February 28
Knoxnews.com: Creating typefaces began as a hobby for font designers --- Perhaps, the coolest use of his fonts was when Aviano was used for the title of the 2010 "Robin Hood." "There's nothing like seeing your font up there next to Russell Crowe," Dooley said. - Thanks, Caliope
The Trailer for The Crossing - Thanks, Caliope
February 26
From Russell: Hey,
I'm home.
Thought I'd send you one last missive.
I wrapped on the Tuesday. It was intended that I stay around a day or two but as it was the Shanghai/Sydney flights were all booked for the next few fays so I chose not to re-route through Singapore but to stay with the direct flight and I was home in a blink.
Perfect blues skies warm sun on the skin. This is summers last weekend though but it was a nice welcome after the temperatures and the fog of Shanghai.
So the horse did ok. He was losing it a little bit, but he got the job done. We did four takes of a big wide shot, no spinning around but a trot and a canter and then a few close-ups.He was shaking in the flanks and darting his head at every noise but for a first timer you have to give him credit. He had one days preparation.
Had a moment at the starting point on one take, the carriages in front of me that were supposed to go forward,inexplicitly started to back up. Those behind on horses turned to make way, the soldiers on foot scattered, at the end of the alley way was a canal. Wide and full of unspeakably dirty water. It was one of those moments when time slows down and your really start doing the maths of survival, I was about 3 metres to the water, I saw a pedestrian laneway across the alley, there was a bunch of people between the horse and I and it, but I was going to squirt that horse down the laneway and hope for no low hanging washing.It meant crossing the path of the reversing wagon, but to stay where I was would be to get cut of from any solution but the water. In the millisecond before activation the wagons went forward, cavalry and soldiers fell back into line and off we went. That movie will be crazy. Stylish and ambitious as well, but from my perspective mostly crazy. - RCBlu-ray Definition: The Next Three Days Blu-ray Review - Thanks, Allison
The Seattle Times: Oscar predictions: 'The King's Speech' may have last word over 'The Social Network -- Best actor -- Just like the writing was on the wall for Jeff Bridges last year (beloved industry figure, great role, never won before), it's on the Oscar for Colin Firth this year, for his bravely stuttering monarch in "The King's Speech." A lot of people, and I wouldn't argue, think Firth should have gotten it last year for "A Single Man," and the Academy has a way of making up for snubs. (Look no further than Russell Crowe, who should have won for "The Insider" but won the next year for "Gladiator"; or Denzel Washington, who won for "Training Day" two years after he should have been handed the Oscar for "The Hurricane." And where are Crowe and Washington this year, anyway?) If there's an upset, it could come from James Franco, who was greatly admired in "127 Hours" — in mostly a solo performance — and who'll be standing nearby anyway, as he's the Oscar host. Bridges ("True Grit"), Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network") and Javier Bardem ("Biutiful") can expect to do no more than applaud politely and wait until next year. - Prediction: Firth -- My vote: Firth - Thanks, Ellen
Russell at Twitter on the Christchurch earthquake: "Dad was born in Christchurch.Went to Christ's College.Luckily all friends and family safe.Just wanted to send love and respect to the city"
February 25
The Mail: It's the Oscar after-after party war: Madonna and James Franco vie for best bash - By Baz Bamigboye - "...On Sunday, Helen told me she would present the best foreign picture award alongside Russell. I stupidly said: ‘Oh, I didn’t realise Russell Crowe was in town.’ And then kicked myself because I realised it was not Crowe, but Brand — her leading man in the forthcoming comedy Arthur — she was referring to."
Audio interview with Mancow (2/22/11) - Thanks, Judy
Ad Week: 50 Ads Starring Oscar Winners [had to go way back for this one] - Related -- Also ones for Kim B and Jennifer C
NPR: For Location Scouts, It's All About Making The Scene -- A period film presents particular challenges. On 1997's L.A. Confidential — set in the 1950s — Panzarella was responsible for what's called "anachronism removal." Take the stripes on the road: Today's are yellow. In '50s L.A., Panzarella says, "there were no double yellow stripes. "So everywhere we went, we had to get permission to change the yellows to double whites." They took down satellite dishes everywhere they went, took garbage cans off the streets, crime bars off the windows. "Everywhere we went, we had to make it perfect period '50s," Panzarella says.
Help the people in Christchurch via The Red Cross
Movieline: Ah, great ol’ Oscar speeches — my lifeblood. In continuation of our “Oscar Podium Classics” posts this week, I bring you this clip from 2001, in which Russell Crowe wins a statue for Gladiator and reflects on the childhood dreams that led him to success. It’s sentimental, but not cloying. Perfect. [ YouTube] - Thanks, Steph, Kris C
February 24
Empire on line: Ten Great Australian Movies You (Probably) Haven't Seen -- Some little-seen rippers from Down Under... Thanks, Schmiddy [no Russell]
The Hollywood Reporter: Paul Haggis Received 'Troubling' Emails After 'New Yorker' Scientology Expose
ed note: My little fan poem got published on Word Wizard.
Awards related: The Chicago Sun Times: Everything you need to set the stage for your Oscar party
cafemom.com: Oscar winners keep their statues in the strangest places - Thanks, Rose
February 23
“Robin Hood” will be showing on HBO starting on Saturday, March 5 - Thanks, Judy
Rap songs - from sec7 - Another one in today, from Atonia
Russell in Oscar photos - from Life Mag - - Russell behind Halle Berry. - Russell and Julia - Russell and Whoopi. - Thanks, Allison
Sky Movies: Hero Worship: A Short History Of Hollywood Heroes - Thanks, Cindy
Victorchurchill.com: Black Standard Beef -- Organic certified, free ranging, grain fed Black Angus Beef - Thanks, Maria
February 22
News.com.au: Rabbitoh boss Russell Crowe's hip hop --- Speaking exclusively to Confidential, Crowe said that at Z's invitation he spent some time watching the top-selling artists working on tracks for their forthcoming collaborative album, Watch The Throne. "I hung out with Jay-Z and Kanye while they were recording in Sydney," he said from China, where he is shooting The Man With The Iron Fist. - Thanks, Steph
From Ro: The Chronicle Herald: Here's some news regarding Wayne Gordon, Russell's boxing trainer for CM. -- Gordon carrying on family tradition
February 21
From Russell's interview on inside the Actors Studio 2004 thanks to Kaspinet: "...We're all storytellers, and that's what we're here for, you know? Now, a few hundred years ago it was a different situation, but now through flickering light we get to talk to millions of people at a time sometimes, if you're lucky enough, you know… and uh, it's ok. That's cool. That's a good job. But I would have done it on the back of a wagon in Shakespeare's time. I would have been, you know, in that wagon that's mentioned in Hamlet, you know? I would have been one of those players, pulling up, telling the story, and you know… I never cease seeing this thing as a privilege and seeing the opportunity to tell a people a story as a privilege. And I know that sounds all high-falutin' and idealistic in a way, but fuck it, man, I am."
From Russell:
So tomorrow is my last shooting day though I don't get to fly home straight away.
Using a non film horse for shooting a sequence tomorrow, we'll see how crazy that gets. they just don't seem to have a horse culture in these parts. The producers have looked around and come up with a very antsy so-called "show jumping" horse, but it would be the skinniest chested jumping horse in history.
Anyway, one of the horsemen off RH is here with me, Alesh. He is a great horseman, soft hands, strong and kind at the same time, he's rolling his eyes a bit over the mount but I'll have to make do.
The horse responds to my voice when I chat with it so that's a start. It's only a trot, a chat,a twirl and a canter, so in theory it should be easy as pie. However I have been on sets with non movie horses before and it can turn to shit pretty quick.
Anne Turner insisted on a full blooded Stallion for a covering ( mating ) scene in Hammers Over the Anvil,before take one he went apeshit and kicked down the whole corral. I thought it was funny at the time, but I wasn't required to be on him. Tomorrow it's me.That horse that I rode on Hammers was a race horse without any film experience, suffice it to say that I know the difference. A Horse like Rusty from RH is a special beast, and you really appreciate it when you have a good mount. Ribbon from 3:10 and Echo from Silver Brumby were beautiful horses. As was George the black horse at the beginning of Gladiator.
Did I tell you George was on RH? King John rode him. The first day at Steve Dents place ( Horsemaster on Glad and RH ) he pointed over to a group of horses and said "there's an old mate of yours over there".
I looked, walked straight up to George, put my hand on him and whispered "Hey George, did anyone tell you we won an Oscar together?" Steve loved the fact I knew who he meant.
There's lots of moving parts on a film set, horses don't like that much if they aren't used to it.
Shod horse on cement, crowd scene,villagers and soldiers,probably a 3 camera set up. Sounds like a recipe for chaos to me. I'll let you know how I go...
Did a crazy fight scene over the last 2 days, bit sore from rolling around on the ground,getting chains wrapped around my neck and other things. I incorporated one of the Opium Wars quotes you found [ed note: "The use of opium is not a curse, but a comfort and benefit to the hard-working Chinese."]. Showed it to Eli Roth ,and he and Quentin Tarantino saw the benefit and helped me convince RZA that my character should use it. It keeps him in the time and place, so thanks for that uncredited research assistance. The appalling line is from the Jardine Matheson press release.
So strike Gabby Hayes as we have gone a bit more serious. More latter career Orson Welles.
Stay good. RC (Entry also on the Crowe News Blog (for comments) and the Shanghai Page)Tuscon Festival of Books: 3:10 to Yuma Screening and Elmore Leonard - under The Stars - Thanks, Karen
musicnetwork.com: The Hot Seat: Supafest's John Denison and Dwayne Cross -- The Rabbitohs will promote the four-city Supafest (April 9 -17) through its website, players’ Facebook pages, and 17,000-strong database. Supafest in turn will promote the Rabbitohs’ community program Souths Care*, with Supafest artists (Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Taio Cruz), visiting schools and centres. --- What role did South Sydney owner Russell Crowe play in this? Denison: Dwayne and I wrote an email together and put it out there. Russell called me before Christmas and said, ‘Whatever I can do to make this happen, I will’. He put us in touch with their management and marketing team. - Thanks, Steph, CGee
The Daily Telegraph: (Sydney related) - Baz Luhrmann to film Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio in Sydney
February 20
Flickfilosopher.com: (Morphing video) female gazing extra: “Men in Film” - Thanks, caliope
Stuffnz: Warriors shy away from Issac Luke - for now - Thanks, Caliope
Express co UK: FAIRBANKS RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD -- Universal Pictures knows how to throw a party. At Cannes Film Festival 2010 its swanky soirée at the Majestic Beach to celebrate the premiere of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe was marred only by rain, but that didn’t stop the stars from turning up for champagne and fireworks. Among the likes of Benicio Del Toro, Kate Beckinsale and Eva Longoria was an unfamiliar face. Polite, affable and in the right attire, Dominick Fairbanks wanted to meet Russell Crowe.
February 19Getting ready for the Oscars next weekend - Memory Lane 2001 (From Life Mag)
February 18
From Mariola: russellcroweimforos.com -- Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of the first Russell's visit to Madrid in 2001 promoting POL. After a long time, we have at last collected a bunch of vids from a tv recording made on that day. They are from the photocall in the Ritz Hotel and the press conference after it. he entire press conference is very long so I have divided it in ten vids with the highlights.
Proof of Life Photo call in Madrid - Thanks, Sherezade
Yahoo Movies - Oscars - 30 Years of Best Actors -- Thanks, Marie
February 17
LA Times: Documentary veteran's period feature bends reality -- MacDonald says it has taken him a couple of films to adjust to working with actors. "On three movies, I've worked with a wide range of people, from people who have never acted before in Uganda to Oscar winners like Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren," he says...."I think in the beginning I was kind of frightened of actors. As a documentarian, you don't really know quite what actors do. How do I talk to them? How do I get them to do what I want them to do? And I think it takes some time to learn. But it's now actually the thing I enjoy the most. I love working with the actors to bring out the best in them and find truth in what they do." - Thanks, Cindy
From Lynda: This video is from a Songwriters' Circle on the Ships & Dip Cruise that Great Big Sea recently went on. Alan sings "Dream Of Home," which he wrote for "Robin Hood." Before he sings, he gets into a hilarious "re-written film titles" exchange with the Circle's host, Ed Robertson, with a goodly number of those bawdy re-written titles coming from Russell's own films. [RC gets a mention re his note from Shanghai]
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Joe's Movie Lounge -It was 10 years ago that "Memento" introduced the world to director Christopher Nolan and his narrative trickery. It also marked the inception of my tenure as the film critic of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In honor of the former, the Wehrenberg Ronnies Cine on South Lindbergh will screen "Memento" tonight at 7 p.m. In honor of the latter, I'm reprinting my first Oscar report for the newspaper, from February 2001. --- "... Sunday, 9:10 p.m.: Russell Crowe marches into the interview tent like he's daring somebody to throw the first punch. An Australian reporter calls him mate and asks him how it feels to win an Academy Award. Crowe announces that this process will go a lot smoother for everyone if we ask him questions that he can answer yes or no. But his attitude changes when somebody asks about the red medal that's pinnned to his tuxedo jacket. Crowe says it's an M.B.E., which Queen Elizabeth awarded to Crowe's grandfather for his service as a war photographer. It turns out that Mr. Tough Guy is just a big softy. - Thanks, Steph
February 16
February 15The Age au: The truth is out here -- Filmmaker John Polson has announced a feature project for Melbourne. -- "...For what it's worth, Temple has a few ideas of his own on that front. ''Russell Crowe would be terrific, or Eric Bana. They both have that brooding quality and are about the right age,'' he said. ''I'll pretty much stop my wish-list there.'' - Thanks, Sherezade
From Gayle-Lynne: related: Mark Strong is in the Eagle. He has a small but good part.
Blayney Chronicle: Mundine, Wood set for rematch in April - Thanks, Sherezade
Related -- Esquire: The Hard Luck and Beautiful Life of Liam Neeson - Thanks, Cindy [ wonderful interview] - Actor, ass-kicker, widower, philosophizer, big man, funny man, capable drinker of pinot noir: may we introduce to you, the man you've known for all these years
My questions to Russell and his answers (Thanks, RC):
1. Is making a film in Australia still possible? -- RC: Everything is possible.
2. Dirt Music still on? – RC: Never say never.
3. LA Concert in May – venue set? -- RC: All in good time.Related: (A Good Year) - The Daily Beast: "The Good Wife's Scene-Stealer" (Archie Panjabi)
Movie Hole: Exclusive : Salt director encounters Hunter Killer -- " The way these things work is that a filmmaker with the statue of Noyce, someone with a bevy of hits behind him, is usually attached to quite a few projects at one time. In this case, Noyce is also onboard “Timeless” (a love story from “Salt” producer Sunil Perkash), the thriller “Wenceslas Square ” and the Russell Crowe starring Australian movie “Dirt Music” (which has been in development for several years) so it’s just a question of which one finds its bank, its cast and its footing first."
From Russell: Hey,
So today marks past the halfway point in my shooting days. Another 5 shooting days in the next 7 and then home.
Traffic has returned to normal after the New Year and the 38 minute drive to set is now double that.
There should be a video game called Shanghai Driver where random stuff just keeps coming at you.
We have had so many close calls but it seems so does everybody. Every day.
Saw one bloke on his bike today with a load of something spongy and bouncy that was 6 foot wide and at least that tall, the rider was completely engulfed by his load. There is no way he could see to the sides or behind him.
Quite a sight.
Still cold but not always very cold. Had a couple of half hearted snow sprinkles, the kind where you can see the flakes fall but they are gone the moment they hit the ground.
Did a scene today where my character,high on opium,alcohol and nookie gets his tackle squeezed by the Madam of the brothel. Was fine while we were shooting but a bit bruised now that I'm trying to sit at a computer. She got a bit ferocious on the close up.
The crew here are really good, the DP particularly. Great work ethic, everyone mucks in and gets things done.The stunt team are just ace.
Bobby Diggs is doing great as a Director. This is a crazy ass idea that is all his. You can't get it by just reading the script, I'm starting to see it a little clearer now that I'm here and involved. he is a beautiful man my friend the RZA, I am watching him deal with cultural differences,language differences and he is doing great. More than that, he is excelling.
Hope you are well.
RC
February 14 
From Jo A at libriscrowe, a story treat - HIDEOUS INVASION -- (A BLACK & WHITE B MOVIE FROM THE 1950'S, STARRING TERRY, BEN, CORT, MAXIMUS, JEFFREY, ROBIN, JACK AND BUD)
Off Topic, but of interest - NY Mag: See How The Social Network Made the Winklevoss Twins Through Special-Effects Magic [I wondered how they did it]
YouTube: 2011 NRL Bon Jovi promo- "This Is Our House" - Thanks, Sherezade
From Tamara at TRC: I have two videos that fans have been requesting - Oprah's interviews with Russell on the stage at the Sydney Opera House and sailing on Sydney Harbour. These pages include thumbnail galleries with many large photos.
February 13
Alan Doyle - Mutiny on the Dawn
Off Topic, but BAFTA related: The Telegraph - Baftas 2011: live -- "Join us here on Sunday 13 February from 4:45pm (UK Time) to follow the Bafta Awards 2011 red carpet arrivals, the ceremony, and the results of the winners live - and before they are broadcast on television." - Thanks, Gill
The Hollywood Reporter: BAFTA Awards' Secret for Securing Hollywood A-Listers: 'Phone Bashing' - Tricks of the trade from ceremony honcho Amanda Berry, plus memorable moments from Russell Crowe and Mickey Rourke. - "... We do a lot of phone bashing. If people are filming, then we lobby the producers of those films and say, “Look, please will you release them?” Literally, we call everybody, and people make incredible efforts to get them here. The year that Russell Crowe was nominated for A Beautiful Mind (2002), he was in the U.K. on the Wednesday or Thursday for the British premiere and had to go back to Australia for the premiere there — then came all the way back for the awards on the Sunday. That’s extraordinary." - Thanks, Steph
Robin Hood cartoon in El Mundo Mag - Thanks, Caliope: (Click on small image for larger size)
The Independent ie: Musical brothers ready to step into the limelight with blockbuster film role -- The pair had earlier struck up a musical connection with A-list actor Russell Crowe after meeting him in Co Clare. "He liked our music and when he was filming in the UK we got back in touch and he asked us to come over and join him on the set of Robin Hood. "He's mighty craic. We ended up going back for a barbecue with him on the lawn of his house and having a session alongside him and his wife and two children, all of his Merry Men, and Cate Blanchett and her children. - Thanks, Caliope, Tamara
YouTube: Vid Bra Boys Part 1 - (narrated by Russell) Thanks, Caliope.
For a friend, from TRC: As some of you are aware, Mary Anne, also known as the "the smart one", has been going through treatments for breast cancer. She is more than halfway through the chemotherapy and her doctors are very optimistic about her progress. It is a most difficult process however, and she was forced to suspend her work last month at her hometown library.
I don't know if you know any librarians, I seem to know quite a few, and they don't earn huge salaries. She has thankfully been able to maintain her health insurance but she could really use a little help with heating costs and such because you can't get a lot of exercise when you're undergoing chemotherapy and it's really cold in Nebraska. We've never yet asked for donations toward the operating costs of this site. I foot those and am happy to do so to support our odd little hobby. What I would like to ask of Mary Anne's friends - and anyone who has enjoyed her countless hours of labor here over the videos, scans and training our staff (me) - is to donate whatever you can in her time of need. There is a PayPal donation button at the right. Alternately, you could contact the library as they are hosting a fundraiser as well.
The email address is friendsofjml@gmail.com
Or, the snail address is:
Friends of Jensen Memorial Library
PO Box 264
Minden, NE 68959
Mary Anne has just sent me scads of biggie photos and articles to get up on the site so I have no doubt she will be back and helping fans to share in the special wonder that is Russell before long. We thank you for your continued support. ~ Tamara
February 11
From Russell today: "It's coming on to 6.30am, got to get to set. The wind outside is howling. It'll be between -1 and 4 degrees today. Everything is going fine. Hope you are well.
RC"Movie Fan Fare: Who is your favorite Robin Hood? -Thanks, Janet
Related: (Kevin Macdonald) - NY Times review of The Eagle
February 10
Moviemaker.com: Roger Deakins Show True Grit --- 7. SUBTLETY CAN HAVE A STRONG IMPACT. • During my first conversation with Ron Howard about A Beautiful Mind, we agreed to create subtleties in the look which reflected both the period and the main character’s state of mind. Russell Crowe played a brilliant mathematician who goes insane. The early scenes were set during the mid- to late 1940s. I pre-flashed the film with a coral-colored light, giving it a golden orange tone to help transport the audience back to that time and place. When the mathematician is suffering from his worst hallucinations, the images become subtly more contrasty. It came as a surprise to the audience when the story revealed that characters he saw didn’t actually exist. When he recovers and goes back to work, the world and the look returned to normal.
Telegraph-Journal: Music: Great Big Sea brings its merry brand of Celtic pop to New Brunswick audience next week - Thanks, Steph
February 9
Extra: Oscar Nominee Trivia File: Christian Bale - Thanks, Allison
Inside TV: The History Channel -- History is set to announce a new annual programming event marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Key to the plan is Gettysburg, a film commissioned by the network and produced by the Scott brothers — Ridley (Gladiator) and Tony (Man on Fire). The film promises to strip away the romanticized veneer of the war and present the engagement as “a visceral, terrifying experience” using reenactment footage and CGI, while focusing on the stories of soldiers on the ground - Thanks, Allison
I have added a new page at the Crowe News Blog for the Shanghai trip. You may add comments. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. The page will be updated as Russell sends us new news. The newest news will be at the top of the page.
news.com.au: Rusty a selling point for trusty old banger
Now illustrated: From Russell: Hey,
So finished my first full shooting day. Got up at 4am out the door just after 6.
I'm home now and it's 8.47pm.
As I have said before the sets are crazy beautiful. This film will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea but I'm having a laugh.
Cut a chap from navel to neck today, that's the kind of thing Jack Knife does, he doesn't go in for your kung fu. I look somewhat like a prussian calvary officer with a touch of dirty harry and a smidge of gabby hayes delivered in a snotty uppercrust English accent. I'm addicted to opium and sex and ultra violence.
There will be quite a few reviewers that will accuse me of losing my marbles altogether after they see this.
F**k 'em if they can't take a joke. RCThe Daily Telegraph via League Central: Bon Jovi song named NRL theme -- THE NRL have pulled off one of the biggest advertising coups in Australian sports history by joining forces with global rock gods Bon Jovi for their 2011 campaign....Bon Jovi wooed millions of fans in December where he met South Sydney owner Russell Crowe and was presented a Wests Tigers jersey by skipper Robbie Farah. - Thanks, Sherezade
February 8
Indie Wire: Pam Grier Joins RZA & Eli Roth’s ‘Man With The Iron Fists’ - Thanks, Caliope
February 7
From Russell:
Started jamming on dialogue with Eli Roth yesterday.
Had to move from the bar we were in because we were cracking up and making the people around us a little uncomfortable.
I'd never met him before, cool guy. We'll do some more today.
Jack knife ( that's the character I'm playing) is starting to take shape in my mind. He's an odd one, that's for sure.
I've been reading about the Opium Wars, another harsh episode from Britain's colonial past.
RC
[ed note: A link to The Opium War film]New York Mag Vulture: What You Need to Know About The New Yorker’s Paul Haggis–Scientology Article
From Russell:
I love a championship game that comes down to one play, don't you?
God bless Wisconsin, on the day, you were deserved winners
RCDiary of a Movie Lover - Indian fan's blog: Ridley Scott Blog-a-thon - Body Of Lies
Passionforcinema.com: Michael Mann- Stylish, Visually Arresting (The Insider)
I have changed the settings for the Crowe news blog thanks to some nasty troll comments on the band tour. All comments there will now pass through me first. I have always asked contributors to be civil. Personal attacks on Russell - or me -will not be tolerated.
Related: The New Yorker profile -- The Apostate --Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology. - "...Last March, I met Haggis in New York. He was in the editing phase of his latest movie, “The Next Three Days,” a thriller starring Russell Crowe, in an office in SoHo. He sat next to a window with drawn shades, as his younger sister Jo Francis, the film’s editor, showed him a round of cuts. Haggis wore jeans and a black T-shirt. He is bald, with a trim blond beard, pale-blue eyes, and a nose that was broken in a schoolyard fight. He always has several projects going at once, and there was a barely contained feeling of frenzy. He glanced repeatedly at his watch..."
February 6
From Russell - Shanghai and music news [If you want to comment on the plans for the USA tour, you can do so in the comments section to this post]:
Hey,
Well the fireworks went from continuous to absolutely nuts. It must have been another significant date on the New Year calendar here as by midnight the town was literally going off. You could see hundreds of fireworks from one side to the other,exploding,careening off buildings. For the second time since I've been here the air was laden with gunpowder and cordite. There is still the occasional explosion even now at 6am.
The Daily Mail report is made up, I haven't been doing any music with Sting. He came to the N3D premiere because ,obviously, Trudie is in the movie and he's cool like that. Dani and I went to his performance at the Opera House "Symphonicity" a couple of nights later. Great fun. He was in excellent voice and the orchestral arrangements were special. I particularly liked the treatment of "I Hung my Head". He finished the gig with a version of "Walking on the Moon" just him and an acoustic guitar. Very cool.
There is still a strong chance Alan and I will be doing a show in America in May, we are both itching to play the new songs we have been writing live. We had a hiccup in the original plans and we unfortunately won't be mounting a full tour but, we are still working on doing a show in LA . I know that west coast only will bug some people but its' the best we can do at this stage . If I was to point a finger at a date I'd say May 27 . I hope that is helpful to those who are interested. We won't be releasing a new record before the show, though we may preview some of the new songs in someway.
The sky is full of kites this morning, not lit ones like yesterday morning, today it's sea creatures and birds.RC
Very nice -- The cover of the Herald Sun - Thanks, Steph
From Russell (A fellow Steelers fan): Well, the atmosphere here is something that I guess you've just got to acclimatize too.
It is pretty foggy a lot of the time, though last night the air cleared and the cityscape of Pudong is beautiful.
There are still sporadic fireworks going off however many days it is now into the new year.
I just counted 60 seconds and 9 close explosions, there are other muffled ones in the distance, so I suppose "sporadic" is an understatement, more like continuous.
This morning I got up around 5am and there were gigantic kites being flown in the dark over the Yangtze River lit with LED lights underneath, making all sorts of patterns. I don't know if it was anything special or just some guys who like flying kites in the dark. Whichever, It looked great.
Still under the weather, but what can you do?
Ventured out to Songjiang today where we are shooting, the set is simply amazing.
This is only a tiny budget by American standards but you get a big bang for your buck here.
I have a couple more days before I start, I'm hoping that I'll shake whatever this is by then.
Hope you are well,
RC.From the article in the Courier-Mail on 1/29: "I think Animal Kingdom is fantastic," he says. [ed note: So do I - Very dark Film Noir, with terrific acting, especially Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver. What a Baad lady]
Off Topic: Saw The Social Network last night. A young person's film - all the actors were great, Jesse Eisenberg expecially, and terrific dialogue thanks to Aaron Sorkin -
Movie Hole: Russell Crowe talks about his iron fists - [mostly a summary of other articles] - Thanks, Sherezade
!!! - Irish Film Awards: Russell nominated for best international actor - Thanks, Ivani - Related - Colm Meaney (MA) is nominated for best actor
From barbiecat: "Picture of Russell from 1989 (scroll a bit, on the left) I had never seen this before... the blogger is/was a DJ back then, and according to his caption for the photo, Russell had just performed live on his radio show."
February 5
From Russell: "Went to bed sick last night,woke up worse this morning. It is in my stomach,chest,throat and head all at the same time. I wonder if I can use it to enhance the character? --- I've added the shakes and sweats today as well.
I'm ok with you posting this."
February 4
Shanghaiist: RZA and Russell Crowe filming in Shanghai this week [Thanks for mentioning this site]
February 3
Russell arrives at the Shanghai airport - Thanks to Nicole
For those who wondered - from Russell:
Nail finally fell off ( after a little help )
RC
Stuff NZ: Website unveils Russell Crowe's Aussie past - Thanks, Steph, Gayle-Lynne
Russell's Twitters from China appear to be blocked. RZA is twitting, though - RZAWU RZA! - Feb 1, here in China celebrating Chinese New Year with cast and crew of MWIF.
Gladiator video at YouTube - Thanks, Caliope
CBS accuses Survivor contestant of leaking secrets - Ironically, the most famous instance involved "Survivor" network CBS. -- In 1995, CBS was threatened with a lawsuit for inducing Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco executive at Brown & Williamson, to breach the confidentiality provisions of his contract and appear on "60 Minutes." Lawyers at the network got nervous and forced the news show to cut out parts of Wigand's interview. The drama became the basis for the 1999 Russell Crowe film The Insider. - Thanks, Kris C
February 2
A new page for Russell's notes from Shanghai
More on his breakfast - I had asked him what the food was like:
breakfast
Congee
Pork Bao
Vegetable spring roll - tiny, triangularRC
From Russell today:
Hey,
Arrived in Shanghai a couple of hours ago. Fireworks going off all over town.
Beautiful architecture.
Hope you are well
RCThe Envelope: Seeing Double: All 10 nominees match up with a past champ - Thanks, Allison
The Age au: From superhero to starving, Bale tops 'extreme' list (See #15, 16 and 17) - Thanks, Steph
The Age au: Crowe shines in high-quality thriller (TN3D) - Thanks, Mirella
Bookmakers Inc: Sportsbook Software: Russell Crowe defends deal with Star City - Thanks, Caliope
February 1
Scripps News: Yardsmart: In days of old, 'strewing herbs' had it covered - "Interior castle scenes in Russell Crowe's version of the Robin Hood story revealed a unique detail. A friend asked, "What's all that stuff on the floors?" The litter resembled straw but was something far more important. The set decorators knew that these "strewing herbs" were an essential part of everyday life in medieval England." - Thanks, Allison
A new poll at the Crowe Music Blog - and an invitation to comment on the poll
Adelaide Now: Russell Crowe to take a break from acting - Thanks, Steph - My Brother's Keeper - Audio Book available at i Tunes
If you would like to comment on this news about Russell's plans, go to the Crowe Blog post - [ed note: I think producing is an exciting step-up for Russell.]
Nine To Five: Interview: Russell Crowe - Thanks, Steph, Allison
Film-related - the great composer: R.I.P. John Barry (1933-2011)
Related: Congrats to Christian Bale and all the SAG Award winners last night
Alan Doyle has joined Twitter - Thanks, Lynda