March 31

cinemablend: Video clips from SOP - Thanks, Judy

MTV: 'State Of Play' Makes Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck Look At Reporters In New Light - "I have friends who are serious journalists, who over the years could have very easily, at certain points of fame, made extra money by telling a couple tales out of school," Crowe explained. "And they haven't done so, and we have remained friends." - Thanks, Allison, Kris C

HollywoodChicago.com: Slideshow: 32-Image Gallery For ‘State of Play’ With Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck - Thanks, Allison, Steph

The Australian: John Polson and Russell Crowe show a little togetherness - Thanks, Ivani, Allison, Steph

From Darrin: "I've got the press junket, Empire speech and the Access Hollywood vids available for download now.  I also spliced together the press junket vids to make one uninterrupted one."

Empire On Line: The 500 greatest movies of all time - LA Confidential is # 84 -- Gladiator at # 151 - Thanks, Ivani - Another Empire goodie called "Finish Him! - Gladiator is #44

Access Hollywood poll - SOP - (Scroll a bit): Which April movie are you most excited for? - Thanks, Allison, Kris C

March 30

** From Russell - His Empire Awards speech and the poets he quoted - HERE on its own page [with a brief comment by Murph] - you can listen to or download the video of his speech at the Empire awards page (Scroll)

The Guardian - [So ridiculous] --Russell Crowe celebrates Empire award with new poem -- In a reimagining of his infamous 2002 Baftas appearance, Russell Crowe read a self-penned poem in accepting the gong for 'actor of our lifetime' at the Empire film awards - Thanks, Tamara

April Crowe Calendar available to print out

Access Hollywood : Ben Affleck on his role in SOP - Thanks, Kris C

BBC News on the Jameson Awards - Australian actor Russell Crowe was also present at the ceremony to collect the Actor Of Our Lifetime prize. He took to the stage and recited Rudyard Kipling's poem If - a sly reference to the 2002 Bafta awards, where his recitation of Patrick Kavanagh's Sanctity was edited out of the television broadcast. "Thank you for this honour," he concluded, "and the opportunity to read some poetry at a British awards ceremony. "It's one of my favourite things to do. Thank you and good night." - Thank, Kris C

Layne has the videos of Russell speaking about SOP and the Jameson speech

WireImage: SOP Press Conference (Affleck and McAdams) - and the Jameson Awards (no Russell)

Robin Hood/Nottingham: How lovely to be filming in Pembrookshire Wales, the land of Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton

Web Site updated - The Illuminated Crowe

Check your local listings - Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams are scheduled to be on various entertainment shows this week. - Thanks, Allison

From TSN.com: Another great win to the Rabbits at the weekend -- For anyone that is interested we can supply the game on region free DVD in NTSC (USA, Canada & Japan) or PAL (Australia & Europe) format

Libris Crowe - 10 new Ben Wade creations - Thanks, Jo

World News Australia - "PS. Next week, one of Andrew Marr's guests is Russell Crowe. The best of British luck to him, too" - Thanks, Ivani - Marr is a respected columnist. Here he is on the Galapogos Islands (Thanks, Oz Fan)

Metro Co UK:Diva Crowe thinks he's king of the Empire - Thanks, Ivani

Empire Magazine: Exclusive: Mark Strong on Robin Hood - On playing the villainous Sir Godfrey - Thanks, Allison

The UK Telegraph: Sherwood makes way for Wales in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood - Thanks, Allison, Steph

From Kris C: Russell is to be on E! on line's Daily 10 tonight

March 29

Russell wins The Jameson Empire Awards "Actor Of our Lifetime (Blog - scroll) -- The man himself appears, bounding up to the podium from stage left. -- Crowe: "Good evening. Words! (produces notes) 'I am celebrating my love for you with a pint of beer and a new tattoo. Imagine there's no heaven. I don't know if you're loving somebody. To be a poet and not know the trade, to be a lover and repel all women. Twin ironies by which great saints are made, the agonising pincer-jaws of heaven. [Patrick Kavanaugh] -- if you can walk with crowds and keep your virtue, walk with kings but not lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; yours is the earth and everything that's in it and what's more, you'll be a man. [Rudyard Kipling] It's only words, and words are all I have, to take your breath away.' Thank you for this honour, and the opportunity to read some poetry at a British awards ceremony. It's one of my favourite things to do. Thank you and good night." - Thanks, Steph, Cindy - Also at the Empire site

Related (Rough Magic) - Friday Night Lights is featuring D.W. Moffett as the easy to hate J.D. McCoy - You can watch him lose it on the latest episode at NBC. (Great show that not enough people watch)

Monsters and Critics: From The Extra interview: When asked about his wife and two kids, Crowe was effusive, “I'm away from them now since I'm working but they'll be here in about four weeks and I'm just counting down the days. My oldest boy's at school now...My other little boy is coming up on three [years old] so he's clicked over from angel to some form of demon. It's a wonderful thing. I couldn’t speak more highly. It has changed my life. It’s changed me. It's made me a much better person."

The Daily Telegraph: South Sydney beat Newcastle as Craig Wing scores two tries - Thanks, all

From Vera: There is no link up yet but Extra on Saturday night taped a program from Australia. They showed the Opera House and Bridge from Sydney Harbor and then spun around to Russell’s apartment on the Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Nicole’s apartment, a fancy hotel in Darlinghurst and lots of Australia celebrity favorites like Bondi Beach and Iceberg Bondi and North Bondi Italian restaurant. Then it was a clip of Australian movies, Heaths, Nicoles, Russells early movies, Eric Bana’s, and a bit with a Victoria Secret model.  We don’t get to see clips of Romper Stomper and Proof alongside Gladiator, Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind very often. Nice treat. I hope they put a link up! (It will be shown on WNBC at 1:30 AM early tomorrow per my TV Guide - and at noon today)

EW Gallery - Related: 20 All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture (#9) - Thanks, Steph

March 28

Rachel McAdams' blog - Green Is Sexy.org

Collider.com: Audio interview with Rachel McAdams

Empire's 4 star review of SOP: "This is why Crowe — an actor at home in Westerns and historical pics — works so well in the part (indeed, he makes it hard to imagine Cal as Brad Pitt, who was originally cast), and he’s the best we’ve seen him in years....Crowe is also adept at drawing his audience into the plot’s deeper, murkier waters: at one point, Cal realises, with a gut-churning shock, that he’s just rapped on the wrong door — well, the right one — and we witness the fear switch his smooth talk to stutters. It’s an impressive moment, and a valuable reminder that Crowe’s talents run far deeper than greying his hair and putting on a bit of flab."

From Darrin: Now up at Constant Crowe:  Both Entertainment Tonight vids, along with the new Yahoo State of Play clip and the Extra segment from last night - The State of Play Clip from Yahoo is also available here at Yahoo movies.

March 27

Extra: Russell Crowe - In Tights? - He jokes, "It's not tights but I do have a pretty nice, snazzy pair of leather pants with a rather large cod piece."
... It's no secret Crowe has singing chops -- and he's ready to use them on the big screen. When asked if he would ever star in a musical, Crowe answered, "If the right thing came along. There is a film that I'm looking at next year based on a book from an Australian writer, which has a character within the book that plays in a band." - Thanks, Rene

ET online: Russell Crowe - Ready To Play (Video) - Russell Crowe plays an investigative journalist who uncovers a Washington conspiracy in 'State of Play,' in theaters April 17, and in addition to his new thriller, he's talking about his next role as Robin Hood! "I have a rule, which is called the goose bump rule," Russell tells our own Thea Andrews via satellite. "If I read a script and it gets to me, and I feel a physical reaction to it, then I have to do the movie." After about halfway through the 'State of Play' script, Russell says he got goose bumps, "and I was like oh, well, there goes my Christmas [vacation]." - Thanks, Steph, Kris C

More SOP stills at the IMDb - Thanks, Ivani

Variety: Monahan sets sail on 'Essex' -- Graham King's GK Films and William Monahan are setting sail on "The Essex," an historical drama about Capt. David S. Porter and his daring sea battles against the British during the War of 1812....Monahan covered the historical time period in his first major script sale with "Tripoli," a project still percolating at Fox. (Remember this one?)

From Darrin: I've rendered the Footy Show into six large-frame-sized segments in three formats so hopefully everyone will be able to download and save.  Links on the Current Month's page at Constant Crowe.

Related: Last nigth on ER, Scott Grimes (Will Scarlet) sang I Feel Good - Will Will Scarlet sing a bit in Robin Hood?

March 26

Western Telegraph UK: Harry Potter and Nottingham to film on location in Pembrokeshire -- "...Robin Hood film Nottingham, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, looks set to be filmed on location in Freshwater West, in August (?)....The National Park Authority is still in discussion with the company behind Nottingham, and it is thought that 600 people will be involved in the filming, plus 100 horses and numerous extras...." - Thanks, Steph

gladannie did a Photoshopped picture of Russell as Robin Hood

HBO First Look at State Of Play - Thanks, Ivani

March 25

YouTube has Russell's appearance on the Footy Show - all parts - Thanks, Pat G, Judy

The Hollywood Reporter: Vanessa Redgrave joins Robin Hood film -- Actress to star opposite Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott pic

To get into the Robin Hood mood, a great film to watch again is Lion in Winter - with Kate H as a younger Eleanor and the great Peter O'Toole at Henry II. A good book on the period is "A World Lit Only by Fire," by William Manchester - The Robin Hood myth is mentioned on pages 65-66. There is a gravestone with this inscription in Yorkshire:

Hear underneath dis laihl stean
las Robert earl of Huntingtun
neer arcir yer az hie sa geud
And pipl kaud in Robin Heud
sick utlawz as he an iz men
il england nivr si agen
Obiit 24 kal Decembris 1247

Here is what Wikipedia's page on Robin Hood says about the above inscription: "This inscription also appears on a grave in the grounds of Kirklees Priory near Kirklees Hall . Despite appearances, and the author's assurance of 'high antiquity', there is little reason to give the stone any credence. It certainly cannot date from the 13th century; notwithstanding the implausibility of a 13th-century funeral monument being composed in English, the language of the inscription is highly suspect. Its orthography does not correspond to the written forms of Middle English at all: there are no inflected '—e's, the plural accusative pronoun 'hi' is used as a singular nominative, and the singular present indicative verb 'lais' is formed without the Middle English '—th' ending. Overall, the epitaph more closely resembles Modern English written in a deliberately 'archaic' style. Furthermore, the reference to Huntingdon is anachronistic: the first recorded mention of the title in the context of Robin Hood occurs in the 1598 play The Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntington by Anthony Munday. The monument can only be a 17th-century forgery.

March 24

Incontention.com: Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood film begins production - "...Joining Crowe and Blanchett for the film are Oscar® winner Vanessa Redgrave (Julia, Atonement) as John and Richard’s mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine; Mark Strong (Body of Lies, Stardust) as King John’s vicious henchman, Sir Godfrey; Oscar Isaac (Che, Body of Lies) as King John; and Léa Seydoux (13 French Street, upcoming Inglourious Basterds) as the woman who will become queen, French Princess Isabella. Playing key members of Robin’s band of men are Scott Grimes (television’s ER, American Dad) as Welshman Will Scarlet; Kevin Durand (upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma) as Robin’s right-hand, Scotsman Little John; and newcomer Alan Doyle as their troubadour, Irishman Allan Adayle." - Thanks, Maria

Block Posters Gallery - A huge Romper Stomper poster made by a fan (Scroll - you can make a poster yourself)

Related: Newsweek on Paul Giamatti in Duplicity - "...Giamatti, who appears more frequently in the film, is the real scene-stealer of the supporting ensemble. All that bluster and spastic screaming that raised eyebrows in "John Adams" seems pitch-perfect in an armored Escalade. He is a total boor -- and yet vulnerable, as shown in a late scene at a bowling alley, in which he ham-handedly tries to woo Roberts with some crappy, microwaved bowling-alley food. Later he unloads on an assistant, who's quietly brushing his face with powder before he takes the stage at a shareholders' convention. Despite the ample dusting, Garsik's visage glints and gleams evilly under the heavy lights, and despite his sour backstage demeanor, his words ooze aw-shucks warmth in front of the roaring convention center. He's totally, thoroughly despicable in every way -- and yet, so clueless and desperate that he manages to snag the crumbs of our pity."

New State of Play TV Trailer - from ComingSoon.net - Thanks, Pat

From the latest entry in Alan Doyle's Journal - "In keeping with the March Madness, I am flying right over the Rock and am bound for London to continue pre-production for the Robin Hood flick.  I hope to reunite with RC and the other Merry Men for four days of rehearsal and training for all that is to come." - Thanks, Lynda

The Vancouver Sun: The Junos and Great Big Sea: "The Susan Lucci of Canadian rock" -- "...While GBS continues to capture new audiences in Canada and the U.S., its fame in recent years has gone international on the strength of the band's close association with film star and fellow musician Russell Crowe. Crowe picked up on the Newfoundland band while filming Mystery, Alaska in Alberta several years ago, and he has maintained a regular correspondence with the band, especially lead singer Alan Doyle. Doyle, in fact, produced and contributed songs to Crowe's solo album, My Hand, My Heart." - Thanks, Steph

March 23

NOTE: To put an image on Russell's Birthday/Anniversary thread at Yuku, go to the very top of the page where it says "Yuku Welcome." To the right of those words, there are several links you can click. One of them is "images." To add an image, you must first upload it to Yuku from your computer or from the web. If you have never uploaded images, you will be asked to make a new album. Give it a name and the upload images to it. After that, it is easy to add an image from your new album to your post. When you click the "add reply" button, at the top of the text box there are several icons. One of them is for images. You will be directed to your album, and can simply choose a picture to add to your post. I hope this helps.

Female First UK: Leonardo Q & A -- Leo on Russell -- You worked with Russell Crowe in the 1990s of course, how was it working with him again? - I got to work with when I was 18 years old. He’d done Romper Stomper, I just did What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, so there we were converging on this big budget movie called The Quick and the Dead starring Gene Hackman and Sharon Stone. We forged a friendship there on that set, because we didn’t know where to fit in. We didn’t belong to the character actor group or the movie star group.... He’s incredibly funny, he’s committed to his work, is a fantastic actor and great to be around. I have nothing but great things to say about him, and I was happy to reunite with him on this movie, because I think he’s developed an incredible body of work and given some unforgettable performances. - Thanks, Steph

Principal Photography for Robin Hood starts on March 30, according to Alan Doyle's Journal

From Allison: Just watched Craig Ferguson's 1 hour special on Comedy Central where the trailer for SOP aired twice!

Mark your calendars -- Ben Affleck will be on Leno on April 2 (Possible SOP promo?) - Thanks, Ivani

Box Office Mojo poll: What will be the highest grossing April release? (SOP) - Thanks, Ivani

Let's send birthday (and anniversary) wishes to Russell - April 7 - HERE

March 22

Zimbio: Russell Crowe spotted in London - Thank, Oz Fan

March 21

BBC News: Director Scott gets BFI honour - Thanks, Steph

New collage created in Photovisi at the SOP main page

March 20

Blade Runner Day at the British Film institute:Sir Ridley Scott in Conversation Sat 21 Mar 20:45 NFT1(Fully Booked) - We welcome one of Britain's most celebrated directors to the BFI Southbank stage (Maybe he will metion Robin Hood?) - Thanks, Maria

Fox Sports au: Gritty Parramatta Eels burst South Sydney Rabbitohs' bubble - 14 to 8 - Thanks to all

From JoYo U.K. Russell Crowe was considered for the part of Bill Clinton in the film Special friendship, with Julianna Moore playing Hillary. The part has gone to Dennis Quaid. - Daily Mail U.K.

HDR: Cinderella Man on Blu-Ray -- From Rene: "The first paragraph indicates a March 26 release date. Further down in the article is a May 26 release date. I presume March 26 is a mis-print as that is only one week away and not the standard Tuesday release day."

March 19

Att: Barbara Schoen - please stop sending me daily e-mails. You cannot be reached, so I am trying a message here.

Related: Idris Elba (AG - The Wire) will be on "The Office" tonight on NBC playing Steve Carell's new boss.

The Daily Record: Exclusive: Scots director Kevin Macdonald on Pitt, Crowe and new movie State of Play - Kevin said: "We sent him the script and he emailed me back saying, 'I hate journalists, but I like the script.' But he now has a renewed respect for journalists." ... The studio said to me, 'Who would be your ideal choice?' And I said, 'Russell Crowe.' Of all the sort of A-list stars, he's the best actor I think."-- Thanks, Avril, Ivani

Jam Show Biz: Fortune shines on Great Big Sea - Thanks, Dee

The UK Telegraph:LA Confidential: DVD of the week -- Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger star in a story of drugs, prostitution and porn. - Thanks, Allison

Daily Telegraph au: On this day -- 2006 -  Members of South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club - the Rabbitohs - approve a $3 million privatisation proposal by Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe. - Thanks, Oz Fan

March 17

The Hollywood Reporter: Tenderness to show in Germany --- COLOGNE, Germany -- Swiss-based film group Ascot Elite Entertainment has acquired all rights in German-speaking territories for Steve McQueen's BAFTA Award-winning drama "Hunger" and Jon Foster's cop thriller "Tenderness," starring Russell Crowe. - Thanks, Allison

From the past -- You Tube: Russell Crowe Interviewed by Joe Leydon for "Virtuosity" - Thanks, Jeannine (And here is one for LAC) -- and one for AG

The Guardian: (Mark Strong) On film: Outshining the stars -- Who cares about the leading men? It's the supporting actors' great scene-stealing moments that are seared indelibly into my brain - "So now I find myself getting disproportionately excited about Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes and Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, simply because Strong will be playing satanic cult leader Lord Blackwood in the former, and Guy of Gisborne - a potentially scene-stealing role if ever there was one - in the latter. Hey, wouldn't it be brilliant if someone cast this guy in a leading role?" - Thanks, Allison

The Worth100 Russell Photoshopped - Thanks, Rose

March 16

Yuma is #17 on the Netflix top 100 rentals

Womans Health Magazine for April - Russell mention - Thanks, Cindy W

March 15

NY Daily News: Spring’s hits are coming ‘Fast & Furious,’ from Cage and Crowe to Miley and the man-daters - Thanks, Allison

From hood to Hood - "Christine Sams - The Sun-Herald March 15, 2009 -- Russell Crowe is enjoying his last few days in Sydney for a while, before travelling to England for the filming of Nottingham/Robin Hood. The actor told S he is preparing to fly out to Britain. "I'm only days away from heading to Sherwood Forest," he said in an email." - Thanks, Cindy

The NY Times: A return to the classics in Sydney -- THE directions were straightforward, but my taxi was lost anyway, backtracking a rain-slicked street of converted warehouses in the shadow of Sydney's Harbour Bridge. Darkened doorways and empty sidewalks added to the period-film-set feeling. I expected to see Russell Crowe in rolled-up shirtsleeves outside the brick-fronted buildings, but Walsh Bay is more Kidman chic than rough-and-tumble Cinderella Man. - Thanks, TSKittie

The Sunday Express: AMERICA AND THE AUSSIES STEAL ROBIN HOOD (AGAIN!) - A NEW blockbuster film about Robin Hood has upset fans by failing to feature any British stars in the leading roles....But it’s the news that a trio of Americans will play the Merry Men that has really upset fans. - Thanks, Anne S

From Darrin: I've got the Round One highlights reel and some caps of Russell from it at the Russell & the Rabbitohs page at the Constant Crowe Gallery

Great going, team! - RABBITOHS 52 DEFEAT ROOSTERS 12 - Thanks to all - Lots more game images here at League HQ - and another article here - "When Sutton's perfectly weighted crossfield kick was plucked out of the air by Fetuli Talanoa and planted centimetres from the deadball line, the Bunnies were on their way to a 24-6 advantage with less than half an hour gone. That prompted Souths owner Russell Crowe to deliver a Roman coliseum-style thumbs down to Roosters fans."

March 14

Alan Doyle comes home to St John's - Thanks, CGee, Lynda

Canada.com: Fortune favours Great Big Sea. - Thanks, Lynda, Allison

BBC News: Negative attitude to Robin Hood -- A Scottish expert has uncovered a medieval document suggesting negative attitudes towards Robin Hood. The story of how Robin and his men stole from the rich to give to the poor has long been part of English folklore. However, Julian Luxford of St Andrews University found a dissenting voice in a Latin inscription from about 1460 in a manuscript owned by Eton College. - Thanks, Eve

State of Play will be in American Cinematographer Magazine - May Edition (Scroll to bottom for info) - Thanks, ivani

And BAFTA-LA will screen SOP on April 20 - Thanks, Ivani

March 13

Rachel McAdams in US Weekly - Thanks, Ellen

The Examiner: Christian Keiber: Don’t call me, I’ll call you -- One of those doors led Keiber to Los Angeles appearing in a stage production of Who’s Afraid of Uta Hagen? Director/writer Frank A. Capello happened to catch one performance of the play and cast Keiber in a Sony Pictures film, No Way Back, starring Russell Crowe, who became another mentor for Keiber. And that led to another mentor relationship. Keiber slips into character playing himself on the set of No Way Back. “I’m standing there, another New York stage actor and the director is shouting all these movie directions and I don’t have a clue what any of it means. Russell Crowe realized my situation and told them to wait up because I wasn’t ready. From that moment, he took me under his wing and gave me a crash course of film acting. We’re friends to this day. I ran into him recently and the friends I was with were awestruck when I went over to speak to him. And even more struck by the warm greeting he gave me.” - Thanks, Cindy, Pat D

Per the IMDb: Bronson Webb, young Brit actor, joins Robin Hood - Thanks, Ivani

The NY Times: Saturday, the 14th -- 9 P.M. (Showtime) 3:10 to YUMA (2007) James Mangold directed this remake of the 1957 Western based on an Elmore Leonard story about an Arizona rancher (Christian Bale) who signs on to escort an outlaw (Russell Crowe) to catch a train to stand trial. But an unlikely bond is forged along the way.

Variety: (Looks like Tenderness will only show in Europe) - Mediafilm's recent acquisitions include Russell Crowe thriller "Tenderness" and MGM end-of-the world comedy "2012-ish: The Day the Earth Bent Over." - Thanks, Allison

The National Post: Trailer Tracker: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, State of Play - Thanks, Allison

A bunch of large stills from SOP at Cinema em Cina - Thanks, Ivani

March 12

MTV Blog: Ridley Scott’s ‘Robin Hood’ Will Feature ‘A Lot Of Singing’ - Recently, it was announced that Alan Doyle — lead singer of the popular Canadian band Great Big Sea — had been cast as Allen a-Dale in Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Robin Hood” film. We caught up with the frontman soon after, and Doyle was ready to dish on his new role. The film is set to star Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion. - Thanks, Cindy, Allison, Steph

Russell appearing on the Footy Show (Thanks,Oz Fan) (Nothing on site as yet on the Russell interview) - From babzee: "RC was on Channel 9's Footy Show last night. He made sure that the jersies (and thus, the sponsors, who got good value there for their money) were shown, played a clip from SOP, announced that SOP was the new sleeve sponsor, and spoke about the club becoming self-sustaining."

From tsnozworld: As you have purchased Russell Crowe items from us in the past we thought that you would be interested to know that Russell appeared on the Aussie Footy Show tonight (12 March) -Russell was on the show for 1 hour & 10 minutes For anyone that is interested we can supply Russell's entire Footy Show appearance on region free DVD in NTSC (USA, Canada & Japan) or PAL (Australia & Europe) format

Rabbitohs.com: State of Play Becomes Sleeve Sponsor for First 11 Rounds - The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce that the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster movie State of Play will be the Club’s major sleeve sponsor during the 2009 NRL season - Thanks, Oz Fan -- (Story also at the Rugby League site - Thanks, Allison, Ivani)

Empire Magazine: Robin Hood Gets A Release Date - Crowe/Scott blockbuster set for next May - Thanks, Tamara

March 11

ComingSoon.net: Universal Pictures has scheduled a May 14, 2010 release for director Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. - Thanks, Ivani

Woman's Wear Daily: The French contingent included Cecile Cassel, Virginie Ledoyen, Lea Seydoux and French actor Louis Garrel, who declared he’s had enough of Parisian life and has decided to move to Brooklyn. “Look at the faces of the French people here, it’s sad. Americans are much more upbeat,” said Garrel, who’s shortly starting his second directorial movie, featuring Lea Seydoux. The actress said she was off to London after the show for Ridley Scott’s movie “Nottingham.” - Thanks, BarbieCat

The IMDb says that Tenderness will be released in Australia and New Zealand in April and May. No mention of the USA - Thanks, Allison

411 Mania.com: My Life at the Movies 3.10.09: 1997 - L.A. Confidential - Thanks, Allison

From Darrin: Hi, Murph!  I've converted the international trailer for SOP from Trailer Addicts to a large .wmv version for everyone who'd like to download it. -- Also, Lucyla has made a gorgeous new slideshow of Russell pix which I've hosted at her Constant Crowe Illustrated Song page

March 10

From Cindy: "We know Russell has some fellow actors he's been friends with for many years, like Kevin D, Lennie and I remember that he's also known Scott Grimes for many years and that Scott is also a musician. I found this You Tube video on a blog of Scott Grimes and John Stamos (on drums) playing in a band in a bar (Cowboy Palace Saloon in the LA area). Scott is singing Walking in Memphis (on keyboard) and I Fought the Law (on guitar) and is doing it quite well. As I said after Alan Doyle's joining the movie, I'm thinking there will be lots of jamming going on in the off hours during this shoot." (Scroll a bit for the video)

North Jersey.com: Brooklyn Workforce Innovations Benefit Screening of "State of Play" -- Thursday, Apr 16 9:00p -at Tribeca Cinemas, New York, NY - Thanks, CGee

The Daily Telegraph: Russell Crowe's Screen Legends stamps in Coffs Harbour bought by mum - Thanks, Maria

The Hollywood Reporter: Trio of actors enlisted for Robin Hood film --- Scott Grimes (ER), Kevin Durand (Mystery Alaska, Yuma) and Alan Doyle (GBS) have been cast as the group of adventurers in Universal and Imagine's untitled Robin Hood movie, starring Russell Crowe and being directed by Ridley Scott. - Thanks, Ivani

March 9

Related: The New Yorker: A long profile of Tony Gilroy (no mention of State of Play, but interesting nevertheless) - "One of Gilroy’s specialties is the potent, reflective, and often beleaguered action hero, a man with, as he says, “an incredible toolbox of skills that he has let rust.” - Thanks, Steph

TSN Oz World has the April Australian Empire Magazine for sale

A private request to Barbara Schoen - I cannot reach you via e mail. May I ask that you write less often? I just don't have time to answer. Thanks.

The Sun Sentinel: Christopher Plummer sounds off in autobiography -- Surveying his film career — Plummer has been in more than 100 movies, from Stage Struck in 1958 to The Last Station, due out this year, in which he plays Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy — he can name a few favorite roles. One came in The Insider (1999), an intense true story of a tobacco company whistleblower betrayed by CBS and 60 Minutes. He played TV newsman Mike Wallace with verve and verisimilitude. "It was one of the better roles," Plummer says. "My fellow artists — Al Pacino and Russell Crowe and the director Michael Mann — were superb." - Thanks, Allison

March 7

Ace Show Biz has some large stills from SOP. It is fun to read what Cal has on the wall in his cubicle in this one - As Russell said - The newsroom is very authentic.

In the NY Times T - Men's Fashions -for Sunday:

The SOP official site has been updated - some great wallpapers there - Thanks, Ivani

March 6

The Daily Telegraph: Russell Crowe to appear on Nine Network's Footy Show - Thanks, Steph, Cindy, Rene

Box Office Mojo: BOL is the #1 rental two weeks in a row - Thanks, Cindy

JustPlay.net: Hot and Not - The Winners and The Losers from 2008 -(Strong and Brolin) - Thanks, Allison

March 5

More on Alan Doyle and Robin Hood at The National Post - Thanks, Maria

The UK Telegraph: double related-- Young Victoria -- The first half of Jean-Marc Vallée's film, cramped and exposition-packed, gives few clues to its finer qualities, give or take a hilariously hammy Jim Broadbent as the dying William IV, and a reliably wry Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne. First we must be brought up to speed, with literal use of the Hanover family tree and much whispering at swish royal functions along the lines of "That's Melbourne, he's the current Prime Minister, but oh look - there's Robert Peel, who's nipping at his heels". At 17, Victoria (Emily Blunt) is bravely holding out against the attempts by her scheming mother (Miranda Richardson) and hissable advisor (Mark Strong) to set up a Regency, on the basis that she's too young for succession. - Thanks, Ro

Great news: Alan Doyle to play role in Russell Crowe/Ridley Scott movie -- The St Johns Telegram: Great Big Sea singer Alan Doyle has been added to the cast of the Russell Crowe/Ridley Scott movie, playing Troubadour Allan A’Dayle. - Thanks, Mamma Bear, Lynda (Here are Alan's comments on the role)

"I was surfing the internet and found a quiz at the Spiegel site to find your "Signature Style".  The last question, question #13, asks who your leading man would be and one of the choices is Russell!  Thought it was fun!" - Thanks, Sue

March 4

Related: Marion Cotillard / Christian Bale /Michael Mann: Public Enemies movie trailer - Thanks Steph

Paste Magazine:The ten cutest babies on album covers ever - Thanks, Pam

From Susi at the MR Board via Celebitchy - Russell and Keith out and about - the man is looking VERY fit - and the boys adorable!

YouTube: A video promo for Ignatian Children's Holiday Camp in Oz. (With thanks to Russell Crowe especially! I just bumped into him in the city and it was very kind of him to add something to this video! Great bloke. -JoeyRiverrocks1) - Russell speaks very briefly at about the 3:40 mark - Thanks, Pat

The Daily Record UK: I'm the baddest man in Hollywood, says Mark Strong (lots on Russell - BOL and Robin Hood) - Thanks, Steph

Chron.com: Rodeo 2009: 20 best westerns of all time (chronological order) - Thanks, Allison

Paste Magazine: 5 Movies that make us crazy - 4. A Beautiful Mind (2002) - As with Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind is Russell Crowe in his prime. John Nash began showing early signs of schizophrenia as he entered graduate school at Princeton and Crowe's eyes simulated perfectly the isolation and anti-social feelings Nash must have been going through during those times. Ed Harris plays the government agent that recruits Nash to look for patterns in newspapers and one of the imaginary people Nash begins to see in a regular basis. Their chemistry is intense and Nash's frustration and fear of the Soviets brings insight into his character and his mind. After almost drowning his child, Nash begins taking anti-psychotics once again and eventually, wins the Nobel Prize for Economics and continues teaching. - Thanks, Allison

March 3

SOP at the IMDb - Image of Russell and Robin Wright Penn - Thanks, Steph

Toonpool.com: Caricature of Russell - Thanks, lindak

EW.com: Gallery of upcoming films - STATE OF PLAY - April 17, 2009 - Starring: Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams -- Directed by: Kevin Macdonald -- The unkempt hair and extra weight Russell Crowe sports here mean one thing: He's playing a hard-nosed crime reporter. Lucky for him, he's got the impeccably groomed Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren to help him investigate a golden-boy politician (Ben Affleck) who's implicated in his assistant's murder. - Thanks, Allison

March 2

Feral Thoughts Blog: How the Rabbitohs got their name - I have little reason to follow Rugby League after the demise of the North Sydney Bears.  But the sesquicentenary of the introduction of European rabbits to Australia and the "Rabbiting On"competition has had a lot of people ask me about the origin of the name "Rabbitohs" for the South Sydney team. - Thanks, Pat B

The Chicago Tribune: Right Oscar, wrong movie -- Russell Crowe Won: best actor for Gladiator" (2000) Should have won: best actor for "The Insider" or best supporting actor for "LA Confidential" (1997) Crowe was the charismatic hero in "Gladiator" but had more going on in "The Insider" and "LA Confidential" as well as "A Beautiful Mind" in 2001. - Thanks, Jeannine

March 1

A month and a half until State Of Play Opens

February 28

Thanks to Christine ("There are so many misunderstandings about the legend- most people incorrectly connect Robin Hood with Nottinghamshire rather than Yorkshire and Derbyshire to the north; they think that a medieval forest had far more trees than was the case (much of a 'forest' was more like scrubland, with smaller areas of dense woodland); they think that Sherwood Forest in its present shrunken state was RH's main haunt whereas the earliest stories place him in Barnsdale Forest and the Forest of the Peak to the north etc etc!"): A web site with complete information on Robert Of Loxley

Rabbitohs: Charity Shield - Big win: Rabbitohs defeat Dragons 18 to 6 - Thanks, Avril, Petra

NY Post: 12 Must See Spring Movies -- #2. An all star cast -- Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis -- tackles a thriller rife with political intrigue, double crosses and murder. Has potential to be this year's "The Departed." April 17 - Thanks, Allison