January 2011 News

January 31

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. Of course, we will all miss his presence on screen - we hope it is temporary]

Adelaide Now: Russell Crowe to take a break from acting - Thanks, Steph - My Brother's Keeper - Audio Book available at i Tunes

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

January 30

news.com.au: Crowe at premiere for Next Three Days (Thanks, Kris C) --- image at Zimbio (Thanks, Sherezade)

More pictures (watermarked) at Newspix - Thanks, Cindy

January 29

Alan Doyle has joined Twitter - Thanks, Lynda

The Sunday Telegraph via The Courier-Mail: Russ plays by his own rules - Thanks, CGee, Sherezade

January 28

Fishbowl LA: Russell Crowe Gets Way Better Press Down Under - Thanks, Kris C

nineMSN: Crowe defends Star City sponsorship of Rabbitohs - January 28, 2011: Russell Crowe has defended a controversial decision by the South Sydney Rabbitohs to accept sponsorship from Star City Casino. The deal is a backflip for the actor who once tried to keep pokies out of the Souths’ Leagues Club. - Thanks, Steph, Kris C - Story also at The Age au -- And at SMH (Thanks, CGee)

Sportal.com.au: Crowe on the backfoot - Thanks, Kris C

Fox Sports au: Russell Crowe shrugs off suggestions that Wayne Bennett will coach South Sydney in 2012 - Thanks, Steph

Russell was referenced in a bit of a snarky way on 30 Rock last night, but not near what they did to Mel Gibson and Jon Gosselin

January 27

The Roadshow Contest: We have a winner - It is Kelly! (All the entries were excellent and poetic, but Kelly captured her synopsis in words that gave us the whole story in style.)

A story of father and son
One heterosexual one gay
Both looking for love
Complex yet honest
Unexpected turn of events
Unconditional love
The Sum of Us

From Judy: Kevin Spacey 1-19-98 interview with Charlie Rose on “L.A. Confidential”  --- Curtis Hansen 10-24-97 interview with Charlie Rose on “L.A. Confidential”

Abilene on line news: Inspiration for hostage movie dies in Houston -- ‘Proof of Life' based on Hargrove's tale --- Actor David Morse played Hargrove as a character named Peter Bowman in the film. The movie grossed $63 million. - Thanks, Kris C

Primessima: New pics from TN3D - Thanks, Mirella

OMG! - G'Day Hollywood! -- In honor of Australia Day on January 26, omg! salutes some of the biggest talent from Down Under. - Thanks, Marie

The NY Times has the Oscar ballot and a competition

Sports News First: Rabbitohs set to cash in with Star City -- THE tie between gambling and Rugby League will continue to grow with South Sydney is set to declare a new five-year, multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with Star City on Friday.

Russell at Twitter on The Kung Fu film: "@mahroon something like that with a touch of ODB (wu tang style)" - ODB (Old Dirty Bastard) at Wikipedia

The SMH: Russell Crowe's new thriller takes a beating (Snarky, imo) - Haggis and Crowe say they will work together again in the future on projects, including a cinematic production of The Equaliser, the '80s TV series starring Edward Woodward. The project, unofficially slated for 2012, could be pivotal for Crowe. Likely to be his next two films as an actor in 2011 are Phillip Noyce's take on the Tim Winton novel Dirt Music and former rapper RZA's martial arts flick, The Man with the Iron Fists. Both represent somewhat of a risk to Crowe's "Hollywood" status as a $20 million-a-role star. An intense outback drama might not be the tub-thumping "comeback" vehicle expected of the star of Gladiator. - Thanks, Kris C, Steph

January 26

Flix 66: Elizabeth Banks and Russell Crowe bringing The Next Three Days on Blu-ray - Thanks, Steph

Reelzchannel.com: Russell Crowe - Moviemine

My Bad -- Because the Twitter idea for the Roadshow contest was way too confusing to explain, let's just do this instead. Tell me your favorite Crowe film in prose or poetry. Make it as clever as you can. Simple synopses won't win. You may e-mail me your entry, or put it here in the comments section of the Crowe News Blog. Put "contest" on the subject line. The contest ends at 11am Friday 28 January Sydney time - (That's Thursday evening January 27 about 7 PM EST). So you have today and tomorrow to get creative.

January 25

Film Related - Congrats to the Oscar nominees - Especially Jeff Bridges and Colin Firth -- and young Hailee Steinfield

The Houston Chronicle (Proof Of Life related): Thomas Hargrove risked his life to feed world's poor - "...The movie loosely based on his story — Proof of Life, starring Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe — opened in 2000. Younger son Geddie Hargrove, 37, of Dallas, said his father liked the movie, despite the liberties it took with the facts." - Thanks, Steph

Wegotthiscovered.com: Beautiful Mind Blu-ray review - Thanks, Steph

YouTube: Russell Crowe offered a role in Star Wars - interview with Nelson Aspen on Sunrise - Thanks, Sherezade

January 24

See January 26 for the ROadshow contest

January 23

The SMH: (Scroll) CROWE CIRCLES FOR BENNIE -- WE REVEALED last week that Russell Crowe was circling All Blacks sensation Sonny Bill Williams, seeking his signature. However, he might have already pulled off a bigger coup. We're getting strong mail that the Oscar winner has already lured super coach Wayne Bennett to Redfern next year. We asked TAB Sportsbet to frame us a market on where Bennett will end up and it appears the smart money is on the Bunnies. ''Winning a premiership with a foundation club in South Sydney would cap off a stellar career for Bennett,'' said TAB Sportsbet's Matthew Jenkins. ''What Russell Crowe wants, he gets.'' - Thanks, Kris C

Wrestle Heat: Batista ready to return to WWE? - More than one person within WWE feels its only a matter of time before Batista returns to the organization. He’s currently in Thailand filming The Man with the Iron Fist with mixed martial artist Cung Le, his highest profile acting role to date. Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu also star in the movie. - Thanks, Kris C

January 22

From Judy: Good quality videos of Oprah in Australia—Russell is in 2.05 (sailing) and 3.04 (the interview).  Note, if you save these videos, they play better with the Quicktime Player or the VLC player; the video and sound is out of synch with the Windows Video Player. 

Robin Hood will be on HBO 3-5-11 - Thanks Kris C

January 21

From Tamara at TRC: Oprah.com has video segments of just Russell - one from the ship excursion yesterday and today one "backstage" with his comments on can't-miss things in Australia and New Zealand. Both are on our news page, first and second items.

On the recent poll of favorite early Crowe films - John Beibe (MA) came in first, with Cort (TQATD) following (Over 400 of you voted - thanks!)

ToNight NZ Movies: It’s a bumpy road to freedom - Thanks, Gayle-Lynne

At YouTube: Russell Crowe interview on Oprah (go to minute 6:21) - Thanks, Sherezade

If you fancy a week-end in Portsmouth devoted to the novels of Patrick O'Brian including lectures, music, reading and the rare privilege to dine on board HMS Victory.... (11th-13th march 2011) - Thanks, Rose 

The Examiner.com: The Director's Chair: Clint Eastwood will direct 'A Star is Born' (Russell was once rumored) - Thanks, Steph, Cindy

Related - Peter Weir: A so so review in the NY Times (Dargis) for his latest - Pushing the Limits of Endurance

January 20

flickeringmyth.com: Peter Weir Retrospective: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) - Thanks, Steph

Speaking of M&C, Related - Aceshowbiz.com: Paul Bettany Was First Choice for 'The King's Speech'

January 19

The Hollywood Reporter: Screenwriter Steven Zaillian to Receive WGAW Lifetime Achievement Award -- "...His other screenplays include Awakenings, for which he received both Academy and Writers Guild Award nominations (Best Screenplay, Based on Material from Another Medium), The Falcon and the Snowman, Jack the Bear,  and American Gangster"

Oprah.com: OPRAH IN AUSTRALIA: ULTIMATE WILDEST DREAMS - Thanks, Allison

Alan Doyle is on the Canadian TV show The Republic of Doyle tonight - with the legendary Gordon Pinsent

Testing an e mail form for you to comment on the site. New at this, so let's see if it works.

Film and Actor Related: PBS American Masters - Jeff Bridges, the Dude Abides - Watch it, just grand!

Dark Horizons: Aussie Cinemas Offer Flood Relief - Thanks, Steph

Any chance it is you, RC? - Movie Blog MTV: 'The Dark Tower' Casting EXCLUSIVE: Roland Will Be Revealed This Week, Says Brian Grazer!

The Daily Record UK: Want to be Gladiator? Now's your chance - Thanks, Kris C

Newcastle Herald au: Follow the lead of Souths, Manly -- ..."Do South Sydney members (the numbers have exploded since Rusty hit the scene) care that they don’t get to vote for some blazer wearer every year? Frankly, they’d demand a statue be erected to Crowe and placed at Redfern Oval if they win the premiership." - Thanks, Kris C

January 18

OPRAH'S ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE PART 2 - (Note for Tomorrow) -- Thanks, Allison

January 17

That new poll - If you haven't voted as yet

obsessedwithfilm.com: RZA and Roth Filming THE MAN WITH THE IRON FIST With Russell Crowe in China -"... Indeed Russell Crowe has honoured his friends request and will be spending the month of February shooting in China along with Lucy Liu, Byron Mann, Cung Lee and Daniel Wu. His part, said to be ‘The Baddest Man Alive’. Now that’s good casting." - Thanks, Steph

January 16

journalism.onmason.com: Kevin McCarthy gets an interview with Russell Crowe on Twitter - Thanks, Cindy

And congrats to all the Golden Globe winners, especially Paul Giamatti and Colin Firth.

The Washington Times: The List: Best Golden Globes' quotes - Russell Crowe (2002)  "We may be a long way away, but we have all the modern technology," Mr. Crowe said backstage. "The art form of cinema in Australia is something that is held very dear by the audience." Mr. Crowe won the award for best actor in a drama for portraying Nobel Prize winner John Forbes Nash Jr. in "A Beautiful Mind." Australian actress Nicole Kidman won the award for best actress in a musical or comedy  in "Moulin Rouge," which won the top award for a musical or comedy and was directed by Australian Baz Luhrmann. - Thanks, Kris C

Related: fadeinonline -- An excellent interview with Kevin Spacey - Thanks, Judy

From Allison: "Per my cable guide, Russell will appear on Oprah in Oz' shows this Wednesday and Thursday; the adventure continues on Friday so I suggest watching that as well as since I believe Russell appears at the finale with the other Aussie guests."

January 15

SMH: League HQ: Crowe sets his sights on Sonny Bill - Thanks, Caliope

Spanish Mag Cover - Pantalla - Thanks, Caliope

It is the birthday of Martin Luther King

January 14

Great Big Sea: Alan's from the road - a new entry [No mention of a tour with Russell in 2011. He does say -- "There are huge chunks of the schedule that are open to imagine whatever." ] - Thanks, Gayle-Lynne

Related (Paul Haggis): The NY Times Carpetbagger - Saving the Children at a Modern-Day Xanadu

MSNBC: (ABM) 5 most accomplished Ron Howard films - "It also features one of Russell Crowe's strongest performances; it's a great indicator of his versatility. As tortured math genius John Forbes Nash Jr., Crowe's transformation is stunning — reminiscent of the one he pulled off two years earlier in "The Insider," but even more effective because Nash's story is so much more personal." - Thanks, Allison

January 13

Flickering Myth Blog: Picture Perfect: A conversation with cinematographer Russell Boyd - Thanks, Judy

Before They Were Stars 2000 Ep 1 (Part 1) (Richard Wilkins) - Thanks, Caliope

Related (Guy Pearce) Hitfix.com -- The forgotten 'King': A Conversation with Guy Pearce

January 12

Filmbiz Asia: The Man With The Iron Fist

From Andi at CC via Cindy: DVDActive.com -- Title: The Next Three Days (IMDb) -- Starring: Russell Crowe Released: 8th March 2011 SRP: $29.95 (DVD) Further Details: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has announced DVD ($29.95) and Blu-ray/DVD Combo ($39.99) releases of The Next Three Days which stars Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Neeson. Each will be available to own from March 8th. The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD are packed with bonus materials including a "making of" featurette, a featurette that looks at the "men" of the film as well as a look at true prison break stories in the name of "love," plus funny cast moments and deleted and extended scenes. Stay tuned for package artwork.

Off Topic, but wonderful to watch at YouTube - The Godfather of them all - Marlon Brando interview 1973 - Dick Cavett

Related -- TVandMovieNews.com: Notable Films for 2011 --Life in a Day -- Cast: Planet Earth and Its Citizens Director: Kevin Macdonald Summary: A documentary film project by YouTube in which users sent in videos of themselves on July 24th 2010. Ridley Scott and Kevin MacDonald teamed to edit together a feature length presentation consisting of footage from some of the contributors. - The film itself will be live-streamed on Youtube at 5pm US-PST on January 27th with an encore presentation the following night.

January 11

Information on Shanghai

Variety: Irish Awards -- The nominees for best international film include "A Prophet," "Inception," "The Social Network" and "Toy Story 3." The candidates for best international actor are Leonardo DiCaprio for "Inception," Jesse Eisenberg for "The Social Network," Rahar Rahim for "A Prophet" and Russell Crowe for "The Next Three Days." - Thanks, Janet

Film Business Asia: Iron Fists shoot underway in China - The cast includes Russell Crowe and RZA as the title character, a blacksmith who forges weapons for the inhabitants of a village in feudal China. They are forced to defend themselves. Corey Yuen (Transporter) is directing the action sequences. The $20 million film to be distributed by Universal Pictures also features a large Asian-American contingent including Lucy Liu, Daniel Wu, Byron Mann (Streetfighter, The Corruptor, pictured), Osric Chau (What Women Want) and Darren Scott (aka Darren Choo, Romeo Must Die). Crowe is expected to arrive in China at the end of the months and stay on set through February. - Thanks, Steph

From CGee: Rabbitohs close in on 10,000 Ticketed Members

From Allison -- ABC advertised Oprah's Oz adventure today - the shows are to air Jan. 18-20.

NY Times: Related (Cinderella Man linked): On FX -With a Life on the Ropes, Seeking Redemption in the Ring

January 10

The UK Press Association: Weir not keen on Commander sequel -- Peter Weir is not as keen as Russell Crowe on the idea of making a sequel to Master And Commander: The Far Side of the World. - [Not new news -- From Gayle: "Peter Weir was saying he did not want to direct a sequel already back when the film had come out and was nominated for its Oscars. I had attended a screening of M&C back then which included a Q&A with Weir—and during the Q&A he had stated he did not want to make a sequel and if it was made—it could be made by another"]                                      

t-Spot: Movie of the Week: Unforgiven, 3:10 to Yuma, and more. - Thanks, Allison

Sunday Telegraph UK Jan 9th: RC has posted a tweet congratulating the English cricket team on winning the Ashes: the most prestigious  trophy in the game, played for every 2 years in a series of five five-day Test matches. Article with quote here - Thanks, Christine

January 9

@russellcrowe Russell Crowe Watched the Jets game (or some of it) with Tennyson (in between we played "Robin Hood" which consists of him jumping on me and yelling)

January 8

In Tomorrow's NY Times - An Article on Peter Weir -- He’s Fought His Own Way Back to Work - M&C mentioned, with pic of Russell - “Master and Commander” was certainly that kind of picture, a vivid, turbulent ripping yarn about naval warfare in the Napoleonic era, and “The Way Back,” though quieter, is no less consequential stuff.

Speaking of M&C - Patrick O' Brian audiobooks available at Amazon

Russell Tweets: russellcrowe Russell Crowe -- Academy members, when you are filling out your ballot, don't forget @elizabethbanks in The Next Three days

January 7

Oz Related - News.com.au: If you want to help the victims of the flooding in Queensland

January 6

From Judy: Telegraph.co.uk has a podcast of the “Cut” that includes an interview with Russell on “The Next Three Days”.  It is audio only.

From Christine: Tonight 6th Jan, Radio 4, Front Row: Mark Lawson on The Next Three days. Positive reaction from him, woman he's interviewing isn't so sure and prefers the original version. Lawson can't resist referring to a 'convincing American accent', goes on to say he likes the practicality of the film, in which Crowe approaches planning a jailbreak as if he's constructing a wardrobe. He then says he thinks it's emotionally subtle and that he found it satisfying.

UK Press: Banks: Crowe is the bee's knees - Thanks, Gayle-Lynne

Gawker.com: The Scientology Expose We've Been Waiting For - New Yorker staff writer and Looming Tower author Lawrence Wright is writing what his agent calls "the most profound reckoning to date" with Scientology, told through the eyes of director and apostate Paul Haggis. This should be good.

Rugby League.com: DISCORD 2011: EDITION 1 -- GREG Inglis' arrive at South Sydney is good for rugby league - despite what some Brisbane fans reading this will think - Thanks, Kris C

The Daily Telegraph AU: Tapping into celebrity at Tap Dogs opening night - Thanks, Steph

MSN Movies UK: Movie preview: 12 to see in January - TN3D - Thanks, Wendy

January 5

Herald Sun: Russell Crowe's new movie 'flawed' - Thanks, Gayle-Lynne

January 4

Den of Geek: Paul Haggis interview - Thanks, Kris C

Independent ie: Crowe 'nearly didn't make' Days - Thanks, Kris C

From CGee: Here’s a link with photos from Redfern today of Greg Inglis officially joining the Rabbitohs at training.

January 3

From Tamara at TRC: The January calendar is updated

Off Topic -- I will miss him. He was one of my favorites: Pete Postlethwaite, Actor, Dies at 64

At Collider - Robin Hood is one of best 10 films of 2010 according to Quentin Tarantino

The Next 3 Days - One of the best 10 posters of 2010 - Thanks to Ivani

January 2

Two Oz related news articles from today's NY Times - In the travel section - Sydney’s Convict Past and in the obits - Ruth Park, Australian Realist Author, Dies at 93

January 1, 2011

YouTube: Russell Crowe Arrives At David Letterman Show in NYC Nov 11 2010 - Thanks, Sherezade

Happy new decade to all...Let's hope for some new Russell news to come our way soon...

For the new decade - A poll to pass the time. Click to the down arrow to see all the choices. Have Fun

December 31

Happy New Year to Russell and all his fans!!!

NY Times: Australia Floods Show No Signs of Retreating

From The Writers' Almanac: Missouri-born writer Mark Twain proclaimed that “New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.”