Russell responds to the Luhrmann/Stable story |
| Mary, I did build an 8 bay stables at Baz's request, (completed in November 2005 the original rehearsal start date)specifically to house the horses that would be used in the film during rehearsals.As we know Baz didn't start until 2007 and I went and made Tenderness, American Gangster and 3.10 to Yuma. So it's not complete bulls**t , however I've never slammed Baz about it, I view it as just one of those things. I only wish the best for the Australia project , Baz, Nic and Hugh, Jack T, Bryan B and many, many other friends who are involved in both cast and crew. I made a joke recently at the Yuma press junket that I'm not expecting to be paid back because Uncle Rupert is very good with budgets that's why he is who he is. So someone who was at that junket round table has decided to create a negative story out of what was a light hearted joke. There is absolutely no bad blood or negativity from me toward Baz or vice a versa, I just couldn't wait around anymore, I wanted to go to work and I did.To be completely honest,there is a tinge of regret that I'm not on that film,conversations about the Australia project started between me and Baz as early as 2002, it will be an instant classic and as a movie lover I can't wait to see it. To give Baz his due, he even flew all the way to NYC to try and get me back on the gig, but I was wrapped up in American Gangster by then and not very receptive, as my involvement in his movie always seemed to be contingent on my letting other people down. ie I'd have to pull out of Yuma because Baz wanted me on deck in December. As it worked out , he didn't start until April , and I was done with Yuma by January.This year as you all know I've spent a lot of time focused on South Sydney and the result, the breaking of an 18 year finals drought, well, to me that speaks for itself. South's isn't just about sport, it is about the wider health of our district and community. One quote that was in the paper from a bloke called Dave Spears puts it all in perspective,when asked about South's success and its' effect in the poorest area of Sydney he said something like "the kids here are walking around like they are 10 foot tall" . More than any one result that quote made it all worth it. We have started something with South's, the power and resonance of which will only continue to grow over time. It looks like we will have some very exciting news shortly about our charity arm South's Cares that will enable us to have an even greater and direct effect for the disadvantaged in our district and around the country. How about a western opening at number 1? Cool huh? RC |