December 31 Ellen will have a repeat of Russell's appearance in New Year's Day - -- Thanks, Allison In Contention: Top 5 scores of 2007 - "From its opening notes, Beltrami’s score to James Mangold’s “3:10 to Yuma” brings us into the film’s action. It was almost as though I knew right away that this remake was going to improve upon its original, a rare feat indeed. A throwback to westerns of the past, Beltrami’s score is exciting and memorable yet never manages to overpower the film. A very fine accomplishment, and a personal favorite of mine given my love of the Western genre." - Thanks, Cindy Newsday: 2007 in movies: The heartbreak kids -- God bless the child actors who gave mature and touching performances all year long -- As the resentful son of Christian Bale's crippled war veteran in "3:10 to Yuma," Logan Lerman added a credibly explicit note of antagonism to complement the low-burning acerbity of Russell Crowe's gentleman villain. - Thanks, Allison The Sun-Herald: Rusty the ring-in -- Christine Sams -- RUSSELL CROWE will begin filming State Of Play in late January, after replacing Brad Pitt in the leading role. Crowe, who will spend a few months filming in the US, took on the role after Pitt controversially pulled the pin on his involvement in the Universal Pictures film. Other cast members who had already agreed to be in State Of Play - including Edward Norton, Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams - had locked the projects into their schedules. It was due to begin in November but was shifted to January because of Pitt's withdrawal over script issues. Crowe (who is also notoriously careful about the film scripts he works with) came on board at the last minute, rescuing the big-budget production in which he will play the role of an investigative reporter. A source close to Crowe confirmed he was already intensively preparing for the movie, ahead of filming next month. - Thanks to our Oz fan December 29 I have added an interactive Crowe calendar at the bottom of this page. You may add a Crowe related event. The SF Examiner: Writers strike, dull fall spoil climax of Hollywood's big year -- Disney's "Enchanted" - along with Universal's hit crime saga "American Gangster," starring Washington and Crowe - were among the few bright spots amid a sleepy fall that followed a monster summer season. The Daily Telegraph - Resolutions for new year -- "I would like to be baptised. I feel I have putit off for too long. I do believe there are more important things than what is in the mind of a man. There is something much bigger that drives us all, and I'm willing to take that leap of faith." - Thanks, Chats, Anne S December 28 ExpertClick.com: How Do You Accept an Award? Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech -- " Show-biz can provide wonderful examples of great acceptance speeches. When Russell Crowe won an Oscar for The Gladiator (2000), he dedicated it to "everyone who has seen the downside of disadvantage." Then, he got the 2002 Golden Globe Award for A Beautiful Mind. First, he gave credit to the characters in the film, offering special thanks to "John and Alicia Nash, for living such an inspirational love story." He added, "A Beautiful Mind is just a movie, folks, but hopefully it will help us open our hearts . . . to believe that something extraordinary can always happen in our lives." - Thanks, Cindy The Albuquerque Tribune: Phil Parker: It was a year for villains on the big screen -- Russell Crowe turned in a classic as Old West outlaw Ben Wade in "3:10 to Yuma." His first scene isn't a short one, but he doesn't say a word. He makes a perfect sketch of a bird and sticks it onto a tree branch. Then he rides out to his men and just looks around at them. These dudes are psychotic, we'll learn, and later in the film Wade boasts that he must be a special kind of cunning to lead such a gang of dangerous men. He seduces every woman he meets. By the end of "3:10 to Yuma," he's killed several people. It might be the year's most confident performance. (Bale was also in "3:10 to Yuma." He took the lesser role of a loser ranger so Crowe could drive. Crowe did the same thing for Washington in "Gangster." These men are great actors and team players.) - Thanks, Cindy The Miami Herald: Movies 2007 Picks and Pans -- Best movie that will be even better in the inevitable ''Director's Cut'' DVD version: Ridley Scott's American Gangster, which left you craving more of the climactic conversations between Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Best bit of silent acting: In 3:10 To Yuma, an outlaw (Russell Crowe) realizes he's been tricked by a gimpy rancher (Christian Bale) and gives him a look that conveys surprise, admiration, betrayal -- and the promise of payback. - Thanks, Allison The LA Times: New rules for 'based on a true story' -- Biopics and historical dramas wield enormous influence over popular conceptions of their subjects. So get it right. (AG) - Thanks, Allison The SF Bay Guardian: Year in Film: Western promises -- Back from pasture -- cinema's cowboys of 2007 - Thanks, Allison Variety: Anne Thompson - The Golden Globes May Not Be Televised Constant Crowe Updates: I've got two VERY wonderful Christmas surprises for everyone from Lucyla and Mariola! Lucyla has outdone herself with this year's "Navidades" video! Using the Turtles, "So Happy Together", she has made a spectacular vid highlighting 2007's Russell-events, this is a must-see!! Click here to go directly to her Illustrated Songs page! Mariola has also made us a Christmas vid featuring Richie! Back dropped with Eric Clapton and BB King's "Hold on, I'm Coming" song, this is definitely a Richie-fest not to be missed! Click here to go directly to her Illustrated Songs page! Also as a reminder, we have fifteen categories up in the Golden Bunny Awards Forum now at the Constant Crowe Message Board, so don't forget to come and vote! Voting will continue through to the end of January and we welcome any new categories! December 26 - 27 The Hollywood Reporter: SAG noms a holiday gift for Lionsgate -- Ensemble excitement: This may be a day for hurrying to exchange Christmas presents, but I can assure you that at Lionsgate there's one holiday gift they're definitely not returning. I'm referring, of course, to the Screen Actors Guild's ensemble cast nomination for Lionsgate's "3:10 to Yuma," directed by James Mangold and produced by Cathy Konrad. By virtue of SAG recognizing "3:10" with an ensemble nod, the Guild's equivalent of a best picture nom, the critically acclaimed western drama now has a good shot at getting into Oscar's best picture race. Actors make up the Academy's biggest branch and in 2006 Lionsgate enjoyed a best picture Oscar victory with "Crash" after springboarding off a SAG ensemble cast win. - Thanks, Steph National Catholic Reporter: 10 Best Films of 2007 - Yuma - Thanks, Allison Scripps News: Best films of 2007 were sprinkled throughout the year - Thanks, Allison December 25 - Merry Christmas!! People.com: 2007's top 5 moments from daytime tv - #4. Russell on Ellen - video - Thanks, Allison Best wishes to all today - and in the New Year..... Perfect recollection of childhood Christmases, The NY Times editorial today December 24 Orlando Sentinel: Get me Rewrite! The "fixable" films of 2007 -- "So I'm sitting through 3:10 to Yuma again on DVD [ed note: out on January 8] last night, plowing through most of the major pictures of last year over this long holiday break (saw my last movie of 2007 a week and a half ago), and I'm yelling at the screen in the same places I yelled at it when this Western not-quite-a-hit came out. "Just shoot him, SHOOT HIM!" I yells as Ben Foster's vile breakout performance as Charlie Prince has his big speech, urging the people of Contention to shoot down the lawmen and posse escorting Ben Wade to the train. He's rousing the rabble. He's deadly. He won't stop until he's killed. And he's within range. Why doesn't a thinking man with a rifle pop the Satanic-bearded blond? ......" - Thanks, Allison Film.com: Quantity and Quality: The Top 5 Performers of the Year -- Also considered: Christian Bale (3:10 to Yuma, Rescue Dawn), George Clooney (Ocean's Thirteen, Michael Clayton), Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Sweeney Todd), and Russell Crowe (3:10 to Yuma, American Gangster). Female First UK: The Best Movie of 2007 No 1: The Best: 3:10 to Yuma -- Here we are at the top of the Best Movies of 2007 chart and the movie that takes the crown is James Mangold's Western thriller 3:10 to Yuma. - Thanks, Allison Just Jared: Russell Crowe has a ball (literally) during a family outing at the Sydney Botanical Garden in Australia with wife, Danielle Spencer, and their two sons, Charles, who just turned 4 this past Friday, and Tennyson, almost 18 months. Both kids look like they’re having loads of fun and how cute is tiny Tennyson!? - Thanks, Steph Indie Wire: CRITICS' POLL 2007: The Critics Speak: State of Distribution, Politics, 'Shmabortion', Year of the Actor, and More --- "It's been an amazing year for double -- even triple -- achievements. Casey Affleck emerged as his generation's most gifted character actor in 'Gone Baby Gone' and 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,' and Tommy Lee Jones gave two of the most deeply etched performances of his career in 'No Country for Old Men' and 'In the Valley of Elah.' Denzel Washington was at the top of his game in 'American Gangster' and his own 'The Great Debaters,' and Russell Crowe rode high in both 'American Gangster' and '3:10 to Yuma.'" - David Sterritt - Thanks, Allison December 23 TSN has sent us the article to go with the Filmink cover - Here is the Link The Journal Gazette: Statue of limitations -- Dual roles may work against actors in year with no front-runners - Thanks, Allison Boston.com: Related -- The Denzel dilemma -- When he's good, he's very good — and when he's bad, he wants to be good - Thanks, Penny December 22 The Courier Mail: Russell Crowe links with Ridley Scott again - Thanks, Allison, Chats CHUD: (Opinion) - "I am baffled by the amount of Oscar buzz 3:10 to Yuma is either trying to create, is getting, or is paying for as an act of post-strike stress relief. It's a decent flick, but it has holes you can drive Alan Tudyk through and it's not even the best Russell Crowe OR Christian Bale movie of 2007. It's fun. It has solid performances. It's Elmore Leonard. There are many reason to like it, though the contrivance in Act Three regarding Russell Crowe's character damn near ruins the film for me. Because of this odd accumulating buzz I can only fear that the film will eventually get nominated and then piss me off by knocking something more deserving off the list. If that film happens to be the Jesse James one... people are gonna get hurt." TSN has sent on a full page image of Russell from the January 2 08 issue of Film Ink. There is a story with the picture. It is to come December 21 - Happy Birthday, Charlie!! The Sun Times: Richard Roeper has named AG one of his best films of the year - scroll to almost the very bottom. - Thanks, Allison The Hollywood Reporter: Best of 2007 -- AG - #2 on THR's list for the best movies of 2007; Yuma is #10. - Thanks, Allison Moviefone's 50 Best Movies of 2007 list puts American Gangster at #24, and 3:10 to Yuma at #4. (Yuma is beaten out by Juno, Atonement, and No Country for Old Men at #1.) - Thanks, Laurie Special!!!! -- You can still send Charlie Crowe greetings for his 4th birthday throughout the day today (I am on EST). You can do so in the comments section to this post at the Crowe news back-up blog (As you know, a hacker messed up our other guestbook with all the greetings) The UK Times: Russell Crowe dumps cheerleaders for children December 20 DVDActive now has several pics of the AG DVD covers and booklet - Thank, Steph (AnneCB, who runs a store, says: "According to my supplier the release date for American Gangster is Feb. 19th") Yahoo News - The AP: Into the Wild leads SAG nominations - Performances by an overall cast -- "Directed by Sean Penn, "Into the Wild" also was nominated for performance by its overall cast, along with the Western "3:10 to Yuma," the crime sagas "American Gangster" and "No Country for Old Men," and the musical "Hairspray." - Thanks, Marie, Dana, Ali -- plus Ruby Dee for AG - Thanks, Graziellla New York Magazine: From Lee King to the King of the Jews: The Best Quotes of 2007 -- "I reckon Martin Scorsese is sitting somewhere in an office in New York and he sees [the title] American Gangster and he's like, 'Fuck! And I went with Casino?'" —Russell Crowe - Thanks, Penny Souths.com: Leagues Club says no to pokies -- The South Sydney Leagues Club (SSLC) Board has reached a majority decision to have no poker machines in the Club upon completion of the redevelopment in 2008. - Thanks, CGee, Chats, Kris C (This story appeared in the press as well - including the Washington Post) Jacksonville.com: Searching for rugby's spot in sport -- The Rabbitohs' co-owner will bring his team to Jacksonville. - Thanks, CGee, Chats IMDb Daily Poll: Which of these silver-screen people or things would you most like to have been in 2007? - Thanks, Kris C December 19 The Envelope: Scandal Cheat Sheet --(Volatile issue: Historical accuracy) “American Gangster” was a seeming awards juggernaut when it was first released, but response to it has cooled somewhat. Richie Roberts, played in the film by Russell Crowe, has been especially vocal about his displeasure with certain aspects of the movie, while other former NYC cops have also spoken out against its valorization of former drug kingpin Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington. This is just the sort of talk that sank the awards prospects of Washington’s “The Hurricane.” The same issues dogged Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind." The NY Post via Hollywood.com: Uncovering the Real 'American Gangster': Washington and Crowe Weigh In - Thanks, Allison From Allison: Russell's 10/29/07 appearance on Leno will repeat on Wednesday, 12/26. The Daily Telegraph: Peter Holmes a Court and Russeell Crowe win pokie ban - RUSSELL Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court have convinced South Sydney Leagues Club to dump poker machines in a historic decision that will help free Sydney from its gambling dependence. - Thanks, Steph One for the Table: My Mother’s Grape Leaves by Steve Zaillian - (AG writer) The Hollywood Reporter on the SOP Affleck replacement for Norton THE IMDb: Tenderness Release date - 2008 --- Body of Lies - October 10, 2008 - Thanks, Allison San Diego critics picks: Russell runner up for best actor in Yuma, and the picture for "Body of Work" - Thanks, Cindy DVD Active: Universal Home Video has revealed some early details on a new extended edition of American Gangster which stars Denzel Washington, and Russell Crowe. This new cut of the film will contain around 20 minutes of additional footage, bringing the runtime to 2 hours 56 minutes. The two-disc set will retail at around $29.98. A HD DVD/DVD Combo release will also be available for $39.98 with additional web enabled features. The street date has yet to be confirmed for this one, but we'll bring you further details just as soon as Universal make them available to us. For now though, here's some early artwork (On site) - Thanks, Steph December 18 News.com.au: Stars home for the holidays - Thanks, Steph Variety: Norton exits 'State of Play' -- Affleck in talks to replace actor - Thanks, Maria The Daily Telegraph: Best of the Worst Australian Hair (See #20) - Thanks, CGee From a press release -- The Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) is proud to announce their award winners for 2007 and the list of their Top Ten films. (Yuma is one of them) Top Ten Films (in alphabetical order) --Atonement, Away From Her, Hairspray, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country For Old Men, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, There Will Be Blood, 3:10 to Yuma, Zodiac - Thanks, Dana From Ellen in Seattle: "I happened to see Josh Brolin on Tavis Smiley last night. He was telling a very funny story about how he'd not lost the weight he'd wanted to from No Country - as he immediately started on A.G. just a few days later - Said he was doing his first scene with RC - the back of his pants split - so he was trying not to have his ass showing in the shot and didn't want RC to see either & he started sweating. He said he thought Ridley would come knocking on his trailer and say, sorry, Josh, it just isn't working out - (Josh did a great imitation of Ridley) and much to his surprise when Ridley came knocking - Ridley said I really like the vulnerability you showed in that scene - wouldn't have thought of that - keep it up. And the rest as they say, is history!" UA Today: Lionsgate to release DVDs in January - Thanks, Allison Film Stew at Yahoo news: What happens to Josh Brolin's character in American Gangster is very different from what was initially in the script. - Thanks, Marie The AP: Hollywood writers reject award shows From Daryl: What an event we have on our hands here in Jacksonville. Marilyn Russell, who is the co-host of the morning show on the Philadelphia Radio Station Ben Fm has partnered with the Australia Day Challenge as a promotional prize package. After some initial contact from Marilyn after she heard about the event, I got to meet this fabulous lady while promoting the Donna Hicken Marathon in Philly for the City of Jacksonville. We talked about various things, one of which included her past work with Russell Crowe. We soon developed a mutually beneficial idea of using our event and her radio show to help each others cause. The Link below is the result of that meeting. What a great partnership to help promote the great city of Jacksonville as a winter time destination for those suffering the cold up North. Feel free to send Marilyn a note saying thanks for spreading the good Jacksonville Word!!!!! Go Ben FM. -- Scroll to DelVal DownUnder Getaway Variety: AG wins for film editing at the Satellites Awards - Thanks, Ivani December 17 Unfortunately, the guestbook has been hacked. I have told my host about it. I saved all the greetings in a text file and will be sure Russell and Dani get them. Thanks for participating. The top 10 films of 2007, according to the Associated Press' David Germain - AG - Thanks, Allison PopcornJunkies: The badasses of 07 - Ben is # 9 - Thanks, Allison The Rabbitohs web site has ben redesigned. Images - Orara Valley Community Swimming Pool Opening -- Saturday 17th November, 2007 - Thanks, Anne S The Daily Telegraph: Rabbitohs' Twenty20 vision - THE push for Australia to have privately owned cricket teams gained momentum last night after mega-rich sporting entrepreneur Peter Holmes a Court gleefully jumped on board the Twenty20 money train. - Thanks, Steph The NY Times - David Carr quotes Gil Cates on the strike, the producers, the writers (and on and on) - A Warning From Behind the Curtain From Gayle- Lynne: "Profile in History--a Auction house in LA, auctioned the Ben Wade gunbelt--at a LA auction On Friday Dec.14--It sold for $2250.00" The IMDb Daily Poll: From this year's crop of Golden Globe nominees for Best Dramatic Motion Picture, which pick excites you the most? - Thanks, Kris C December 16 From Linda: I have 4 sets of VIP (match + post-party) tickets to the Rabbitohs-Rhinos event to give to interested fans for Christmas. (We can't make it due to work conflicts.) I will be happy to put them in the mail to anyone who would be able to attend. Can you post my offer on your site with instructions to email me at lindak38@aol.com if interested? Elf Yourself! Russell - (Turn on your sound) - Thanks, Trina Related - The Herald Sun: Josh Brolin - The nature of violence (Some Russell mentions) From Daryl on the events for the 1/26/game:
December 15 PR Insider: Crowe's biker film too raw for release -- RUSSELL CROWE once directed a biker film, but it turned out too emotional for him to release it. - Thanks, Allison Movieman's Guide to the Movies: American Gangster and Yuma reviews December 14 From Darrin: I've started a forum over at the Constant Crowe Message Board for the 2007 "Golden Bunny Awards"! We'll be comparing Ben moments with Richie moments and awarding "Golden Bunnies" to whoever wins the most votes! Pix a must! A Charlie wish that needs a link: Vera sent this one in From Carole: The 2008 month-by-month Calendar is now up here CNN: Who is the best autograph signer? - Matt Damon is second on the list, followed by George Clooney, Jack Nicholson, Rosario Dawson, John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, Jay Leno, Dakota Fanning and Russell Crowe -- wait, Russell Crowe? Crowe, who has a history of throwing temper tantrums, ranked among the worst signers on last year's list. But in a turnaround, the magazine said, the 43-year-old actor "started treating fans great, signing, taking pictures and chatting them up." - Thanks, Anne S Moviefone: Golden Globes - Movie snubs and surprises - #2 - Thanks, Marie Gayle Lynne has sent in a detailed report on the Yuma screening The IMDb Daily Poll: Maxim just posted their top 10 movies of the year; what is your favorite from their picks? - Thanks, Kis C The Guardian: (Scroll) Nicole and Russell top the bad-value list - [This story appeared all over the place] - Thanks, all December 13 E! on line: Who wasn't nominated for a Globe? - "...With the Hollywood Foreign Press showering so much love on so many, snubs for the likes of Desperate Housewives, 24, Heroes and The Sopranos' James Gandolfini, all high-profile no-shows in the TV categories, and Russell Crowe, passed over for American Gangster, all the more glaring." - Thanks, madchen Variety: AG, Ridley and Denzel get nominations for the Golden Globes - Nothing for Yuma!!!! From Michael Morgan - Terrific YouTube video on 100 numbers counting down (movies) The AP: Globes nominations to signal Oscar field - Thanks, Kris C The Envelope: My fearless, peerless, 100% accurate Golden Globe predictions - Thanks, Allison (Golden Globe Nominations announced today) Independent UK: The Sun King: On tour with Georgio Armani - "...But as Crowe and Armani went off together to talk, arms slung around each other, I was reminded that the designer had dressed the bride and groom when Crowe got married (a dummy run for the Cruise-Holmes nuptials in 2006). In such circumstances, fashion designers can look proprietorial (naming no names), but Armani looked avuncular, like the generous rich uncle who lubricates the wheels of key moments in the lives of his young wards..." - Thanks, Allison CNN Money.com: Lionsgate to Release 3:10 TO YUMA - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on December 18 - Thanks, Penny, Allison, Cindy highdefdigest.co: Universal Reveals Early 'American Gangster' HD DVD Details - Thanks, Steph EW.com: 20 best revenge movies (Gladiator #3) - Thanks, Allison December 12 Darrin has sent in a report on The Envelope's screening of Yuma last night with a Q&A with Mangold, Foster and Bale. - as has Tamara The Boston Film Critics name Foster runner up for supporting actor -- "Javier Bardem's psychopath with the Prince Valiant haircut in "No Country for Old Men" was named best supporting actor. Ben Foster was the runner-up for his two psychos in "3:10 to Yuma" and "Alpha Dog."" - Thanks, Doreen The Herald Sun: Australia's big three in running for Globes -- "...Oscar voters have not nominated Crowe since A Beautiful Mind in 2002, although Golden Globes voters have been a little kinder, nominating him in 2006 for Cinderella Man and in 2004 for Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, although he did not win either." Star Pulse News: [Don't know about this one] - Russell Crowe is in talks to give movie cop Dirty Harry a new look. The Gladiator star is tipped to headline a remake of Clint Eastwood's movie classic, according to internet reports. The new film will recreate the original, taking Crowe - or whoever lands the role of tough detective Harry Callahan - back to early 1970s San Francisco, California. Variety: Eye on the Oscars - Music (AG and Yuma composers included) - Thanks, Marilyn Variety: Award shows brace for strike -- Producers worried stars may not show up
December 11 Access Hollywood: MovieMantz Top 10 Of 2007: Too Much Of A Good Thing? Yuma at the top) - Thanks, Kris C (ed note: And don't miss "Away From Her". It is joyous and heartbreaking at the same time) The Critics Choice Awards - Vote for best picture - Thanks, Allison Film Stew: A weak supporting argument - Russell Crowe isn’t getting much heat so far for the season’s other big Western, 3:10 to Yuma. But if he pops up Thursday in the 2007 Golden Globe nominations, it will be as, you guessed it, a “Best Supporting Actor.” Never mind that he is the guy they’re trying to put on the 3:10 to Yuma, and never mind the fact that he is in virtually every one of the film’s 117 minutes. - Thanks, Allison Related: Variety London Stage - Othello Review: Get me some poison, Iago." Finally and fatally convinced of Desdemona's iniquity, Chiwetel Ejifor's magnificently held and hurt Othello shimmers with the desire for vengeance. Tightening agonizing tension still further, Ewan McGregor's lethal Iago takes his time. "Do it not with poison," he replies, gently. Taking a stealthy step towards his victim, he pauses for a beat before lowering his voice to almost a whisper: "Strangle her." The chill that grips the theater is testament to the throat-clutching tension of Michael Grandage's brilliantly calibrated Donmar Warehouse production. Shakespeare's masterpiece of cunning is revealed as a breathless, three-hour thriller. For UK Fans: Variety: BSkyB to air Golden Globes -- Renews Oscar coverage From Michael Morgan: Take Ten -- "To celebrate the release of 3:10 to Yuma I’ve teamed up with Lions Gate Films to bring you a bumper goodie bag filled with posters, dvds, t-shirts and baseball caps." The Broadcast Film Critics Association nominates AG for best picture, and Yuma for best score. - Thanks, Mike The UK Voice: The real American Gangster - Thanks, Allison USA Today: Insurance company sues 'Cinderella Man' producers -- Nearly four years after Russell Crowe dislocated his shoulder while training to portray boxer Jim Braddock in Cinderella Man, the injury is the cause of a $3 million court bout. - Thanks, Kris C Firstshowing.net: First Look: Ridley Scott's Body of Lies - Thanks, Allison From Allison: Russell's 6/8/05 appearance on Letterman will repeat this Wednesday, 12/12. December 10 Russell and his boys at the farm -- Charlie and Tenny saw:
Please join us for The Envelope’s screening of 3:10 to Yuma - Conversation to Follow with Christian Bale, Ben Foster & James Mangold - Moderated by TheEnvelope.com’s Tom O’Neil -- December 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. - The Landmark at the Westside Pavilion - 10850 West Pico at Westwood Blvd. - Los Angeles, CA 90064 The Golden Globe nominees will be revealed on December 13. A new update from Daryl Howard on the January game and events surrounding it Hollywood Wire Tap: The awards season begins (Nothing related for us as yet) Shared Darkness Blog: On 3:10 to Yuma's Score - Thanks, Ro December 9 The SMH: Bra Boy behind bars for a night - Thanks, Penny From Ivani: American Gangster is in the cover of brazilian magazine SET - December 2007 DVD Times: Lionsgate Home Entertainment have announced the UK Blu-ray Disc release of 3:10 To Yuma on 28th January 2008 priced at £24.99. Based on a short story from Elmore Leonard and directed by James Mangold, 3:10 To Yuma is the story of a small time rancher who agrees to escort a captured outlaw to a neighboring town in order put him on the train to prison. Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster and Peter Fonda star.- Thanks, Allison TSN: Australian Sunday magazine, 9 December 2007 issue, features RUSSELL CROWE on the cover and in 4 page "Straight Shooter - Russell Crowe earns accolades for his intense characters and, when the cameras aren't rolling, he's equally ardent about telling it like it is - whether it's family, photographers or that phone incident" story with 5 photos, 1 is full page - Thanks, Ivani The SMH: Danielle sings a new tune - Thanks, Steph, Penny December 8 The Sunday Telegraph - Straight Shooter -- RUSSELL Crowe earns accolades for his intense characters and, when the cameras aren't rolling, he's equally ardent about telling it like it is - whether it's family, photographers or that phone incident. - Thanks, Steph, Chats December 7 The LA Times: Screen test(osterone) -- "...On the far side of the blood-and-biceps "Beowulf," consider the gallery of actors today who represent throwbacks to a relatively uncomplicated male mystique. When Russell Crowe or George Clooney are talked about or written about, the tone is often almost strenuously adulatory, as if they stood for an old-style Hollywood machismo that must be preserved at all costs. Crowe was on the cover of "Men's Journal" last month as "Our favorite S.O.B." A new Colorado magazine called Shine featured Clooney on its inaugural cover and inside announced that he "embodies the courageous John Wayne spirit of the Westerns" (which is probably the last thing Clooney wants to hear)." - Thanks, Allison Bend Weekly (Oregon): Behind-the-scenes artists show that it takes the right clutter to create the right clatter -- In the hit movie "American Gangster," those aren't the sounds of Denzel Washington's footsteps whenever his drug-lord character struts about the tough New York streets. That's really Alyson Moore, wearing her worn men's size-6, hard-soled shoes from an Army surplus store and walking in place heel-to-toe on a cement slab strewn with coffee grounds. - Thanks, Allison POL Related: NY Times review -- The Seafarer - Devil of a Christmas (David Morse) - "...As the central adversaries, Mr. Morse (of “How I Learned to Drive”) and Mr. Hinds (of the Broadway production of “Closer”) give the show a diamond-hard dramatic center it lacked in London. Mr. Morse locates exactly the fear of going wrong in the hulking, taciturn Sharky’s careful movements and measured words. Mr. Hinds is uncanny in balancing the mortal failings of Mr. Lockhart’s borrowed body and the immortal rage and agony of the demon within." An update on the fate of the real Sherwood Forest from Jane McW Variety: Awards Central -Ben Foster -- Supporting Actor: "3:10 to Yuma" - Thanks, Allison The AP Movies: Oscar race looks wide open this year - "Other actors with nomination potential in a couple of categories are Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" or "The Savages" (best actor) and "Charlie Wilson's War" (supporting); Russell Crowe for "3:10 to Yuma" (best actor) and "American Gangster" (supporting); and Casey Affleck for "Gone Baby Gone" (best actor) and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (supporting)." - Thanks, Allison The Telegraph au: Crowe pokie plan casualty -- THE president of South Sydney Juniors has quit the board of Souths Sydney Leagues Club today in a protest against the plan to abolish poker machines from the new Rabbitohs club. - Thanks, Allison December 6 USA Today: 2007 a good year for men at the movies -- [James] McAvoy is also hearing great buzz about George Clooney's performance in Michael Clayton and is "desperate" to see Russell Crowe's performance in American Gangster, having already been blown away by Crowe's performance in 3:10 to Yuma. For your consideration - Universal Pictures Awards site - AG (Russell for best supporting. You can also listen to some music from the film) Empire on line: The sexiest movie stars of all time - Thanks, Steph Variety: Russell Crowe -- Supporting Actor: 'American Gangster' -- "Most actors you meet are very concerned with their likability," Mangold says. "What's so brilliant about Russell is that the undeniable charisma he shows in his films is also married to a fearlessness as a performer to do whatever is asked of him, and to take the audience to a darker, more interesting place than another actor might go." Related - The Guardian UK: What are the hottest tickets in London theatre? Patrick Stewart's Macbeth, Ian McKellen's Lear and what will now be known as Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello...... - Thanks, Marilyn Calendars for 2008 from Mariola: Calendar 1 -- Calendar 3 -English -- Calendar 4 -Italian- December 5 More good news from Daryl Howard on the January Rabbitohs game in Jacksonville The NY Times David Carr's blog: American Prankster -- "Every once in a while, the guests lists get crossed and the Bagger ends up at an event where he manifestly does not belong. Last night, Yvonne and Barry Cohen hosted Brian Grazer and his girlfriend Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen at their soaring apartment in the skies above the East River. The event was held to raise money for a Steinway piano, which is to be donated to Ms. Thi Nguyen’s music school in her native Vietnam. The evening featured an exquisite piano performance by Ms. Thi Nguyen." - Thanks, Allison EW.com: Poll - the best films of 2007 - Thanks, Allison BBC America: Brad Pitt walked out on the State of Play remake over script concerns. His replacement? The far more talented Russell Crowe. Helen Mirren facing off with Brad Pitt? She'd waste him. Mirren vs. Crowe? Now that's a formidable match. Maybe this writers' strike is good for something after all. - (Wih pic of Russell in tub from Breaking Up) - Thanks, Allison Calendar Live: (Cotillard) - Just before playing Edith Piaf, you played the love interest to Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "A Good Year." How was working with those two? -- I'd been told of Russell Crowe's reputation, but he's really the nicest guy. And I'm not doing an American-type promotion. He really wanted people to be happy on the set, and he would do anything to make you at ease. - Thanks, Allison News.com.au: Why the zero-pokies vision is on the money -- "RUSSELL Crowe has pleaded with the South Sydney faithful to back his vision for a no-pokies leagues club at Redfern as its board agonises over lost revenue.The megastar will today email a letter - co-signed by Rabbitohs part-owner Peter Holmes a Court - to about 10,000 fans urging them to endorse the proposal ahead of next Tuesday's board meeting." - Thanks, CGee, Anne S -- (Here is the letter at the Souths web site and a request to pass the word about the owners' views) Related - Denzel Washington - The NY Times: For Struggling Black College, Hopes of a Revival (Link HERE to the Times on the film with Denzel - The Great Debaters) Variety: Ridley Scott -- Directors in the Oscar race - Thanks, Cindy MovieCrazed: WHO NEEDS BRAD PITT WHEN THEY'VE GOT RUSSELL CROWE READY TO ROLL? - Thanks, Guy The Envelope's Oscar BuzzMeter - AG and Ridley on the list December 4 - Happy Hanukkah Send your greeting to Charlie Crowe in this guestbook. (Click on "Sign the guestbook") -- His 4th birthday is December 21 (You may add a picture no larger than 120 kb) The Times UK: Both Yuma and AG make their 100 best films of 2007 list with four stars each - Thanks, Allison Popcorn Junkies: Movies to be thankful for - the 1970s: Ridley Scott's American Gangster then almost repeated the same trick, only filling his Gangster Epic/Police Procedural/Blaxploitation film with enough star wattage to power an entire city. Both films were incredible examples of how modern storytelling could transport us to a real time and place and make us feel as if we never left. -- Westerns: 3:10 to Yuma was the classic Western in the mold of The Magnificent Seven and High Noon. It stunned me with its awesome gun fights and over the top heroics. - Thanks, Allison The UK Independent: The noble art of boxing -- Howard discovered boxing's allure with Far and Away (1992), in which a bare-knuckled Tom Cruise fights Colm Meaney and a horse. The director returned to the theme with Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe as heavyweight champion James J Braddock, who gave up boxing during the Depression to feed his family by working as a longshoreman, then made a spectacular comeback to win the world title in 1935. - Thanks, Allison The SMH: Rusty - Parts 1 and 2 (scroll) - Thanks, Tamara -- (If you would like to pre-order the original BBC State of Play with David Morressey and John Simm, you can through my Amazon AStore. It releases in February) From CGee: "Thanks to a heads up by our Oz fan, Souths have posted their new Christmas catalog (pdf File) and it's really cool! Besides the new merchandise they have articles on how the jersey was designed, how the Book of Feuds came to be, and some bios of new players." (items to order start on page 14 with the SSS DVD) Backstage: Lionsgate, Back Stage, and The Hollywood Reporter invite you to join 3:10 to Yuma stars Christian Bale and Ben Foster for a screening on Wednesday, Dec. 12, in Los Angeles. - Thanks, Steph, joz, Allison From Jeannine: " The moving lament by Lisa Gerrard, Sorrow from "Gladiator" was played during the funeral service for Redskins player, Sean Taylor. Her voice carries such strength of spirit through loss to renewed life. For anyone who hasn't seen the exceptional dvd "Sanctuary" on her life and creativity, the dvd is as emotionally powerful and inspiring as her voice." Constant Crowe Updates: Thanks to Jean, I have two VERY cool "blasts from the pasts" videos! The first is "Music Maximus", an hour long program where Russell talks music without interruption! Also thanks to Jean, the Alan Border awards show video of Russell's appearance on the show and TOFOG singing, "Things Have Got To Change"! Finally, Isis has rendered an incredible retrospective from Reelz Channel, a program called "What It Takes", LOTS of footage we haven't seen before all the way back to TQADT! Picture of Russell on the cover of the December Men' Journal - Thanks, Allison December 3 "I thought that you'd be interested in knowing that Billy Dean Cochran of TOFOG now is fronting his own band in Hong Kong. They're called El Destroyo. Their videos can be found on YouTube. We have it listed on Froggy's Saloon Bar site on EzBoard. You can check it out there. Thanks!" -- tofog41 Flash!: Variety: Crowe commits to 'State of Play' -- Russell Crowe has committed to star for Universal in "State of Play," a development that keeps the Kevin Macdonald-directed film on course to begin production this year. Crowe joins Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn, who were all locked into pay-or-play deals when Brad Pitt abruptly exited the project just before Thanksgiving. Producers are Andrew Hauptman and Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. From Ray: All Russell Crowe & TOFOG Cds Now at iTunes -- The three previous releases from Russell Crowe & 30 Odd Foot of Grunts-"Gaslight", "Bastard Life or Clarity" and "Other Ways of Speaking" now join Russell Crowe & The Ordinary Fear of God's "My Hand, My Heart" for sale at all iTunes stores. You can use the links we created on our Myspace page to go directly to the cds for purchase or you can go to iTunes and just put in the cd titles in the search at the upper right hand side to find and purchase. From Lallum: John Nash in a Spanish publication La Vanguardia:
From Pat: "I flew to LA for one day biz trip on Thursday, and was enchanted to see Lionsgate took out a full page, 4-color ad continuing to promote viewing of 3:10 to Yuma to all Guild and Academy members. The call was for nominations in ALL categories. Viewings are scheduled at three locations in the LA area and in most cases, at least twice a day. The photo of Russell was at his most menacing, and that of Christian reflected his most determined look. The photos are better than the original posters. This film, IMO, surpasses AG in acting, moral tension, editing, and original soundtrack. Beltrami’s score is extremely creative and dramatic." Variety: Many top names free for spring films -- "...Universal took advantage of the availability of Russell Crowe to keep "State of Play" going, but that was an anomaly. He is poised to step into a fully formed picture, with sets constructed, Kevin Macdonald ready to direct, and a stellar cast -- Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman and Robin Wright Penn -- all locked into pay-or-play deals. Indications are that Crowe likes the script, and the studio and his WMA reps are trying to make a deal that will allow him time to report to the Ridley Scott-directed drama "Nottingham" in March. Even if the start date of "State of Play" gets pushed a bit, U is financing both films and won't have to barter with a rival studio nervous that Crowe will be late arriving to Sherwood Forest." E! on line: Another lump of coal for Hollywood -- The post-Thanksgiving weekend is typically weak, but this weekend was especially weak—Hollywood's worst in 10 years, Box Office Mojo's Brandon Gray said. It worsened a slump that seemingly began the second the record-setting summer ended. So far, Bee Movie (ninth place, $4.47 million; $117.6 million overall) and American Gangster (10th place, $4.3 million; $121.7 million overall) are the only fall movies to top $100 million. And of those two, only American Gangster has earned back its reported production budget...... Thanks, Marilyn You can pre-order the Yuma soundtrack from Amazon HERE - It is also available now from i Tunes - Thanks, Ivani December 2 CBS Sunday Morning today - Josh Brolin comes into his own - Thanks, all December 1 There will be no updates from noon EST today until tomorrow evening. I'm away for Grandson Griffin's third birthday Lionsgate: (Variety) A letter from James Mangold circulated this evening calling BFCA attention to Marco Beltrami and his musical score for "3:10 to Yuma." Included was a link to an interesting video featurette on the scoring of the film. -- Mangold talks about the Yuma score and a nomination for composer Marco Beltrami - Thanks, Cindy From Kris C: The IMDb poll -- "This blogger recently listed 11 films that should not be listed on the IMDb Top 250; which one would you defend to the death?" The Winnipeg Sun: Stars' deals struck a blow - STATE OF PLAY -- Days before filming was to commence, Brad Pitt quit this political drama because he didn't like the latest rewrites of the script -- something that couldn't be fixed until the strike was over. That left Universal scrambling to find a new leading man -- or risk losing members of the A-list cast: Edward Norton, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn and Helen Mirren. After a weekend spent courting Russell Crowe, the studio has now signed the American Gangster to replace Pitt (not sure if this is quite accurate), saving State in the proverbial nick of time. --NOTTINGHAM - For Crowe, the State of Play offer was probably impossible to refuse because his only other starring pre-SAG strike project is this retelling of the Robin Hood mythos with the Sheriff of Nottingham as the good guy. Problem is, the script reportedly needs heavy work and must start shooting by March in order to beat the actors strike deadline. Constant Crowe Updates: Danyell has served up another delicious slide show of Russell pix to Terri Clark's "You're Easy On The Eyes"! Click here to go directly to her Illustrated Songs page! The Independent UK: How gangster blockbuster led hoodlum's daughter to set up charity - Thanks, Allison November 30 Playbill: Linney, Close, Washington and Langella Among Satellite Award Nominees Variety: Big casts make for major challenges - Finding right mix of actors can lead to SAG win - "American Gangster. "This was the easiest job, even though it was a huge, huge cast," says Avy Kaufman. "A lot of times you show directors a lot of people and you have to show them 20,000 more," but Ridley Scott was decisive. Because the material was attractive, Kaufman says, "I got great people to do parts they wouldn't normally do," including Roger Bart ("Young Frankenstein"), who plays an angry attorney and Kevin Corrigan ("Grounded for Life"), who in one scene gets to bite Russell Crowe." - Thanks, Allison Waleg.com: Russell Crowe does Esquire: "Russell Crowe is one hell of an actor ... i love all his movies, there's not one movie which he was in, that was crappy! Well, the Aussie hottie is in the December issue of Esquire magazine ... talking about a load of stuff, like his latest role in the great movie American Gangster. This is his third movie with director Ridley Scott." - Thanks, Allison Yahoo news via The Hollywood Reporter: LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The crime thrillers "The Lookout," "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," "Eastern Promises," "No Country for Old Men" and "3:10 to Yuma" will vie for best motion picture drama honors with the Alzheimer's saga "Away From Her" at the International Press Academy's 12th annual Satellite Awards, organizers said. - Thanks, Kris C Just in case - a beginning page for State of Play The NY Daily News: Daily News lists Top 50 Dumbest People in Hollywood (Had to base their choice on a story that is SO dead and out of date by now.) Happy Birthday, Ridley Scott!! - Thank, Tracey Variety - Anne Thompson - Hollywood's new scapegoat -- "...On the other hand, Universal and Working Title are desperately trying to keep "State of Play," which was supposed to start Nov. 15, on the fast track. The studio was threatening to sue the pay-or-play Pitt, as it once did Mike Myers over "Dieter." (Myers eventually settled.) Now the studio is trying to replace the balky Pitt with "American Gangster" star Russell Crowe, who trying to work out his schedule. He is skedded to start Ridley Scott's "Nottingham" in March for the studio." - Thanks, Cindy Tom O'Neil (Give it a rest)The Envelope: "Curious Golden Globes smackdown: Russell Crowe vs. Russell Crowe - Good news for BAFTA producers and Manhattan hotel clerks! What goes around really does come around. The next slugfest Russell Crowe faces is against himself — at the upcoming Golden Globes. He was put in the lead acting race for both "American Gangster" and "3:10 to Yuma" by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's eligibility committee. - Thanks, Mike The Leader-Post CA: Independent studios gear up for Oscar battle -- LIONSGATE -- "As far as our consultants tell us, it's all over, with '3:10 to Yuma' winning everything," jokes studio president Tom Ortenberg of James Mangold's Western starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. "But no joke, we think it's a contender from top to bottom." In addition to pushes for the leading men, Ben Foster and Peter Fonda will be championed as supporting actors." - Thanks, Steph The Courier Mail: Crowe grows older and wiser -- CELEBRATED filmmaker Ridley Scott is once again singing the praises of Russell Crowe - saying the Aussie star is nothing like his public persona. In his acclaimed new movie, American Gangster, the British-born director again teams up with Crowe, along with Denzel Washington, to tell the compelling tale of Harlem's first black heroin kingpin. Scott says: "Russell is very warm and is very generous and real. And he's very sharing and sometimes the public image he has is completely inaccurate, because I think he's so smart he doesn't suffer fools. He gets irritated easily." - Thanks, Steph |