Maximum Russell Crowe

Fairleigh Dickinson and NJ Performing Arts Center, Newark
Report by Patty S.

I did some extra work on "Beautiful Mind" - two all-night shoots at Fairleigh Dickinson U. in Madison NJ (the Governor's Ball scene), and one very long day at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark (the Nobel Prize Awards scene). At Fairleigh Dickinson I was quite close to the action, in a good position to observe Russell, although I had no interaction with him. At NJ PAC, he was the only thing that made an unbearably long day tolerable. He talked to us (the Nobel Awards audience) about the scene before we started, and in between takes he kept us entertained and interested by talking, joking, and goofing around. He got us all to sing "Happy Birthday" to one of his fellow actors, and publicly thanked a couple who had won their extra spots in a charity auction. And as a treat at the end of the day, he took a big roll of cloth out of a paperbag, unrolled it, and pulled out his Oscar statuette! Of course the crowd went wild. I've read a lot about how he's temperamental and difficult to work with, but he's my hero now. He didn't have to be nice -- he could have just ignored us -- but he was down to earth and talked to us like "just folks". Not to mention, it was a great experience watching him work. He did the same moving speech over and over, with subtle differences each time, and was able to make it fresh.

NJ Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. June 19, 2001
Report by Ddennis

It was a long day for us and even longer for Russell and Jennifer. I sat very near Jennifer during the whole day of shooting (19 hours). Russell was made up as John Nash when he received his Noble Prize.

Russell did the same scene and lines, his acceptance speech, all day long, 40 takes or more. After the 2nd one he said, "Well folks, this is as good as it gets, the rest of the day is all this same stuff over and over!" He was very funny, telling jokes to us, making funny comments about Ron Howard and the whole movie-making process and about New Jersey. Ron was great too. Jennifer was very friendly and nice, even with a face full of latex. Russell seemed very attentive to her, not in a romantic way, but concerned about her as his character would, making eye contact, asking her if his performance seemed good, etc. I can't see the unpleasant person you hear about. He did get a little testy when an extra screwed up a take by clapping too soon, we all did, but then he joked about it. The best was at the end when he thanked us and said that if we all worked hard (as he picked up a paper bag and took out what looked like a T-shirt) and he pulled out his Oscar! The whole crowd went wild! We clapped and hollered! Then Ron Howard said "I don't have one of those . . . yet!" We all laughed and clapped. It was great.

NJ Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. June 19, 2001
Report by John M.

I along with my son were extras at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Nobel Prize set). It was a first time for us and we thoroughly enjoyed the day albeit a long one!!

My son sat in the fourth or fifth row in front of the podium as Russell acted out the scene and I was in about the ninth or tenth row most of the time (we moved around several times for the camera angles). In any case, ALL of the extra cast looked wonderful, transformed from summer clothing into black tail tuxedos and women of course in beautiful gowns. I was able to approach Russell at the end of that very long day as he stood on stage and leaned over for a handshake and a few words. He was wonderful throughout the entire shoot, and told some jokes as well. He really made a sincere attempt to interact as much as possible will all of the extras while maintaining his character.

Ron Howard was a treat to watch as he totally immersed himself in his work. I must also say that Mr. Dance, (Casting Director) who we met in Feburary '01 at Princeton University during the open auditions was also intensely involved and devoted to his job.

The highlight of the night though was when it was quite late, and a long day was being felt by all. Russell acknowledged the long day and noted how appreciative he was for our performance. He said at one point, "I know it's been a very long day, and we are all somewhat tired, but I'd like to share something with all of you, perhaps it'll pick everyone up a bit!" Mr. Crowe proceeded to unwrap a folded cloth and presented from same his Oscar for "Gladiator" which he held up high -- and got a standing ovation as so well deserved, as you can imagine. A day that I, along with my son, will never forget.

Princeton University, Friday, June 15, 2001
Report by Gary

I was an extra when the film was filming in Princeton on Friday June 15. We did a scene on Nassau Street (the "main street" of town) where Nash buys a newspaper from a machine on the sidewalk. All I had to do was walk past him in the opposite direction down the sidewalk.

Well, after about 10 or so takes, he passes me on my left ... and puts his shoulder into me! Staying in character, he apologized for his clumsiness and continued on without breaking stride. I immediately started to panic thinking I was going to get tossed off the set for making contact with the Oscar-winning star!

After Ron yelled "Cut" we all went back to our starting marks. Russell Crowe walks right up to me, pats me on the shoulder and says, "I just wanted to let you know I did that on purpose. I hope I didn't hit you too hard. You ok?"

I told him I was fine and was thankful that at least HE knew what he was doing because I was on the verge of crapping my pants that I was to get tossed from the set. He assured me everything was fine and that he didn't tell me he was going to do it ahead of time so to get a natural reaction from me. He finished by saying "Ron loved it." I almost passed out.

Ron Howard and Russell (seated)

Ron and Russell

Princeton University, June 13-14, 2001
Report by Krissy. Photo by Angel3064.

"The first scene was set at a newsstand erected on Nassau Street. It was an Autumn scene. Russell wore a coat, but no hat and there was no snow. They shot a few takes of him buying a paper from the stand, and then walking through the University gates. This wasn't very emotional, yet Russell was completely in character while the cameras were rolling. At CUT!, he and Ron would review each take on the monitors.

The next exterior that we observed was a scene of Nash crossing the campus. It was a very intense scene. Again, Russell became Nash. His motions become very twitchy and jerky, unlike his normal actions. It is absolutely amazing that he can turn those characteristics and emotions on and off like a light switch.

Following this scene, he walked towards his SUV and signed autographs on the sidewalk. He took his time, didn't rush anyone, and made sure that everyone was able to get 1, 2, or more signatures. As he wasn't really in makeup they allowed some pictures to be taken.

That night we met Ron Howard, Akiva Goldsman, and Paul Bettany. All three are extremely pleasant and funny! Ron could barely contain his enthusiasm for the film. He increased my anticipation ten-fold. He and Akiva signed some autographs for my friends, as did Paul. I'd forgotten my copy of ABM, so I asked Paul to sign a piece of paper for me, which he did immediately, teasing me slightly. He also posed for a picture.

Thursday morning the crew was back on Nassau Street. The hot, steamy New Jersey morning was replaced by a winter wonderland and a newspaper machine replaced the newsstand. At one point, the wardrobe lady was trying to get Russell's hat and hair just so. She poked and prodded at his head a few times, then he removed the hat, raked his fingers threw his hair, and put the hat back on himself. It met with both their approval this time! This was a very, very emotional scene for Russell. All the onlookers were impressed and applauded afterwards.

Later they filmed a scene with many extras, set in the late-1960s. Again, the cast were dressed for autumn/winter. They must have been sweltering.

The final scene was shot at the last location filmed on Wednesday. The set was dressed for the late-60s/very early-70s. It was yet another intense situation for Nash.

Finally the crew announced that's a wrap for Mr. Crowe. Everyone walked out to the street. A large crowd gathered while he conferred with Ron Howard on set. No pictures were allowed this time as Russell was in costume - graying wig, etc.. He signed post-it notes, the back of a US Postal Service receipt, etc.. Finally he finished, checking to make sure no one had been overlooked. [Then] they drove away, waving and smiling still."

Princeton University
Report and photos by Kevin

7/3/01: Last Wednesday was the last day of filming in Princeton. I saw Paul Bettany walking around casually with his girlfriend. They took final farewell pictures with all the set help on Blair Arch steps. Must have been 75-100 people in that picture.

Russell, in a dark suit & bow tie, was on a rooftop filming a party scene with Paul Bettany. They had old cars on the street & background people dressed in 50's clothes.