Notts -- Christian Bale, soon to be seen as the caped crusader in The Dark Knight, is in talks about donning the jolly Lincoln Green outfit of Robin Hood, where he will be part of a menage a trois between Russell Crowe's Sheriff of Nottingham and Sienna Miller's Maid Marian. Nothing is signed for Bale, but director Ridley Scott is exceedingly keen to cast him. Costume fittings begin next week, so he'll be either in or out by then. Vanessa Redgrave and William Hurt are also in discussions about being in the film, which is called Nottingham. Saoirse Ronan (who appeared with Vanessa in Joe Wright's award-winning film Atonement) will also be in the picture. If all the casting comes off, it'll be a high-octane ensemble and Scott will be working with a big budget - good news for the British film industry." - Thanks, Maria (See my Nottingham pages for more history of the times, and watch The Lion In Winter for info about Richard the Lionheart (Anthony Hopkins) and John Lackland (Nigel Terry) - Or Robin and Marian, with Robert Shaw at the Sheriff and Russell's pal Richard Harris as Richard the Lionheart)
For UK Fans: BBC1 Friday the 20th -- Celebrity chat show with Jonathan Ross. Guests include style icon and actress Sienna Miller, broadcaster, author and comedy writer Danny Wallace, and boxer Joe Calzaghe. Plus music from CSS - Thanks, littleboot
Telegraph and Argus: Putting stars in the picture -- "The two contrasting images are part of a fascinating new exhibition at the National Media Museum looking at the relationship between film stars and photographers. Featuring striking photos of more than 100 big screen icons, from Sophia Loren to Russell Crowe, it brings together the diverse ways in which movie stars are presented by the media – ranging from the glamorous images produced by film studio photographers in the golden age of Hollywood, when studios had power over their actors’ images, to press and paparazzi pictures exposing the ‘reality’ behind the glamour..." - Thanks, Allison
The US Report: Spinner Howard on Rivers and Russell -- Joan Rivers didn’t meet the Russell Crowe I met, or she wouldn’t have insulted him on Brit talk show - Thanks, Maria
Post Production Buyers Guide: "da Vinci Systems today announced it will join forces with Gamma & Density, Panavision®, and Modern VideoFilm to host Straight Forward, a master class seminar on how full-cycle workflow based on ASC CDL protocol benefited the highly anticipated, big-budget film "State of Play." The seminar runs from 1:45 — 5 p.m. Sunday, June 22, as part of Cine Gear Expo 2008 in Southern California." - Thanks, Allison
EW.com: 100 New Movie Classics: No. 50-26 - (Gladiator #43)
The Guardian UK Blog: Is a bad Robin Hood a good idea? -- Will Ridley Scott's new take on the English folk hero work? And if so, which other characters are ripe for revision? - Thanks, Layne
The Herald Sun: Russell Crowe stays silent over Joan Rivers rant
Cinematical: From Page to Screen: 'Body of Lies'
The Hollywood Reporter: Sienna Miller eyes 'Nottingham' -- Russell Crowe set to star; Ridley Scott directing
Variety: Sienna Miller added to 'Nottingham' -- Actress joins Russell Crowe in Robin Hood tale -- Miller will play Maid Marion in the drama that focuses on the Sheriff of Nottingham (Crowe) as a noble and brave lawman who labors for a corrupt king and engages in a love triangle with Marion and Robin Hood. Ridley Scott will helm the pic in late summer based on a script by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris. Brian Grazer is producing for Imagine.
June 18
Miller-McCuna: Combatting stereotypes via The Zohan -- "...It's not that there aren't commanding, or fully rounded, Jewish characters to be found. Russell Crowe in American Gangster plays Richie Roberts, a police detective who proudly wears a Jewish star around his neck. The members of the Jewish assassination team in Munich are certainly no one's idea of wimps. And the upcoming film Defiance stars Daniel Craig in the true story of Jewish brothers who joined Russian resistance fighters to battle the Nazis." - Thanks, Allison
The Herald Sun: David Hicks voted more trustworthy than Wayne Carey -- (A view that will not die) - "The survey of 750 Australians found Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe was the firm favourite to have in your corner when it comes to fisticuffs." - Thanks, Allison
A fan note from Bobbie: "I was so saddened by news from The Russell Crowe Network, MSN that its site manager IrishGirl has passed away." - We wish her God Speed and peace at the last.....
EW.com: 100 New Movie Classics - LAC #59 - "A dark and dank vision of Los Angeles, full of sleaze-hungry tabloid reporters, seedy porn barons who have hookers cut to look like movie stars, cops on the take, and D.A.s all too eager to look the other way. But when three decent police officers — an ambitious boy scout (Guy Pearce), a hot-headed bruiser (Russell Crowe), and a cynic too comfortable with the glow of Hollywood (Kevin Spacey) — investigate a massacre at a local diner, they barely flinch from taking on the whole crummy system. The result is pure noir heaven." - Thanks, Allison
Metro.co.uk: Sexy Sienna Miller to play Maid Marian -- Sienna Miller has revealed she'll be swapping her designer heels for some merry boots as she stars in a new Robin Hood film as Maid Marian. -- Also at the BBC - Miller confirms Robin Hood role - Thanks, WFP, Steph (ed note: I first saw her on the small screen in Keen Eddie, as Mark Valley's landlady. She has grown in acting stature since then)
Some additions to Russell Speaks, two thanks to Anne S
June 17
I've started to collect all Russell's messages to his fans over the years at Murphsplace. The page of links is HERE -- and in the right column -- (If I missed any, let me know)
AFI's 10 Top 10 tonight on USA TV. Will some of Russell's films make the cut? I'd bet my hat on Gladiator in the epic section....
The Guardian: Joan Rivers thrown off Loose Women for Russell Crowe outburst - Thanks to all
IGN: L.A. Confidential's Secrets -- Russell Crowe knocks out the screen in this classic crime drama. (Gives all the extras on the Blu-Ray DVD out September 23 - Thanks, Allison
A wish for Russell --- Variety: Columbia, Raimi reunite on 'Day' (Lehane novel) job - "...The Given Day" is set in 1919 Boston, with the city in turmoil as soldiers are returning home from WWI, having brought back an epidemic of Spanish influenza. Attempts to unionize the police department have set the stage for a historic strike and two cops take center stage."While it deals with many of the same themes as (Lehane's) earlier work, it is also his most ambitious book, tying events of a century ago to the subjects we struggle with today," Raimi said.
Variety: Strike Talk has Majors Hitting Brakes -- "The majors are putting the brakes on production starts for features and TV pilots for fear that the Screen Actors Guild will call a strike following the June 30 expiration date of its feature-primetime deal. A few pics now shooting, such as “Angels and Demons” and “Transformers 2,” have a built-in hiatus next month; the next batch of tentpole features, including “2012,” “Prince of Persia” and “Nottingham,” won’t start until late summer as a hedge against the labor strife likely to play out in July."
June 16
EW.com: Tricks of the trade - 25 Hollywood Hookers - Kim Basinger - Thanks, Allison
Streetinsider.com: L.A. Confidential Two-Disc Special Edition - Everything is suspect, everyone is for sale and nothing is what it seems. Word on the street is that on September 23, Warner Home Video will revisit 1950s Hollywood with New Regency's intense film noir L.A. Confidential, to be digitally remastered and released as a Standard Definition Two-Disc Special Edition ($20.97 SRP) and single disc Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def ($28.99 SRP). - Thanks, Steph
Variety: Jason Bateman -- Fox TV locks up Jason Bateman --- "I'm an avid consumer of television, and I've got varying tastes," he said. Bateman said he'd love to pattern his production banner after those of other actors who have successfully made the transition to producing, including his "Arrested" boss, Ron Howard. "It's an ambitious and long-term goal," he said. Bateman is next seen in "Hancock" with Will Smith. He also appears in a lead role with Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck in "State of Play" [USA & UK Release date - April 17 2009] and appears in the Ricky Gervais comedy feature "This Side of the Truth."
Big picture Big Sound: (M&C Blu-Ray Review) -- Back during his prime, it was said that Sting could break wind into a microphone, and it would sell. And similarly, Russell Crowe could stare blankly into a camera and we would watch it. His presence and charisma could make an uninteresting film interesting. But in the case of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, we have the inimitable Russell Crowe in the leading role and a compelling story to boot, and it's a winning combination... - Thanks, Allison
June 15 - Happy Father's Day to all Dads out there.....
The Sunday Mirror UK [Not sure of the accuracy of this report]: Sienna Miller and Kiera Knightley do battle to be top box-office totty -- "...While Keira plays a succession of "nice girls" in The Duchess, King Lear and My Fair Lady, Sienna's career takes off as she plays Maid Marian with Russell Crowe as Robin Hood [???] in Nottingham, and stars with Robert De Niro in Stone."
The London Theatre On line: Theatrical honours in QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2008 include Actors Janet Mcteer is awarded an OBE, Chiwetel Ejiofor OBE, and Don Warrington MBE; Playwrights Tanika Gupta becomes a MBE, and Roy Williams OBE. -- Chiwetel Ejiofor's London stage credits include "Othello" at the Donmar Warehouse in 2007; "The Seagull" at the Royal Court in 2007; "The Vortex" at the Donmar Warehouse in 2002"; "Blue/Orange" at the Cottesloe, NT 2000 & Duchess in 2001; "Romeo & Juliet" at the Olivier, NT in 2000. - Thanks, All
June 14
The SMH: Wahlberg shapes up for Bra Boy film role -- Universal Pictures bought the rights last year to the film, with Russell Crowe as its biggest supporter. The Oscar-winning actor is tipped to direct the film and is reportedly keen to play Sydney standover man Anthony Hines, who was shot dead in self defence by Jai Abberton in 2003. Thanks, Steph -- Also in The Age: Accent on US Star for Bra Boy Film - Thanks Layne (Scroll) -
The SMH: Danielle's on track - AFTER putting her career on hold to raise her young sons - Charles and Tennyson - Danielle Spencer has told friends she wants to revive her singing career. Russell Crowe's wife is planning on going into the studio later this year. Thanks, Layne, Steph From Linda: "I was watching the NHL awards show Thursday night on Versus, when they introduced the lead singer of Great Big Sea to give out the goalie award (along with Islander goalie Bill Smith). My husband was excited to see Smitty & I was excited to see Alan Doyle. Just want to let you know."
The Hindustan Times: Gladiator Crowe wants to play cricket -- Hollywood star Russell Crowe is all set to own a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Twenty20 extravaganza planned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and backed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), an Australian newspaper has reported.[according to the Sun Herald]
Variety: Hollywood all grossed out -- Studios trim superstars' lucrative deals -- Talent may not like the deals, but the alternative is that the project might not be made. Sources say Warner Bros.’ upcoming “Body of Lies” came about after stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, director Ridley Scott and producer Donald DeLine agreed to split 40 cents of each dollar, but only after the studio recoups its costs... The system only works sometimes. After “The Da Vinci Code” grossed a fortune, Sony was in no bargaining position to get the principals to return in a sequel in a “cash break” deal. And after Universal saved “State of Play” by getting Russell Crowe to replace Brad Pitt just before start of production, the studio was in no position to ask the star to take less than first-dollar gross. - Thanks, Allison
The Guardian UK: Gladiators Ready? -- There are some trends you can love just for the name. Let me introduce you to summer's best-titled craze: the High-Heeled Gladiator. Is that an arresting mental image or what? Catwalking at the Colosseum: it doesn't get much fiercer than that.
June 13
IMDb Daily Poll: Your favorite depiction of the Roman Empire? - Thanks, Kris C
June 12
From Cindy: "At Movingpicture blog, Joe Leydon has a blast from the past bit of video interview with Russell from LAC promo. I don't think I've ever seen this one".
Thanh Nien Daily: Free Hollywood films showing in Hanoi, HCMC - (Yuma) Six critically acclaimed films have been screened for free during the American Film Week in Hanoiand Ho Chi Minh City from June 9-14 - Thanks, Allison [all over the world]
June 11
The Guardian UK: Leonardo Di Caprio gets his geek on - "...Speaking of a beautiful mind, Russell Crowe is not your stereotypical geek, but you can imagine the rambunctious Aussie delighting in the role of schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. It was an opportunity to move the conception of genius on again; from a frail ditherer in spectacles to a butch paranoiac in too-short trousers.
Related -- ESPN Soccer Net: Anthony's Away Game -- Q: Have you ever compared notes or swapped stories with some of the other actors involved with sports teams - Russell Crowe, with Rugby League's South Sydney and even Tom Cruise with his friendship with the LA Galaxy's David Beckham? --- A: I've had several discussions with Russell Crowe. There are similarities and differences. He has larger controlling interests in his team than I do. I'm on a consortium of owners, which makes decision-making a bit more difficult.
June 10
NY Times: Two Actors’ Unions Fight as One Tries for a Deal - and the LA Times: Actors hold rally to support SAG - Thanks, Rene
June 9
Red Carpet Victim: Boys of Summer: 12 Sexiest Summer Movie Stars ---Strong. Steely. Sexy. Russell Crowe isn’t the handsomest leading man in Hollywood’s firmament, but damn he’s manly. Neither a musclebound clod like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sly Stallone, or a pretty boy like Brad Pitt, Crowe’s a throwback to guys like John Wayne. -- What did women do before Russell Crowe? —Miranda Hobbes, “Sex and the City” - Thanks, Cindy
Excellent site -- Foster on Film: Film Noir: (Scroll) L.A. Confidential (1997) -- The most important representative of Retro-Noir—modern films set in the era and locations of the golden age Noirs—L. A. Confidential is a film about corruption. The corruption of the police are a given in this world. More important is dim, violent, Bud White's attempt to escape the decay and Edmund Exley's slip into it as the only way to survive. Kevin Spacey puts in another superb performance. --- (in his swashbuckler section, he has Robin and Marion - 1976 (Nottingham related, and a film I loved)
June 8
Found a great site for movie quotes - You can play by years, by degree of difficulty, and by film if you click on the first character of a movie (Free registration is required) . Even the "fairly easy" level was tough for me - Go to the Quote Bank to find Russell's films
The Age au: Title fights - Star Wars, good. Cinderella Man, bad. - The wrong name can destroy a movie at the box office, reports Josh Friedman - Thanks, Allison
June 7
The Telegram - 'The best idea can happen tomorrow' - St John's: "Ridley Scott has been in touch with his agent about a possible role, Pinsent says. The planned film is a period piece, starring Russell Crowe, about Nottingham during the time of Richard the Lionheart." [ed note: He was so terrific in Away From Her] - Thanks, Steph From Jessie: "Here's a neat little article from Yahoo about 6 films that should be made into video games - Master and Commander (on page 2) is # 4." The SMH: People Entertainment (Page 2) - Can't give a fig for some -- "...Further fuelling the speculation this week was Holmes a Court's apparent exclusion from yet another Crowe pet project - planting trees in Centennial Park. Crowe has coughed up $35,000 to have seven Moreton Bay fig trees planted in Centennial Park, each one with its own plaque featuring a personal dedication from Crowe. The Oscar winner has dedicated a tree each to the Crowe family, his in-laws the Spencers, the Irwins of Australia Zoo fame and long-term friends the Horsefall and Whittaker families. The remaining two trees are dedicated to several individuals including Bruno De Oliva, Susan Hedrick, Michelle Neill, Justin Bull and Kevin Finch. - Thanks, Layne
"The Bra Boys is now in wider release across the country. The Chicago Tribune reviewer writes that it "opens a window onto Australian class struggle and a world weirdly familiar and exotic simultaneously... messy, cheeky, inelegant but an unusual and interesting memoir." - Thanks, Jeannine
June 6
BBC NewsBeat: Q & A with Ben Affleck -- I know you're very good at impressions. I'm hoping because you've been working on State Of Play with Russell Crowe that Russell is now in your repertoire? -- Australians are very hard to do - I mean he's a little bit Kiwi, a little bit Australian but they're very hard to do. He's deceptively hard. Maybe by the time we get to promote the movie I'll have a Russell Crowe. but I do not have a good Russell Crowe yet and I spend a lot time with him. He's tough. Australians are very tough and they'll let you know. You'll do it and they'll say, "That's the worst accent I've ever heard. That's horrible.' So they'll let you know." - Thanks, Layne Rugbyheaven.com.au: Castles in the air: a life to crow about (Tim Johnston) -- "...In January last year, as Johnston was organising his rugby sojourn, the South Sydney Rabbitoh director Peter Holmes a Court was so enthusiastic about Johnston meeting his financial partner and Hollywood actor Russell Crowe that he organised for his attendance at the G'Day LA gala dinner." - Thanks, Steph Video -- Big Pond Highlights for Souths game against New Zealand. - Thanks, Penny Yippee!!! - Rabbitohs 35 DEFEAT Warriors 28 - The South Sydney Rabbitohs have secured their first win against the New Zealand Warriors this century with a hard fought 35 points to 28 win at Mt Smart Stadium in front of over 13,000 fans. - Thanks, CGee, PennyYou can buy Fortune's Favour, The GBS Album with Russell and Alan's song, The Company of Fools, at Amazon - Thanks, Ivani
The MPAA has given House of Lies an "R" rating - Thanks, Ivani
June 5
Independent UK:The big exodus: Is the British film industry in crisis? -- The British studios are cagey about announcing advanced bookings. However, one tent pole movie, Ridley Scott's long-gestating Nottingham (a reworking of Robin Hood backed by Universal) has now set up production offices at Pinewood. - Thanks, barbiecat Box Office Mojo says House of Lies opens on October 10, 2008 - Thanks, Maria From Russell re Great Big Sea and a new song: "Company of Fools being on the gbs album is the first time a band (other than my own) has released a song I've written. It's a milestone for me. Alan and I wrote 4 songs together when we were in Ireland for the Richard Harris statue unveiling. company of fools, angel of the cross,where I belong and life's big checklist." [Ed note: The GBS order page for the album "Fortune's Favour." It includes Russell and Alan's song, Company of Fools] Cinema Blend on Ridley's Eclipse Interview -- "...Nottingham is the movie he’s doing with Russell Crowe, where the Sheriff of Nottingham is the good guy, and Robin Hood is the total dick we’ve always suspected he was. But what’s this mysterious science fiction book he’s talking about? Ridley doesn’t offer any answers, but I may have one. [Brave New World by Aldous Huxley?]- Thanks, Layne E! on line sighting (an older one): CROWE'S FEET: Russell Crowe, shopping at Geox shoe store in Los Angeles. - Thanks, Kris C
Rope of Silicon: Ridley Scott news -- Ridley Scott's 'Brave New World' with Leonardo DiCaprio -- "...Leonardo DiCaprio will star in Ridley Scott's upcoming feature A House of Lies (previously titled Body of Lies) set to hit theaters on October 10. Scott will then direct the Russell Crowe starrer mentioned in the quote above, Nottingham, in which Crowe stars as the Sheriff of Nottingham in a revisionist take on the Robin Hood tale, with Nottingham as a noble and brave lawman who labors for a corrupt king and engages in a love triangle with Maid Marion and Robin Hood."
June 4
From Russell: "I'm not sure I understand his intentions nor his confusion, but I have never met Doug Liman [See news story below]. I've had a visitor here for the last week, Bobby Diggs aka The Rza. He is a Souths fan and he has been helping me with a team motivation project. - RC
Variety: Indie Films get SAG Waivers - The prevailing sense among studio toppers is that a strike's unlikely, and a few projects currently shooting -- "Transformers 2," "Terminator Salvation," Eddie Murphy starrer "A Thousand Words" -- have a built-in hiatus so shutting down won't be costly. Several other tentpoles -- Roland Emmerich's "2012," Sony's "Da Vinci Code" sequel "Angels and Demons," Disney's "Prince of Persia" and Universal's "Nottingham" -- are set for late summer on the presumption there won't be a strike. The stars and studios are nonetheless gearing up for the worst possible scenario. The current number of waivers is triple what SAG had signed three months ago -- and an indication there will be a modicum [a small portion: a limited quantity] of feature shooting in the coming months.
MTV Movie Blog: BREAKING: Doug Liman Wants Russell Crowe For Valerie Plame Scandal Pic -- The New York Times may have published Joe Wilson’s now famous op-ed “What I Didn’t Find in Africa” (aka evidence that Iraq had purchased uranium yellowcake), but now that Wilson’s life is set to be a major motion picture, only on MTV News will you learn about “Who You Might Find in The Film.” “I’d love Russell Crowe,” director Doug Liman enthused. “If you’ve met Joe, he’s a really strong guy. I’ve never met an actor stronger than Russell Crowe...“It’s the Valerie Plame story but you wouldn’t know it when Joe’s around,” Liman insisted. “I met with [Russell] [????]for ‘Bourne Identity’ and I was terrified. The whole time I was in the room with him I was just scared of him. This is a scary dude! And Joe is kind of like that.” - Thanks, Steph, Allison, Cindy, Layne
Movies Blog - The Screening Room - Dennie Lehane - "Between Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone and the upcoming Shutter Island (currently being film by Martin Scorsese), Dennis Lehane has become the most popular novelist to adapt for the movies. I sat down with him for a half hour Sunday afternoon at Book Expo in Los Angeles to talk about his new epic novel The Given Day, and I had to ask him: do you ever write novels with movie adaptation in mind? -- Never," he said quickly. "I don't say that to be cool or to say I'm so aesthetically wonderful. It's just that to me they're two completely different aesthetic beasts. Nothing could [mess] me up more when I was writing than to be thinking of Russell Crowe in the part. That doesn't allow my characters to breathe the way I need them to breathe. - Thanks, Cindy
The Huffington Report: -There used to be real men in movies -- and, on the M&C DVD on Blu-Ray - But if you do want a Blu-Ray title, make it Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World ($39.98; Fox), a sensational film that brilliantly captured the charm of a classic series of novel and cries out for a sequel. We've no right to ask Russell Crowe to take a pay cut, but if he wanted a sequel to be made (preferably with the same director and cast, including Paul Bettany), then surely it would get made. Take a cut of the gross, Mr. Crowe and reap the benefits. It would be a shame to see no more adventures of Aubrey and Maturin." - Thanks, Layne, Allison
June 3
Celebrity Babies: Russell and Tenny watch a game - Thanks, Allison
The Courier Mail: 'Russell Crowe's still my mate' -- ACTOR Russell Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes a Court remained good mates and would ensure the South Sydney Rabbitohs survived despite its recent misfortunes, the tycoon said today. - Thanks, Steph, Allison, Layne
INTERVIEW: The great Ridley Scott Speaks with Eclipse - by Scott Essman --- QUESTION: Are you working with Russell Crowe again on the Robin Hood film? -- RIDLEY SCOTT: I am, I just finished with him and Leonardo di Caprio on Body Of Lies, which is now going to be called A House Of Lies. It is pretty good, I am very happy with it. In Nottingham Russell is the Robin Hood figure. -- QUESTION: Your work with Russell Crowe has been brilliant. -- RIDLEY SCOTT: Well it makes life a lot easier if you know each other. You can cut the crap. -- QUESTION: Russell Crowe has said you are very gifted and you obviously feel the same about him? -- RIDLEY SCOTT: I know that he is gifted. There are a lot of good actors out there but very few gifted ones. - Thanks, Allison, Layne
The Australian Business: Noshery chain offers patrons a slice of the action -- "Based on the ratings system, we can only gather that actor and Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe will get an early look in. Crowe, who has an apartment nearby, is practically a local to Kingsley's Wolloomoolloo eatery. Last week staff even blacked out the windows of the second-floor dining room with tablecloths to prevent stickybeaks prying on Crowe as he dined with colleagues after a board spill at the club. Apparently some of the IPO proceeds will go towards the purchase of some new blinds.>
June 2
Tiscali UK News: Picture of Russell and Dani and Tenny at the recent Souths game (They call him Charlie!) - Thanks to all
YouTube: Mike Myers at the MTV Awards as a set caterer - Russell is included. - Thanks, Cindy
Ephemerist Blog: Pondering the State of ‘State of Play’ - Thanks, Layne
Notstarring.com: Roles turned down by Russell (Not sure of the accuracy of this)
From Ivani: Nottingham -- According to the site SBWebspace, Michael Fassbender is rumoured to play Robin Hood and Amelia Warner is rumoured to play Maid Marion
June 1
Rabbitohs Club News: Dragons 26 defeat Rabbitohs 12 - Thanks, Oz Fan, CGee
Herald Sun: Shock - 'We preceded punk and glam rock, gay and women's liberation. We were brave and we were bold. THE world of entertainment was never the same after the debut performance of The Rocky Horror Show in June 1973 in front of a mere 63 people....There have been many productions of Rocky staged throughout the world. In Australia, past performances have featured Reg Livermore, Russell Crowe, Craig McLachlan, Marcus Graham, Kate Fitzpatrick, Red Symons, and Tim Ferguson.
