11/30/00
William Prochnau, the award-winning writer and journalist, and writer of the article "Adventures in the Ransom Trade," that inspired the film Proof of Life has also written "Proof of Life: A Writer's Notebook." an ebook which includes the inside story and on-location background of the making of the movie in Ecuador. You can find the ebook (and more information) at www.mightywords.com

Mr. Prochnau was also kind enough to share with Maximum Crowe what he thought of Russell:

"Russell is one of the most delightful actors I've met -- full of fun, full of energy, and over-full of talent. He can be laughing with you one moment and the next, as I wrote, be so deeply inside his movie role it is as if you are with two different people. It's quite remarkable." (Special thanks to William Prochnau!)

We know what our favorite live show was this year and we are sure a lot of you will agree! KGSR radio in Austin, which interviewed Russell this summer while his band 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts was playing there, is conducting its 2000 Music Poll. Among the categories are favorite song, CD and live show. Voting between now and 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 makes you eligible to win a grand prize of the top 107 CDs of 2000 and a DEH-P720 Premier car CD/receiver; the winner will be picked Jan. 2. You can vote online here. (scroll and click on the Music Poll icon at right). (Thanks to Sue) Once you vote, you can access the transcript from Russell's interview by clicking on the Interviews link.
THIS JUST IN!!! PLEASE READ!
"The station has been rejecting votes for the TOFOG live shows on the grounds of "ballot stuffing". You might want to update your readers."
Apparently they are now rejecting out-of-town votes because of ballot "stuffing". And some voters are faking names and addresses to get more votes in. Please don't. One vote per person. No one wants the Grunts to get disqualified. If you went to the shows and think they should win, you still might want to vote though, no matter where you are from. The band rocked in Austin!

For those of you in the St. Louis area, Marla is providing us with 10 passes for our readers to the Proof of Life preview screening Tuesday 12/5 at the AMC Galleria at 7:30. She will give them to the first 10 people that send us their names and addresses starting at 12 noon EST today. The folks who went to the St. Louis Gladiator screening this past May (thanks to Marla) had a great time! UPDATE!! No more entries please! WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING:
Connie Bennett, Nola Ewers, Bonnie Green, Brenna Hobbs, Judith Jakuboski, Cindy Joyner, Shawnee Levrault, Ann Linhorst, Pat Linhorst and Denese Young

Magazine alert for those of you who subscribe to DIRECTV: there is a two-page article on Russell in the latest issue. We're not sure if only DIRECTV subscribers get it, so the rest of us may be out of luck on this one. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!) The magazine also says that Gladiator will be available on DIRECTV pay per view on Dec. 21st. (Thanks to Stephanie). (Reminder: it is also going to be on iN DEMAND pay-per-view in January in the United States (Thanks to Karin)

THIS JUST IN FROM COUNTINGDOWN.COM. Unfortunately the webcast won't be live from the Gladiator screening tonight, but they will have archived footage later. See our news item 11/27 for details.

For those of you in the New York area the November 30 issue of Time Out New York lists in the film section, an invitation from WB and Time Out to an advance screening of Proof of Life on Wednesday, December 6 at 8:30. Passes are complimentary. You have to take the ad - the original - and present it at Borders, 5 World Trade Center (between Church and Vesey Sts.) on Monday, December 4 beginning at 5:30pm. (Thanks to Christine!)

11/29/00
Tracey writes in that she just saw an ad on TV -- it looks like there will be sneak previews of Proof of Life all over the US, this Saturday night, check your local newspapers starting Friday! You can also check here. (Be sure to put "Saturday" for the date. If nothing shows up for your zip code, try putting in one for a larger city in your area.)

You can watch the action from the red carpet at the premiere in LA, (Russell is scheduled to attend!) live via webcast thanks to Warner Brothers!! More info here! (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)You can also submit questions via the website which may be chosen to ask the stars attending!

And don't forget the live webcast tomorrow night of the Gladiator screening!! See our news item 11/27 for details. There is so much going on at the moment, keep checking our Magazine and TV Appearance Calendar! And skim down this page often!

We've added the new Rolling Stone interview and photo here!

Magazine alerts!
The Dec. 4 issue of US Weekly ("Special Issue: Weddings of the Year") has a photo of Russell at the Douglas-Zeta Jones wedding. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in.)

Movie Star (Japan, December 2000) has a 3 page article on Russell and Meg with photos.

Flix (Japan, December 2000) 3 page article, 2 full page photos.

Be sure to check our Calendar frequently!

Inside.com is handicapping contenders for Oscar nominations based on the tenor of press coverage. Gladiator is of course among the candidates. You can find the article here. (Thanks to Marilyn)

Proof of Life will be released April 12, 2001, in Germany and Switzerland. (Thanks to Patricia)

Gladiator proved to be a big success in its re-release on IMAX screens last week. (See item 11/20) The film opened on the megascreens last Wednesday, November 22, and made $114,725 in five days, with just one showing per day in 21 theaters!

More news on the Gladiator DVD! It's reportedly already made $60 million since its release last week! (Thanks to Mary)

Mystery, Alaska is out on video now in Australia, you can read a review of it from Urban Cinefile.

11/28/00 (Second update today!)
Thanks to Neicie, you can see some screen captures from yesterday's Access Hollywood interview here!

Magazine Alerts!
TotalFilm (UK, January 2001) has voted Russell 'Man of the Year' and features him on the cover with an article 'The Wit and Wisdom of Russell Crowe'. (Thanks to Melanie!)

People (US 11/27/00) has an article on the Michael Douglas / Cathrine Zeta-Jones wedding and includes a small photo of Russell. (Thanks to Margot!)

From The Hollywood Reporter and Yahoo news. ". . . Jennifer Connelly, on screen in "Requiem for a Dream," is in negotiations to star opposite Russell Crowe in Imagine Entertainment's A Beautiful Mind for Universal Pictures and DreamWorks......Connelly would play Crowe's wife, whom he first meets while he's in college. They fall in love, marry and have a child -- all while Nash tries to keep his schizophrenia a secret. The illness is eventually too serious to hide, and the strain it causes threatens to destroy their marriage. . ." (Thanks Lisa, Marilyn and Ampi!)

According to DreamWorks, Gladiator became the fastest-selling DVD of all time, with more than 1.8 million copies sold in its first week of release! Demand was so high after the first day that retailers ordered a million more copies for their shelves. DreamWorks says: "Gladiator's week-one retail shipment total of 3.4 million units bested in five days what the previous record holder, 'The Matrix,' accomplished in more than a year of release."

Meanwhile, various newspapers are already assessing this year's likely Oscar contenders, and the consensus seems to be: The year 2000 comes up short. Gladiator and Russell's name are almost always mentioned, and there seem to be few competitors, especially for Best Picture. Some of the possible competition: "Erin Brockovich," Russell's Virtuosity co-star Denzel Washington and his hit film "Remember the Titans," Kevin Costner in "Thirteen Days," the upcoming Tom Hanks movie "Cast Away," and Russell's future A Beautiful Mind co-star Ed Harris for his starring role in "Pollock."

11/27/00(second update today!)
As we first mentioned in news item 11/18, to celebrate the release of Gladiator on video and DVD (not to mention to help generate more buzz as Oscar season approaches), Russell and director Ridley Scott will attend a special screening of the film this Thursday, Nov. 30, followed by a commentary and Q&A with Scott. Daily Variety film critic Todd McCarthy will moderate the commentary with Scott. Connie Nielsen and Richard Harris are also set to attend the screening, along with other celebrities and Hollywood executives. The event will be held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd., in Beverly Hills, California. Countingdown.com will have a live webcast of red-carpet arrivals starting at 6 p.m. and the Q&Aafter the film.

Reminder, for those of you in the US, Access Hollywood will be featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Proof of Life today. (Check local listings) Be sure to bookmark our Magazine and TV Appearance Calendar so you won't miss anything!

Speaking of Proof of Life, the advertising is still going strong! We've added an ad from yesterday's NY Times for Casio, featuring the film here (scroll). There was also a full page ad for the film in the Arts and Leisure section, which included a tag on the bottom showing how seriously the film is being promoted for awards consideration. The tag invites members of AMPAS, DGA, WGA, BAFTA-NY, PGA, SAG.nom.com., BFCA, NSFC, NYFCC, ADG, ACE, ASC, MPEG, MPSE, and VES to see the film, for free with their membership cards.

Russell is on the cover of Investigate Magazine (New Zealand, November) Thanks to Melody at AussieBooks.com.au, you can see a larger version and purchase it here.

Back in July, we announced that 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts would have a song on a charity cd, originally due to be released in the late summer / early fall. (We'd like to thank everyone who reminded us about it!) Maureen from Hollywood Goes Wild has provided us with the full press release, you can find it here (as well as ordering info). The CD is available now, exclusively to Wildlife Waystation members and to fans of the celebrities on the CD. The retail street date for the public will be February 27, 2001. Please note: Even though the website has a phone number listed with the ordering info, they would prefer you do it by fax or mail.

Since the majority of our regular readers are female, we thought it might be interesting to see Russell from a male point of view, thanks to Christopher at Askmen.com.

Film.com has a nice tribute to Russell featuring a short reel of scenes from LA Confidential, Insider, Mystery Alaska and Gladiator. (Thanks to Di!)

Proof of Life also opens in Japan on December 8th. (Thanks to Naoko)

From Today's Variety: 'Gladiator' Bows Big, by Scott Hettrick
. . . "DreamWorks' "Gladiator" will also likely rank as one of the biggest movies of the weekend when box office revenue from its re-release in giant screen theaters is combined with video.

"It is believed to have been an even bigger seller than "X-Men" on DVD and will almost certainly be the top DVD and VHS rental title in a week that could be one of the biggest ever for the video industry. But unlike "X-Men," the VHS edition of "Gladiator" is priced to be rented and not purchased until DreamWorks reprices it for sale in a few months".

11/25/00 (Second update today, scroll)
Yesterday's Daily Mail ran a new article "Crowe counts on an Oscar, but not love" and features a bit more of Russell's thoughts on A Beautiful Mind. You can find the article here. (Thanks to Kim and Carol!)

In case you missed our homepage updates yesterday, we've added a second page to our Romper Stomper film page. Includes some new promo material (thanks to Melly!) and the new DVD special edition review from Entertainment Weekly (US, Demember 1) ) You can find it here.

Sharon is a long-time MRC'er and a writer for the Pretoria News in South Africa and was kind enough to share her latest article A Hero Has Risen with us.

TV Alert! Judy tells us she just saw an ad for "Kidnapped" (The Making of Proof of Life), Discovery Channel (US) Tuesday, December 5, 2000 8:00 P.M. (Check local listings)

Magazine Alerts! Besides the above linked review from Entertainment Weekly (US, December 1) there is also a small photo of Russell in an article called "Indecision 2000" about the potential upcoming actor's strike and how it is sending "schedules into turmoil". It mentions his shoulder injury and Flora Plum still being in limbo.

The Nov/Dec 2000 issue of Cinescape has short articles and photos on "Proof of Life" and "Gladiator" (No new photos) (Thanks to Tillie!)

For our readers in Israel: Gladiator (DVD) is now available for sale/rent with Hebrew dubbing and Romper Stomper DVD zone 1. You can order Pay-For-View service for Mystery, Alaska. (Thanks to Anna!)

Great gift idea! In order to celebrate his fiancŽe's (Nicoletta Mantovani) 31st birthday, singer Luciano Pavarotti rented the Astra theater at Modena to screen Gladiator, her favorite film! (Thanks to Laura!)

Today's Dallas Morning News features a long article on CinemaNow's online screening of Heaven's Burning (for more info see our news item 11/9) You can read the article here. (Thanks to Maren!)

11/23/00
TV Alert! From Access Hollywood on their show MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2000:
"We're behind the scenes of Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe's new movie [Proof of Life] to see if their on-screen chemistry is anything like their off-screen romance!" (Check local listings) (Thanks to Maxine, Mary and Tina!) Be sure to bookmark our Magazine and TV Appearance Calendar so you won't miss anything!

There have been major updates to the official Proof of Life site, including story boards, photos, screen savers and much, much more! You can find it all here! (Thanks to Natalia!)

Update on Russell's painting for charity. (See news item October 31) It sold for A$600. Congratulations to the winning bidder! (Thanks to Jane B!)

For our readers in Hungary, Nitta tells us that Gladiator is available on DVD and Mystery, Alaska on video for the first time today. And Andrea refers you to this article on Proof of Life.

Magazine Alerts!
Gadfly (December, US) Cover and article. (Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip!) Will the reader who scanned the cover for us, please write back - we lost your email address! Sorry!
Widescreen Review (December US) Cover and review of the Gladiator DVD, photos and ad. (Thanks to Jen B!)
Now (UK, current issue) 2 pages on Russell and Meg. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)
Vogue (December, Australia) article with photo. (Large version of photo on left)
New Woman (December, Australia) (Features new photo, we'll have it posted soon!)
Who ( November 27, Australia)

11/22/00
More New York Russell sightings. From today's Village Voice: La Dolce Musto by by Michael Musto. "... And someone got a free CD! My sources tell me that Russell Crowe was just at Tower Video, enthusing to a salesgirl about the Aussie band Dead Can Dance. He became so worked up that he ran across the street to Tower Records, bought the group's latest release, and then ran back to give it to her. . . " (Thanks to Marilyn!)

From yesterday's USA Today, by Jeannie Williams; "[Russell] was in New York for Halloween, a novelty to this lad from Down Under, and drove around Greenwich Village during the annual parade. "So many gladiators," he marveled, from fancy costumes to "a guy with an ice cream bucket and a piece of plastic sticking out the top" for a helmet. Little did they know the original was cheering them all on!" You can read the full article On IMAX, 'Gladiator' is in your face. (Thanks to Gina!)

OscarWatch.com. (Thanks to Deb!)

11/21/00
Today's Variety reports that Ed Harris, star of films including Apollo 13 and The Truman Show, has joined the cast of A Beautiful Mind. He'll play "a high-ranking intelligence officer who interacts with" John Forbes Nash, the real-life mathematician Russell portrays in the film. According to Variety, filming is set to begin in New York and Princeton, N.J., in mid-March 2001.

For those of you in the U.S., it's our duty to notify the two people who don't already know that Gladiator is out on video and DVD today to rent or buy. Happy viewing!

And speaking of Gladiator, our Gladiator premiere photo page is finally back! It's been missing in action since our server move last May. You can find it here.

Magazine Alert! There is a short interview with Russell, including a photo, in the new Rolling Stone (US, Dec. 14-21, 2000) (Thanks to frog!)

Roger Friedman of Fox News 411 met with Russell last night at the cocktail party for Gladiator. You can read his article here. (Thanks to Laura F!)

11/20/00
Maximus to the Max!!!! Gladiator is coming to IMAX November 22, so if you can tear yourself away from your new video or dvd, you can see Russell as nature intended! (As large as possible!) Details here (Thanks to Kathy S. and Marilyn!)

Russell and Meg have finally "come out" as a couple! The Michael Douglas / Catherine Zeta-Jones wedding took place at the Plaza Hotel, in New York City over the weekend, and they were there together, among the many celebrity guests. Actress Lisa Rinna who was cohosting LIVE WITH REGIS! today mentioned that Russell and Meg spent the evening "dancing up a storm."

You can see a new photo of Russell in an article about the wedding here. (If that direct link doesn't work for you, go to www.the-sun.co.uk and click on the article "Catherine in 12hr Wedding Night Romp.") (Thanks to everyone who sent these in!)

A few more gossip column mentions: (Thanks to Marilyn!)
Also from The Sun (UK) (See above): "Actress Meg Ryan kissed and cuddled her lover, Gladiator heart-throb Russell Crowe."

NY Post Page Six "......Meg Ryan was there with brooding beau Russell Crowe, who apparently forgot to shave...... "

London Daily Mirror " ......Among the early arrivals in the Douglas camp were his golf partner Jack Nicholson and new celebrity couple Meg Ryan and Gladiator star Russell Crowe, making their first public appearance together....."

Be sure to watch the entertainment shows today and tonight, as they will probably be featuring something on the wedding. Also watch for OK! magazine (UK) where Douglas and Zeta-Jones have sold exclusive rights to the story. People magazine is negotiating for U.S. rights to the photos.

Remember that recent item about director Wolfgang Petersen wanting Russell or Mel Gibson to play the legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton? Read a bit more on the subject here. ("British Stars Frozen out of Heroic Role as Shackleton").

You can read new review of Heaven's Burning from Premiere, "The First Time I Paid For It" (Thanks to Christine!)

The airwaves are full of Russell! The advertising has begun in earnest for Gladiator on DVD and Video, and Proof of Life ads are still running frequently! Speaking of Gladiator, Karin tells us that it will air on iN DEMAND pay-per-view in January in the United States.

11/19/00
TV ALERTS! Tina B. just confirmed for us that Russell is indeed scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Friday, December 1st. (Stock up on those video tapes -- it's looking like we will be seeing quite a bit of Russell in the next few weeks!)

CBS Channel 2 news in Los Angeles is scheduled to have a profile of Russell on Monday night's telecast at 11:00 p.m. (Thanks to Anne!)

For those of you who love to vote, Cosmo magazine is taking a survey, and this time you don't have to feel guilty if you want to vote for someone in addition to Russell! Who's Your Favorite Male Celebrity? (thanks to Dolores!)

'Gladiator': A Force to Be Reckoned With? L.A. Times. (Thanks to Janet!)

Coming to dvd in France on December 5th, "RŽvŽlations" (The Insider) (Thanks to Christine!)

Magazine Alert! TV Guide (US 11/18 -24) features a review of Gladiator on video and a small photo of Maximus and Hagen. Highlight: ". . . a thrilling blockbuster that will long be revered for giving us hunky Russell Crowe in a toga." (Thanks to Macon!)

11/18/00
Thanks to everyone who heard Jay Leno announce that Russell was going to be appearing on the Tonight Show (US) next week.(Subject to change!) Info on tickets here.

It looks likely Russell will be in L.A. when the following item takes place, but we can't confirm if he will appear.

From Jeffrey Wells:
"DreamWorks' Oscar campaign for Gladiator starting in earnest. Pic's director Ridley Scott will shmooze with journalists at party held at Academy headquarters on Nov. 30 to celebrate release of Gladiator DVD. Reception to follow celluloid screening of film in Academy's state-of-the-art theater". (thanks to Lisa C!)

More gossip from Page Six. (Thanks to Marilyn!)

Magazine Alert! Entertainment Weekly (US, November 24) features a review of the Gladiator video and DVD, (they give it an A of course!) with a small photo from the film. You can read the article, "Roman Holiday" here. Correction to yesterday's magazine alert, the Proof of Life photo and mentions were from the Entertainment Weekly dated November 17th.

11/17/00
The Toronto Premeire of Proof of Life, will be December 4 at the Eglinton Theatre. Tickets are $25 each with proceeds going to Gilda's Club. Call: 1-416-214-9898. (Thanks to Helga!)

Magazine Alert! Entertainment Weekly has a couple of items in this week's edition, (including this photo) in the Oscar hopefuls story: "the studio [Warner Bros] will push its hostage drama Proof of Life, notable stars Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe (who'd compete against himself in Gladiator) and supporting actors David Morse and David Caruso". And the following comment about Proof of life in the calendar of upcoming movies for the holiday season:

"Proof of Life: Russell Crowe plays a savvy hostage negotiator; Meg Ryan is the woman whose husband he must rescue. Nothing behind-the-scenes to report here, folks. Nope. Just one easygoing, uneventful production. Move along now." (Thanks to Norma and Jody Renee!)

For our French readers: M6 Awards 2000 did an online poll in October for best foreign film, and of course Gladiator made the final list of 5 nominees! (Cliquez ici : Categories). The winner will be announced on the show, which will air tonight, 11/17 (Check local listings) (Thanks to Christine!)

11/16/00
Thanks to Neicie, we have added some screen captures from MTV's Celebrity Death Match here .

The latest from Ted Casablanca.(Warning, typical Ted stuff, so read at your own risk.)

If you haven't been to the official Proof of Life site in a while, they have updated the main page.

UK readers, you can now vote for Gladiator as your favorite film of the year. Jonathan Ross and Film 2000 (BBC) give you a list of 500 films to chose from. Voting closes on Sunday 3rd December and the Top 10 films will be announced on the last show on 21st December. Vote at BBC Online. (Thanks to Zhenya and the Chedge!)

11/15/00
"Proof of Life: HBO First Look" will premiere on the cable channel on Monday, Dec. 4. The show, which will be hosted/narrated by David Caruso, will air several times throughout next month. Keep an eye on the schedule here. (Thanks to Janet!)

Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank features a large billboard for Proof of Life (thanks to Mia!) And thanks to Di we have added the Times Square NY version here!

The official site for the Australian Gladiator DVD is up and running, with info about the stars, the movie, and of course the DVD. Even if you're not in Australia, it's worth checking out. You can find it here. (Thanks to Garth at Dark Horizons.)

For those of you in the UK, Sarah wanted to alert you to an offer of a free 'Making of Gladiator' video currently running in the Sun and the News of the World newspapers. Collect 6 differently numbered tokens and take them to WH Smiths for a free video.

A Sunday New York Times article examined Gladiator's effect on 2001 fashions and revealed that "Triumph of the Will," a documentary on a Nazi Party rally, helped shape Gladiator's production design. You can read the article here (at least until they archive the story). (Thanks to Anya)

11/14/00
If you missed it Sunday night, the "Celebrity Deathmatch" with Russell vs. Charlton Heston will be on again TONIGHT at 7 p.m. EST on MTV. (See our item 11/08 for more about the show.)

Jeffrey Wells reviews the new Special Edition Romper Stomper DVD here (scroll to "Rage Down Under"). (Thanks to Dee for the link). Wells says that among the goodies is audio commentary by both director Geoffrey Wright and Russell. To pre-order the DVD, click here.

Gladiator will be released on video Nov. 15 in Sweden. (Thanks to Birgitta)

11/13/00
It's back!!! With press heating up for the upcoming release of Proof of Life and with Gladiator coming out on DVD it was time we put back our Magazine and TV Appearance Calendar

We have also added the December Premiere magazine photos to the article. (Thanks to Marjean!)

And we've added more photos from Proof of Life here.

Magazine Alerts:
While you are reading the Premiere article, be sure to scroll to see the Proof of Life photos from HOLA! (Spain, November 16) just added. (Thanks to Esther!) The same photos and article can also be found in OH LA! (France, November 13)

Flaunt Magazine's (November 2000) 2nd anniversary collector's edition, features the small cover shot of Russell and a full page version of the "no pants" photo (bet that got your attention!!!) from the May issue. You can see them both from the original cover story here.

German DVD release of No Way Back (German title: Das Yakuza Kartell) is December 5, 2000. Also of interest for our German readers: On November 23, at 9:45 p.m. the German TV channel "ARD" will show a documentary on Jeffrey Wigand, entitled "Die Story: Das Nikotin-Kartell - Ein Mann packt aus." (Thanks to Christine!)

Linda C. sends us the following article from the Chicago Tribune "The Golden Age of Gossip / These Days, Very Little is Stronger Than 'Dirt' as VIP Doings Vie with Serious News for Media Center Stage."

Lisa wanted to let us know that if you visit The British Museum's exhibition Gladiators and Caesarsyou can purchase copies of the glassware used in Gladiator, made by the company that made the glasses for film. (See our news item 10/23 for more details.)

Let's hope Russell remembers to buy gifts for Meg Ryan (39) and Jodie Foster (38) -- they both share a birthday on November 19th.

11/10/00
If you live near BOSTON, NEW YORK, CHICAGO, LOS ANGELES, or SAN FRANCISCO click here for info on how to win Proof of Life screening tickets from US Magazine! The magazine (US, 11/20-27/00) also features a large ad for Proof of Life and the same photo of Russell and Prince Andrew as featured in our next item. (Thanks to Jody Renee!)

We have added the photo of Russell and Prince Andrew from People magazine here and the photos of Russell from The Star here. See yesterday's news item for magazine alerts. (Thanks to Jody Renee!)

11/10/00
The hero rises again! Since being released on video in the U.K. on Oct. 23, Gladiator has become the U.K.'s top rental title so far this year, and is already among the five best-renting titles of all time there! Meanwhile in the U.S., the movie has set a new record for initial DVD shipments, with 2.6 million ordered. The DVD and video will be released Nov. 21 in the U.S.

The DVD will also be released in the Netherlands on November, 20th. (Thanks to Jolanda!) On the 21st in Spain. (Region 2 encoded with sountracks in Spanish, English and Italian and subtitled in Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese). (Thanks to Sonia!) and December 6th in Australia. (Thanks to Helen R.!) For more Gladiator release dates, skim down our news page, there are many others listed!

Speaking of Gladiator, Joan sends us the following link with some odds on Russell's chances for an Oscar nomination: inside.com

(Screen capture, thanks to Patricia!) Proof of Life advertising has started in earnest. TV ads were spotted all over the US at various times and on different networks ! Get those vcr's ready! (Thanks to everyone who let us know!) Also a full page ad ran in the Sunday New York Times. (We will try and scan the ad, but it's quite large!) (Thanks to Ruthie!)

We will also be adding the Premiere magazine Proof of Life photos asap to the article. (Thanks to Marjean!)

The 11/8 L.A. Times answers a question some of us were pondering regarding the People Magazine Online poll, in their article called "The Sexiest, Most Powerful Column Is Here"

"Another recent example of numbers-obsessed idiocy comes from a sister Time Warner publication, People magazine, which conducted an Internet poll to let readers select the '10 sexiest men alive.'

Unfortunately for People, fans pining for the CBS "reality" series "Big Brother" (yes, such a group really exists) decided this would be a great way to generate publicity for contestants Josh Souza and Eddie McGee. So they flooded People with votes for the duo, who finished No. 1 and 2, respectively--ahead of such luminaries as singer Billy Ray Cyrus and actor Russell Crowe." You can read the full article for free on the L.A. Times site, but it requires registration. Click here. (If that doesn't work, go to www.latimes.com) (Thanks to Marilyn!)

Those of you who have been following our site pre-Gladiator may remember that thanks to Marla, some of our readers in the St. Louis area were lucky enough to win passes for a pre-screening held in that city. She is kind enough to want to do it again for us, this time for Proof of Life. If you live in the St. Louis area, please keep your eyes on our news page for details coming soon!

Magazine Alerts!!!
The November 20th issue of People Magazine (US) (with Harrison Ford on the cover), features a new photo of Russell with Prince Andrew at the BAFTA Awards. (Thanks to Mary Ann!)

Speaking of the BAFTA awards, you can now watch the webcasthere. (Thanks to Re!)

11/9/00 (Second update today!)
Marilyn sends us this from Universal Classics:
"To capitalize on the Gladiator hysteria sweeping the nation, Decca Records has produced an exclusive promotional dance mix of "Now We Are Free" ÷ the stunning end title song performed by Lisa Gerrard. Dubbed the "Maximus Mix" after Russell Crowe's character in the film. . . Pease note: This is a radio remix only; it is currently not available to consumers." You can find it here along with other songs from the soundtrack. You can find a longer version of "Maximus Mix" only here.

Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) had this to say about Russell in a new ifilm.com interview:

ãRussell is someone who just has a limitless number of questions about the character, trying to be specific and doubting and wondering. I just did my best, either to answer them or to find the answer. The result was he was completely surefooted when we started.

ãYou know, you hear these stories of Russell being 'difficult'. Russell is a tricky personality, but it was all about the work. I didn't have any trouble with him at all.ä You can read the full interview here. (Thanks to Christine!)

For those of you who haven't ordered your copy on DVD or video, Cinemanow.com will have pay-per-view showings of Heavens Burning. Click the Cinemanow link to see the trailer, clips -- including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast. There is also a contest. (Thanks to Kerry!)

SuzanneSR tells us that West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania is doing a production of the play version of The Sum Of Us, April 3-8, 2001.

According to columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith, neither Russell nor Meg Ryan will be doing print or radio interviews the week before Proof of Life opens. No word on whether this includes TV shows like Entertainment Tonight and Jay Leno. We'll keep you posted. They also report that rules have been set "that no personal questions are to be asked of the stars during the Dec. 1 media sessions."

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series will be featuring Dr. Jeffrey Wigand (The Insider) Nov. 15 at 8pm. Tickets are free to UW students/faculty/staff. In addition, the film will be shown at Memorial Union on Nov. 14 at 7pm. For more information: 608-262-2216. (Thanks to Elisabeta!)

11/8/00
"M" (the other one) tells us that the Proof of Life press junket will be held in Los Angeles starting at the end of this month. (That's where the principal cast and filmmakers do a week or so of interviews which eventually turn up on television and in print to coincide with the film's release.) Despite rumors to the contrary, both Russell and Meg are scheduled to do interviews, although keep in mind the interviews usually are done alone, and odds are they won't be discussing their relationship. Director Taylor Hackford and the two Davids -- Morse and Caruso -- are also expected to take part.

The film's premiere will be in Los Angeles on Dec. 4. The film opens that Friday, the 8th.

The movie is expected to be rated "R."

We've added the Premiere Magazine article on Proof of Life here. (Thanks to Marjean!)

Russell vs. Charlton Heston! MTV's claymation show, Celebrity Deathmatch, features a battle-to-the-death between "Maximus" and "Ben Hur" on this week's show, airing Sunday night (Nov. 12) at 8 p.m. ET. (Check local listings for times, just in case). You can see a preview of the match on MTV's official site here. (Thanks to Marilyn)

In Monday's Calgary Sun, A Beautiful Mind director Ron Howard shed some light on choosing Russell to play mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr.: "We wanted Russell because of what he did in The Insider, not because of his Gladiator image. We saw his potential before he became a huge box-office star." The article says the film is set to begin filming in March.

11/7/00
We have Trayce's husband to thank for this magazine alert! He spotted Russell in Playboy (US, December 2000) while he was reading the articles. Russell is listed as "Roamin' hero" -- the number 5 "Sex Star of 2000". Also listed are Heath Ledger and George Clooney (good company indeed!).

The official Proof of Life website has now added the TV spot. You can find it here. (Thanks to Pat!)

Is Russell turning "Hollywood"?? This from Yahoo news: "Garth Brooks will be among the celebrities attending the Hollywood premiere of How The Grinch Stole Christmas tomorrow (November 8) at the Universal Amphitheatre. The film is also drawing the likes of Faith Hill, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett, Russell Crowe, Jack Nicholson, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Rene Zellweger, Billy Crystal, Hugh Hefner, David Spade, Tim Allen, Christian Slater, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Haley Joel Osment, and many more.

"The Universal City Walk will be turned into a Whoville winter wonderland, complete with holiday lights, caroling, roasting chestnuts, and snowmen built of fresh snow." (Thanks to Dee!) (We can't confirm at this time that he will attend.)

11/6/00
David Kelly was at this weekend's Britannia Awards ceremony and was kind enough to send us his article and photo. You can see them here. (Thanks to David!) Be sure to watch or tape the entertainment shows (Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E News, etc.) in case they have segments on the awards.

Birgitta sends us this photo from Sweden of the Mystery, Alaska video. It's a bit unusual!!! (The text reads: "Ett okŠnt litet hockeylag. Med en riktigt stor chans." / "A small unknown hockey team. With a really big chance.")

Reminder: For those of you in the U.S. and Canada, Heavens Burning is out on DVD tomorrow. ( Shopping for Russell.)

11/5/00
Web alert!! Future TV Alert!
Russell was one of many A-list stars invited to attend the presentation of the 10th Annual Britannia Awards in Los Angeles. The Britannia/Stanley Kubrick Memorial award was presented to Steven Spielberg. You can see the webcast (and the complete guest list) here. It will be broadcast on TV at a future date. (Thanks to Re!)

Magazine Alert: Fair Lady (South Africa, November 8 2000) includes this photo from the article "The E-list" . . . "Forget the A-list, here's the Internet's biggest Hollywood stars - those whose movie roles, talent and sex appeal have made them the Web's most wanted." (Thanks to Aruana!)

11/4/00
The world just got a little more maximum! The Times reports that 25-year-old Venetia Simpson, of Ketty, Swansea, has named her baby son Maximus Lucius after seeing Gladiator twice. "As soon as I heard the name Maximus Lucius on the screen, I knew it was what I was looking for," she said. "It was even better because Maximus Lucius was played by Russell Crowe, who I think is wonderful and one of my favourite actors." (We'll forgive her for not knowing that wasn't the character's actual, full name.) Maximus Lucius Simpson -- who weighed in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces when he was born -- is getting a cold shoulder from St Paul's Church, the town church where Simpson's three other children were all christened. Canon Andrew Knight has refused to baptize the baby, saying his mom doesn't attend church regularly enough. "If she came to church as often as she goes to the cinema, this might not be a problem," Canon Knight said. (Russell's name in the film was Maximus Decimus Meridius. Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark) was Lucilla's (Connie Nielsen) son.)

Even after what seemed the end, the Rabbitohs just keep going, and going, and going ... Yeah, bad joke. For the latest on Russell's (former?) favorite sports club, click here (Thanks to everyone who sent it)

Magazine alert! December's Premiere magazine (U.S.) has an article about the filming of Proof of Life. It's written by William Prochnau, whose Vanity Fair article inspired the movie. Among the problems during filming in South America: outbreaks of tropical diseases, altitude sickness due to filming in the Andes, muggings, and of course the tragic death of David Morse's double and other crew members' injuries in an auto accident on the way to filming a scene. Apparently Russell kept spirits high on the set. In the article, mentioned in yesterday's New York Post, Prochnau writes, "Crowe infused new energy and propped up morale" after he returned to Ecuador from a promotional tour for Gladiator. "The crew loved him." (Thanks to everyone for the NY Post link)

11/3/00
Marilee participated in an online chat with director Ron Howard last night and was able to ask him a few questons. She was kind enough to share his answers with us:

"To the question about when A Beautiful Mind will be filmed, he said: 'We're going to start in the spring and Russell Crowe is set to play the lead character.'

"'I've already had a number of great conversations with Russell and am really looking forward to working with him on this project.'

"In response to another question he said, 'when an actor has a strong following and is also very talented and right for the role I am casting, I'm always thrilled to get the chance to work with them.'. . . 'They're often very exciting, extremely creative and intensley dedicated artists and the movies benefit from their involvement.' The one question he declined to answer was who was being cast as John Nash's wife.ä

Also, be sure to watch for Gladiator ads on TV for the upcoming video / DVD release!! (Gladiator promotional material here.)

11/2/00
One of our readers is not only a fan of Russell's, but also an orthopedic surgeon, and was kind enough to explain to us what is going on in those "Inside Story" surgery photos! We thought you might be interested as well. Check it out here! (Thanks to Dr. Gordin!)

Thanks to Neicie you can see some photos from Entertainment Tonight here!

Andrew at News.com.au wanted to let us know that the voting has now ended for the "Best Australian Film" and even though our readers only had a short time to vote, Sum Of Us beat out Gallipoli as the clear winner. You can see the final results here. By the way, for those of you who have never seen it, Gallipoli is definitely worth viewing -- even if Russell isn't in it!

Magazine Alert! Cine Premiere (Mexico, November 2000) features a new illustration of Russell. You can see it here thanks to Cristi!

Update on the Gladiator screenings at the Cinesphere in Toronto: Find times, prices, location and other information about the theater here. (Thanks to Jen for the link)

Dark Horizons has posted another new Proof of Life review. Warning: this review is very negative and contains spoilers. You can read it here.

Thanks to everyone who sent in the following two items!
You can show the world what you thought of People Magazine's choice of who is the Sexiest Man Alive for 2000 -- thanks to the Washington Post! Vote for Russell here!

Another TV alert just added!!!! Access Hollywood (US, check local listings) will be featuring some outtakes and deleted scenes from Gladiator tomorrow. Sounds like a preview of what we will see on the DVD! (Shopping for Russell!)

11/1/00 According to columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith, not only has Russsell's shoulder injury sidelined Flora Plum, but now A Beautiful Mind may be in limbo as well! From their column:
"Jodie Foster is in a state of limbo.

"By now she should have been deep into directorial stints of Flora Plum, in which Russell Crowe was to play a circus freak and Claire Danes the starving young woman with whom he falls in love. Instead, Foster waits to learn if the film will be made with him -- and when -- and if not, whether the studio will okay a substitute male lead. And if so, whom.

"At this point, Crowe is still recuperating from the shoulder injury he suffered during training for Plum just weeks before the film was to start in September. There were reports that the injury, which required surgery, would take nine months to mend -- and that could still prove to be the case.

"The Australian actor was set to follow Flora Plum with starring stints in the Ron Howard-directed A Beautiful Mind about a mathematical genius who overcame schizophrenia. That production was pushed up to January 2001 -- but now it's also in limbo. Reports a Universal source, 'It will all depend on when Crowe's shoulder mends. And that's unknown at this point.'

"As for Claire, she's returned to Yale, from which she was taking a leave to star in Flora Plum."

Russell didn't make the cover of People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive issue (Brad Pitt did), but he did make their list! You can see some great photos here! In other Sexiest Man news, he came in 4th in People's online poll. Not too bad considering how many men there are in the world!

Check our Proof of Life page for release dates for Australia, the UK, and others just added.

Read a Beautiful Mind script review from the The Stax Report. (Positive, minor spoilers).

Magazine alert: Small mention and photo in Men's Health (US December). Jeri tells us "there is an article titled 'Be Your Own Testosterone Factory'. The pictures accompanying the article are a picture of Gilligan with a "from this" caption and a picture of Maximus with a "to this" caption."

10/31/00 Andrew at News.com.au wrote to tell us they have just added a story with a photo of a painting by Russell. "Some 120 celebrities have completed masterpieces, which will be auctioned to raise money to help rebuild the historic St Patrick's Cathedral at Parramatta in Sydney.

The 65-year-old church was gutted by a deliberately-lit fire more than four years ago."

You can see the painting and read the article here. (Thanks to everyone else who noticed it while they were voting for their favorite Australian film -- see below for details!)

Miss Jen tells us the auction will take place on Friday, November 17, 2000 at 7pm. Saint Patrick's can be contacted via phone : Sydney 9683 6277

We've added a brand-new page with photos and new screen captures from the GQ Men of the Year Awards. See them here! (Thanks to Dee and Neicie).

See Russell three stories high! Now through Nov. 7, Gladiator is playing at Toronto, Canada's Cinesphere theatre, home of what we're told is the world's largest movie screen! It will be playing tonight (Tuesday) at 8 p.m., Sunday at 4:45 p.m. and next Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. (Thanks to Vanessa and Vanna!) Correction: Alynn just wrote to us and wants to point out that San Francisco has an IMAX screen at 60'x100' compared to Toronto's 60'x 80', but they aren't showing Gladiator --so Toronto still rules as the largest Maximus!!!)

Speaking of extra large Russells -- thanks to Di, we will be adding her photo of the Proof of Life billboard located in Times Square as soon as possible, so no need for anyone else to risk getting run over by taxis, trying to snap a photo! (see our news item from 10/30 for more details!)

Just when it seemed like the Proof of Life trailer was getting people to focus on Russell's work again instead of his private life, the gossipers are at it again, this time about the GQ awards. Read the latest here. (Warning: It's negative stuff, so don't say we didn't warn you!) (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!) We'd like to add a contrasting point of view. Some of our readers saw Russell on Access Hollywood explaining he was late because his plane was late and they lost his luggage. (This apparently aired before the article was published.) Other readers were at the show, wrote to us directly after and reported to us that Russell joked during his acceptance speech -- not one of them described his speech as being "somewhat surly".

On more Gladiator release date: The two-DVD set will be released in Germany on December 7. (Thanks to Christine)

News Corp.'s Australian entertainment website has a movie poll asking readers to vote for what they think is the greatest Australian film ever made. The Sum Of Us is presently tied with Gallipoli at the top of the list! Meanwhile, Romper Stomper is fifth. Whatever your favorite -- whether it's one of Russell's films or not -- be sure to go vote here! (Look to the right of the page for "The best Aussie film: have your say"). (Thanks to Andrew at News Corp and Laurie!)

This just in! The Entertainment Tonight website, features some highlights of tonight's interview -- you can see it here here! (thanks to Wendy!)

10/30/00
TV ALERT! Entertainment Tonight (US) will feature a segment on Russell tomorrow night. Check local listings for times. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in and thanks to Neicie for the captures!)

Some more on the GQ awards;
Thanks to Tracey, you can read the article from the November issue of GQ (US) here. (Scroll)

For those of you who live in San Francisco, Henry Cotton's, in celebration of the opening of their new store at 105 Grant Avenue, will be hosting a special advance screening, November 28th of the GQ "Men of the Year" Awards prior to its national television broadcast. More info here. (Thanks to Marilyn!)

The GQ Men of the Year Webcast in Windows Media premiers at 8:00PM ET/ 5:00PM PT on Saturday, December 9. Go to www.GQ.com or hit the "Men of the Year" icon at www.MSN.com to see this year's webcast, featuring unique behind-the-scenes footage of the 2000 GQ Men of the Year awards.

From The Daily News, Oct. 29: "Russell Crowe, minus Meg Ryan, wouldn't pose for photos and made a quick speech, declaring that having GQ acknowledge his "Gladiator" performance meant "real fur and short skirts are in!" (Thanks to Kathy and Margaret!)

You can now see the full Proof of Life trailer on the official Proof of Life site, in Quicktime, Real Player and Windows Media here. (Thanks to Paula!)

If you happen to be passing through the Times Square area in New York City, look for the giant Proof of Life ad at the Warner Brothers Store (under the giant video monitor and over the Times Square Police Department office). (Thanks to Rose!)

Today is your last chance to VOTE for the People Magazine online Sexiest Man Alive poll (voting ends at 5 pm EST). They'd like to remind you "This poll is conducted independently of the magazine, which has already decided on its Sexiest Man Alive." They also say that "on the evening of October 31, we'll reveal the results of the poll . . . and also PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2000." (Our guess is Russell has a pretty good shot at being in the magazine!)

Most everyone agrees that Gladiator will make a strong showing at all of the upcoming awards shows. This from the Hollywood Reporter:

DreamWorks and Universal's ãGladiatorä opened early last May to favorable reviews and went on to enjoy some of the year's best ticket sales. Director Ridley Scott (a best director Oscar nominee for ãThelma & Louiseä), David Franzoni and John Logan and William Nicholson, who wrote its original screenplay from a story by Franzoni and star Russell Crowe all merit consideration. On the supporting front, there are so many potential nominations (Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris) that they could easily cancel out one another. Given the film's period look, production designer Arthur Max (ãSevenä) and costume designer Janty Yates (ãWelcome to Sarajevoä) could also see nominations." (You can read the full article "Awards race wide open for early arrivals and year-end releases" here.)

10/27/00 (Third update today!)
You can see some photos of Russell at the GQ awards here (thanks to Dee!) Remember to mark your calendars -- the event will be broadcast on Fox TV, December 9th, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. There will also be a webcast for those viewers not in the U.S. We'll remind you again, as the date gets closer. Of course most of the U.S. will be in the theaters watching Proof of Life for the second time that night . . .

This just in -- one more photo of Russell with Dennis Miller and a few more details from the GQ Awards show here.

For those of you in the Los Angeles area who want to see L.A. Confidential again on the BIG screen, you will have your chance tomorrow evening (Saturday, October 28,) at the Bing Theatre, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The event at 7:30 pm, called "California Noir" will feature Crime Wave, 1954. directed Andre De Toth and starring Sterling Hayden and L.A. Confidential. (thanks to Tracey!)

The Guggenheim Museum, New York NY, currently has an exhibition on fashion designer Giorgio Armani, called "Armani's History". Russell is mentioned in the exhibit among those whom have worn Armani to the Academy Awards and the suit he wore is featured. The exhibit runs through January 17, 2001. More info here. (thanks to Nicky!)

As you all probably recall, W magazine (US November 2000) features a cover story on Meg Ryan. Before the interview, her publicist made it clear that she did not want to talk about Russell, but she does mention him a few times professionally in relation to their work together on Proof of Life.

"I love the way Russell, uh, played his dilemma versus David Morse's dilemma," she says, her voice cracking on mention of Crowe's name . . . "You don't know who to root for," she continues. "They both have real power, but in such different ways. They're both very authoritative actors. And my character ended up being a complicated person. Really strong and trying to grapple with how God can be cruel. There's a lot of ambivalence about who will stay together with whom. Russell's character served his purpose in that place, and that's a complicated thing--a real thing. It's not pretty, necessarily--but it's real and it's human. They all behave as nobly as they can. Which is all anybody can ever do."

The only new photo in the article is here (Thanks to Jody Renee!)

Kate from STARZ! wanted to remind everyone that not only is The Insider premiering Saturday night on cable [See our news item from yesterday] but it will be "immediately followed by Mystery, Alaska, as part of [their] monthly Stars on STARZ! SM package (featuring Hollywood's hottest stars in a double feature of their more recent films)." More details here

A couple of Australian magazine alerts:
New Idea (October 28) features an article and 3 photos of Russell and Meg.
Women's Weekly (11/00) features an article called "Meg on Men" and includes a photo of Russell.

And so it begins . . . Susanne tells us that according to FAZ, from the German Press Agency, Gladiator has been nominated for a European Movie Award. Also nominated: Erin Brockovich, O Brother Where Art Thou? & 3 other international films. The awards ceremony will be in Paris on December 2nd.

10/26/00
TV alert: For those of you that missed it on Entertainment Tonight last week, E! News Daily features the Proof of Life trailer today. The show is repeated several times during the day and evening, so check local listings. Trailer near the end of the show. (thanks to Jodie and Rose!)

Today's Pagesix.com's Liz Smith column features a new photo of Russell and reports that Russell and Ridley Scott (Gladiator) will receive special awards at the GQ "Men of the Year" gala tonight at the Beacon Theatre, New York. The awards will also be featured in the November issue of GQ (US), and the show will air 12/9.

Dennis Quaid has come forward in the same column to speak out on the nasty rumors being printed in the tabloids about Meg Ryan:
"Meg and I are on good terms. We are cooperating and have coordinated ourselves in regard to our son. We are involved parents, and she is a great mom, loving, caring, nurturing. That's the truth. Anything else is a malicious lie. I wouldn't have spoken, because God knows there have been enough untruths printed just about our breakup, and I've learned to live with that side of the business. I'm even amused, in a frustrated kind of way, at people who contribute to stories about us, claiming to be Îbest friends'. Neither Meg nor I have ever heard of these people!"
(You can read both articles here. (thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

Russell definitely won't be starring in Basic Instinct 2, says Sharon Stone, the real star of the film and Russell's former co-star in Quick and the Dead. According to Popcorn, a male co-star has already been picked: "Speaking at a celebrity event in New York, Stone dismissed rumours that Russell Crowe was set to play her adversary second time round. All she would reveal, though, is that the actor - who has already been chosen - is 'someone fabulous' who will 'give [my] character a run for her money.'" (Thanks to V‰nia and everyone who sent it in!)

Musician/composer Danny Elfman offers columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith some insight into his musical score for Proof of Life, compared to his other big holiday release, "Family Man" starring Nicolas Cage. Elfman says, " 'Family Man' is very romantic. It's a sweet, romantic story. 'Proof of Life' has tension and action; it's a whole different ballgame.'"

The Insider makes its cable television premiere on the Starz channel Saturday night, and repeats throughout the next month. Check local listings for times.

The film also makes its Canadian cable debut on The Movie Network, tomorrow night. Check local listings for times. (thanks to Heather!)

Mystery, Alaska never reached the big screen in Norway, but Una tells us it's now big video news there!

10/25/00
Salon.com features an article called "Roll out the barrel: Where are the gorgeous, leading-man lugs with beefy chests who were the epitome of unforced cool?" (by Kim Morgan), and had this to say about Russell:

"No wonder Bud White (Russell Crowe) was such a tremendous turn-on in 1997's "L.A. Confidential." Director Curtis Hanson made him meat up in the 1950s way; Crowe ate a lot of steak and watched Aldo Ray and Sterling Hayden movies. He didn't train with a kickboxer or get a "body by Jake" -- he porked out and studied how Hayden or Ray would walk through a door (doorknobs serve no purpose; you just shove it open). Consequently, he allowed women (and men) the pleasure of watching one of the most insanely sexy performances in cinematic history. You had to gasp when Bud grabbed Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger) and with no questions, no playing around, just kissed her. He confused many women who think they are supposed to be in love with that dumbshit from the gym or that spindly-legged bicyclemessenger/musician/poet. F**k those guys. Crowe's broad-chested lug had more passion oozing from his uptight white cop shirt than any young, sensitive guy who pretends to understand his boundaries with women." You can read the entire article here. (thanks to Cari and Angela S.)

Couple of magazine alerts:
People Magazine (US 10/30/00) features a small photo and mention of Russell's website. (thanks to Rachel)

Detour magazine (US 10/00) the crossover issue (about actors who sing, singers who act, etc.) features a photo of Russell in Austin. (It is the same photo that appeared in Rolling Stone. You can see it here. Scroll.) (thanks to Wanda!)

Elle (Canada 10/00)) features an article called "Men we Love". and has a photo of Russell under "SuperMen" with George Clooney and Christopher Reeve. (thanks to Monique!)

The Daily Telegraph reports: "The insurers and producers have reached a settlement on the movie Flora Plum which Russell Crowe was forced to abandon. The film, to be directed by Crowe's friend Jodie Foster and to co-star Claire Danes, was to have Crowe in the lead as a circus freak.

But the actor injured his shoulder during rehearsals, forcing the film's cancellation.

Crowe underwent an operation in Melbourne, which he later posted on his Internet site." (thanks to V‰nia!)

10/24/00
For those of you who prefer Quick Time over Windows Media, you can view the Proof of Life trailer here at Sony.com's Trailer Park. (thanks to everyone who sent it in!) See 10/23 for the Window's Media version link, or our Proof of Life page.

Don't forget to vote for Russell in the People Magazine poll (see our news item 10/20 for details and link). Be sure to type in his name as "Russell Crowe" (not all lower case).

10/23/00
Sunday's "60 Minutes" (Australia) had an in-depth interview with Russell, who talked about everything from his early days in the business ("For me, you know, it's always been a long, slow hill. . . . I'm not the kind of bloke who got discovered in the supermarket"), to his sometimes dangerous work on Gladiator, to the now-constant gossip about his private life. "This whole concept that because you're famous, that you're public property . . . who came up with that? Where does that come from?" Russell said. "You know, I'm just getting about doing my job."

He told how his riveting performance as Hando in Romper Stomper actually hurt him when he first came to Hollywood in the 1990s: "When the movie came out and then they heard I was kind of going around town, they actively got involved in basically stopping me from taking meetings with certain people and stuff" because some thought he was actually a skinhead.

Russell does not directly discuss his private life.

From the interview you sense that Russell is annoyed with all the gossip surrounding his private life, and that he's also ready for the darker side of his newfound superstardom -- namely, that many of the people now praising him will ultimately try to cut him down. ". . . Once they've set you up as a bad guy then they can write all these stories about you as a good guy, and once everybody believes you are a good guy, then they can bring out the bad guy stuff again. And it's all just bollocks, you know? Life is more complicated than that."

We'll have the complete transcript as soon as possible! (Thanks to Katrina and Neicie!) You can see a teaser from the show here.

View the Proof of Life trailer here. (with Windows Media) (thanks to Sheila and Elessann!)

The trailer is currently playing in theaters accross the US with various films. One of us has seen it and can assure you it looks terrific on the big screen!

Speaking of Proof of Life, we have added more fan reviews from the test screenings here.

Dark Horizons also features another new review (and a different perspective) here. (thanks to Kathy and Margaret!)

Photo (left) from The Daily Telegraph's Sydney Confidential. ( thanks to Patricia!)

Thanks to Bekah, we have added more Gladiator promotional material here.

While we mentioned in our news item 10/20 that the power issue of Entertainment Weekly had a small photo of Russell, it also included a new full page illustration. Thanks to Jill, you can see it on our new page just added: Illustrations.

A brief but interesting 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts-related item in Saturday's edition of the Austin-American Statesman: "... Let's pass on an interesting detail found in an Oct. 11 FBI affidavit requesting a warrant to search the house of a man suspected of bootlegging Crowe's recent Austin shows. According to court papers, half of the band's estimated $120,000 in proceeds were donated to the widow of slain trooper Randall Vetter." (Amy from Austin tells us that Vetter was killed in the line of duty while the band was there this summer.)

For anyone in the following areas, or those of you doing any traveling:

The British Museum in London has an exhibition called Gladiators and Caesars from 21st October 2000 - 21st January 2001. (thanks to Jan C.!) It moved to London from it's successful run at the Historisches Museum der Pfalz in Speyer, Germany (See our news item 8/27 for more details).

In Vancouver Canada, The Ridge Theatre will be screening Romper Stomper and Gladiator as a double feature, Wednesday, Nov.1st and Thursday, Nov. 2nd, at 7:00pm. Tickets for the double bill $5 (Canadian) For more info: The Ridge. (thanks to Terry!)

And while you are in Canada be sure to pick up Tribute Magazine (Canada, November, 2000. Free from Cineplex Odeon Theatres) which has a brief mention of Russell and the rumor of his directorial debut with "A Course in Miracles". See our news item 7/14 for more details. (thanks to Agnes!)

Leanne sent us the following cute item:
"Every October in Kentville, Nova Scotia (Canada) townsfolk put together a festival of Pumpkin People. People come from far and wide to see them! This year, one of the town's Bed and Breakfast's made their display a scene from Gladiator!!! The scene that they "re-enacted" was the testudo formation (with Russell in the middle) during the Battle of Carthage. Complete with shields and swords and the stadium full of on-lookers!! They even have the horses (made out of burlap sacks and stuffed) and chariots circling them!! It's really quite well done. Just wanted to let you know that there are obviously lots of fans in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia!"

For those of you who missed it (or who couldn't bear to sit through one more minute of the show), Jude Law beat out Russell for Best Celebrity Style, Male, at the VH1 Fashion Awards on Friday.

10/20/00
Do you think Russell is the sexiest man alive? Now is your chance to tell the world (well -- People Magazine anyway!) Vote here and let's make him number one by a landslide!!!!!!! (thanks to Melissa, Susan and Hanson)

Today's Wall Street Journal features an article on the upcoming Christmas releases, with box office predictions. Read what they have to say about Proof of Life here (thanks to Syd!)

Thanks to Neicie, you can see some screen captures from the Proof of Life previews! Click on the photo.

Entertainment Weekly has just named Russell the 15th most powerful person in entertainment! The complete list is in EW's annual Power Issue on stands today. (Includes a tiny photo of Russell and quotes him as saying Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) is the director he would most like to work with again.)

Don't forget - the VH1 Fashion Awards are on tonight! Check local listings for times. (See yesterday's news for more details). Once again, we'd like to remind you -- even though he's nominated, there is no confirmation that Russell will attend.

10/19/00
Trailer alert!!! Entertainment Tonight will have the trailer for Proof of Life tomorrow, Thursday!! The trailer then moves online to America Online on Friday. The full trailer will be shown in theaters starting this weekend. A good excuse to go see a film! You can view a short preview featuring the music of U2 here. (Click on the "Spotlight Stories" link on the left, then "Holiday Movie Preview")

If you'll recall, a few months back Variety reported that several scripts were being considered as possible vehicles for Russell. FilmForce has posted a script review of one of them, 33 Liberty Street. You can find it here. (Again, Russell has NOT yet signed to star in the film!) (Thanks to Joan for the link!)

We've gotten dozens of emails from people who say they haven't been able to access the surgery photos on Russell's official site. Here's how: The top of the home page still looks the same, but if you scroll down past the large logo, you'll find a link called "The Inside Story." Click there for the photos. That is all that's there for now. NOTE: If you were one of the early folks who bookmarked the site as www.russell-crowe.com, you need to update your bookmark to www.russellcrowe.com. If all else fails click here.

TV ALERT!!
Australian Channel 9's 60 minutes programme this coming Sunday (22nd) will have an interview with Russell (Thanks to Vee and Elizabeth!)

Reminder: the VH1Vogue fashion awards are on live from New York tomorrow (Friday) night. Russell is nominated for best celebrity style-male along with his Gladiator co-star, Joaquin Phoenix. We can not confirm if Russell will attend.

10/18/00
Very interesting . . . the first reports are in from the second screening of Proof of Life last night in Los Angeles. It seems the love scene between Russell and Meg has now been edited out . . . (We will have more later!)

This is a cool one for all of you 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts fans. Click here, scroll to the song "David". Read the lyrics again and then click on the Life magazine link (or scroll down, if the link doesn't work for you) and see the ballroom dancing Russell Crowe. (Page is large and takes a while to load). (thanks to Suzanne!)

10/17/00
There is a brief mention of Russell's official site RussellCrowe.com, in today's New York Daily News. You can read it here.

If you missed our home page updates over the last few days, you've missed a few great things! Thanks to the chedge, you can see a new magazine cover of Russell from British Airways here. And be sure to scroll below it, we've also added a new interview! And on our Proof of Life: In print pages, we've added the Movieline interview with Taylor Hackford, including the new photo, thanks to Wanda!

10/15/00
In a comedy skit last night, Mad TV (Fox network, U.S.) poked fun at Russell and Meg Ryan. In the skit, which was a spoof on David Letterman's talk show, Letterman tries to "rattle" Meg by showing Russell making out with tennis star Anna Kournikova and making her dress like a gladiator and fight a tiger. The show will probably repeat in the next couple months, in case you missed it. (Thanks to Sylvanette)

Magazine alerts:

The November issue of Premiere (U.S.) has a small color photo of Russell and item about A Beautiful Mind. According to the article, when Robert Redford was slated to direct, Jim Carrey was the first choice to play John Forbes Nash and Tom Cruise was second choice. But once Ron Howard took over as director, Russell was his first choice.

The Oct. 20 Entertainment Weekly has a small photo from Gladiator in an item about the Internet Movie Awards.

Speaking of those awards, Gladiator was the big winner (big surprise!). The film won Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor (Joaquin Phoenix). Ridley Scott also won Best Director, beating out L.A. Confidential director Curtis Hanson for his work in "Wonder Boys" earlier this year. The Internet Movie Awards are presented by the Internet Entertainment Writers Association and voted on by Internet users. For a complete list of winners, click here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

In his TV column this week, the Toronto Star's Rob Salem unearths an old interview he did with Russell about Virtuosity (which is on NBC tonight). Thanks to Maria for passing it along:

"Then came Virtuosity, in which Crowe played not just one insidious villain, but a computerized combination of '183 of history's most vicious psychopaths.'

" 'And one dentist,' Crowe confided to me in 1995. 'My dentist. Maybe I won't be going back. But let's face facts - nobody could be this mean without at least one dentist in the mix.' "

About the role of SID 6.7, Russell goes on to say:

"There was just such a broad range of varying degrees of criminal psychology to draw from. You really don't have to worry about any morality in the performance. Guilt, regret, remorse, any kind of human foible - he doesn't have to carry around any of that baggage."

"He gets out in the world, has a look around at society, and in the one-half of one-half of a second it takes him to work these things out, he decides that, essentially, human beings really want to die. From his point of view, he's actually being very generous with his time."

10/14/00
Article from today's Montreal Gazette "A Public Place for Private Passionsä, includes a section on Russell on the internet. Warning: read at your own risk, it might stir some negative reactions particularly if you are a newer fan.

Something must be in the air! You can read a negative review of Proof of Life from Dark Horizons here. (Warning: there are spoilers.) (thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

And a negative article about Russell's official website RussellCrowe.com from Salon. here (thanks to Marilyn!)

So how about something positive? Gladiator will be available to rent in Australia December 6th! (thanks to Helen H!). The Insider will be available on DVD in Germany, October 17th. (thanks to Fela!)

Magazine Alert: Cine "Premiere" (Mexico, October) has a color photo of Russell from Austin with an article on him and the band. (thanks to Christina!)

Cosmopolitan (October, Germany) had an article called 'Homage to the Men' featuring Russell, along with Robbie Williams and David Beckham. (thanks to Fela!)

10/13/00
This has got to be a first! One of our readers, while shopping in a supermarket heard 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts' "The Legend of Barry Kable" being played over the speaker system. But wait -- that's not all --- the store (Migrosmart) was in Zurich, Switzerland! (thanks to Sandra G.!)

Magazine alerts:
Thanks to Mary Anne for letting us know about the November issue of Cosmopolitan (US) which celebrates Australian men. The article features a large photo of Russell (among others). Thanks to mad maxine you can see the photo here

There is a small photo of Russell in the November issue of Mademoiselle (US) (thanks to Jessica!)

And a small photo of Russell and Jodie Foster from the Golden Globes in US Weekly (October 23).

The Star (US, October 24) features a few more photos of Russell and Meg from the coffee shop series. You can see them here. (scroll down below the Sydney photos)

Mystery, Alaska has just been released on video in Denmark (thanks to Dorthe). Gladiator will be available for rent in Ireland October 23rd. (thanks to Claire!) It will be available throughout the UK the same day.

The movie won't be out until December, but we've already got our first fan review of Proof of Life! Catherine attended an advance screening last week, and was kind enough to share her thoughts with us. You can read her review here.

We have also added an article from the New York Times here. While it doesn't directly mention Proof of Life or Russell, it is directly related to the subject of the film and we thought some of you might find it as interesting as we did.

Dark Horizons has also added a review of the film, you can find it here. (thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

10/12/00
Your weekly dose of Ted Casablanca. (He's well behind in the rumors department this week though! Ted -- you're slipping!) (thanks to Alysia!)

Click here for a preview of what Meg had to say about Russell in the new W magazine due out in the US Oct 20. (It's not much!)

Meg Ryan is so closely related to Russell these days and it seems (at least to us!) that we are having to spend too much time updating news about her instead of about Russell. Since we really have no interest in becoming ãMaximum Megä and we are still very behind adding some great Russell items, we'd like to recommend a few Meg Ryan fan pages for news on her. If you know the webmaster of a really great Meg site, with very up-to-date news on her, let us know! Thanks!

Doing research on A Beautiful Mind? Check out "Death or Glory" from The Economist (10/7/00 US) here.(scroll) (thanks to Heather!)

Need that perfect gift for someone special? How about a prop from Gladiator! (thanks to Fabienne J.!)

Speaking of Gladiator, the long awaited book Gladiator: The Making of the Ridley Scott Epic (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebooks) is now available. Gwen offers the following preview:
[It] "covers in detail the various production aspects of the movie, starting with a nod to the previous Roman epics from Hollywood history, some background on the real history of Rome at the time, and how the principle cast was chosen. About Russell Crowe, executive producer Douglas Wick writes: 'It was crucial to find an actor who you could believe possessed the ferocity of this great warrior, but in whom you could also see a man of strong principle and character. Russell's name came up pretty fast. His intensity, his dignity, and his utter conviction in every role he undertakes made him everyone's first choice.'"

"About his amazing transition from the paunchy, middle-aged scientist in The Insider to a gladiator, Wick continues '..... he is a real actor. Russell has an uncanny way of internalizing a role, and he's naturally very physical, which was a perfect combination for the part.'"

After profiling the key actors, the book then goes on to cover scouting locations in England, Morocco, and Malta; the creation of the coliseum; set decoration and costuming; the weapons and chariots; the stunts and swordplay; the animals in the film; and visual and special effects. Next it outlines the story itself, using storyboards and excepts from the script. Throughout there are wonderful production stills from the set."

10/11/00
Thanks to Neicie, you can see some screen captures from yesterday's Entertainment Tonight. Click on the photo.

Russell is featured twice in the November Movieline (US) magazine's "Third Annual Hollywood 100 Most" list. He was named Most Charismatic and, um, Most Untamable. The magazine also features an interview with director Taylor Hackford about Proof of Life, including a photo of Russell with Hackford. (Thanks to Melodie!)

The National Enquirer is at it again. To see their latest photos, click here. (thanks to Jody Renee!)

10/10/00
Another MAXIMUM CROWE EXCLUSIVE! Read our interview with Lowell Bergman, the real-life investigative reporter and former "60 Minutes" producer played by Al Pacino in The Insider! Read it HERE.

Thanks to everyone who sent in the new item about Russell vs. Mel Gibson for the lead in Wolfgang Petersen's next film. We're proud to say we had it July 23!! (Be sure to visit our archives when you have a few hundred years to read it all!)

Argentine rental video edition of Gladiator (PAL-N, Spanish subtitles) has been announced for November 21st. (thanks to Hebe!) And an October 23rd rental date for those of you in the UK. (thanks to all of you who sent it in.)

Thanks to Pat for the Russell cartoon (left) from the Seattle Times, Oct. 9th.

Possible Russell TV Alert! Meg Ryan is on the cover of W magazine. Today's Entertainment Tonight (US) will have a segment on the article, where she talks about her divorce from Dennis Quaid and her relationship with Russell (thanks to everyone who sent it in). Check local listings for times.

Sara tells us that Gladiator previews are turning up on some new videos -- she spotted one on U-571.

10/9/00
For those that missed the update on the home page, we have added some new photos to Hammers Over The Anvil (thanks to Melly!)

Scroll down to the gossip section for the latest marriage rumor!

10/7/00
For the "Inside Story" on Russell's shoulder surgery go to his official site RussellCrowe.com. (For all of you 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts fans out there, Kelly suggests we write a song "Inside His Arm"!)

Finally, the wait is almost over!!! Hammers Over The Anvil will be available on VHS and DVD December 5th! Pre-order and save!!!

James Ulmer's "Hollywood Hot List", is a just-published guide to Hollywood star power and includes the following mention of Russell:

"Reflecting the speed with which the landscape of Tinseltown changes, portions of the 250-page guide, first published in September, are already out of date. The entry for Russell Crowe, ranked No. 54, contains a reference to his summer blockbuster "Gladiator" as "just a Roman ruin."

"And the entry for Dennis Quaid (No. 178), who recently filed for divorce from actress wife Meg Ryan, refers to his "strong" marriage to Ryan as a personal attribute . . . " (thanks to Marilyn and Fallyhag!)

Bettina offers this tip for anyone wanting to do a little Gladiator tourism: On the Rhine, Germany; "Visiting some Roman ruins here in Cologne, I actually found a stone with an inscription by Commodus! For everyone who is interested: When you arrive at Central Station in Cologne, ask for the 'Praetorium'. It«s situated directly under the modern City Hall."

For those of you in Italy or on your way to Italy, Gladiator is already available to rent! Check your local video stores! (Thanks to all of our Italian friends who sent this in!)

10/6/00
Dark Horizons reports that Director Ron Howard and Co. have been spotted in the math department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (better known as MIT) doing research and chatting with people about John Forbes Nash Jr., the real-life mathematician whom Russell will portray in A Beautiful Mind.

Finally!!! The Proof of Life poster has been spotted! Click on the image and scroll to see a larger version).

In its scorecard of winners and losers for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Sports Illustrated rated New Zealand, Russell's homeland, as a "loser," while feeling the need to also mention The Man himself. From the magazine:

"In both medal count and attention, New Zealand was completely overshadowed by its boisterous island neighbor. Best line in local papers: 'Only Kiwi who's scoring at these Games is Russell Crowe,' the Gladiator star who was spotted canoodling with Meg Ryan."

In a survey of 100,000 women, New Woman magazine ranks Russell 18th on the list of the world's sexiest men. Among the Russell-related stars also making the list: Leonardo DiCaprio (Quick and the Dead), who ranked 32; Denzel Washington (Virtuosity), 33; Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator), 75; and Kevin Spacey (L.A. Confidential), 77. For all those wondering, singer Robbie Williams topped the list. (And Ted Casablanca was nowhere to be seen.)

Tillie tells us you can buy all the gear needed to outfit a Gladiator or a Roman soldier through MuseumReplicas.com (Russell not included.)

Wendy wrote in to share a funny Russell-related item in the November issue of Fitness magazine. There's an article on common sexual fantasies and what they really mean:

"[Fantasy:] You're walking down the street when you see a film crew. Russell Crowe is just finishing a scene, and when he heads to his trailer, you follow and find him wearing only a towel. 'I'm glad you found me,' he says as he shuts the door and takes you in his arms.

"What it means - You want sex with a 'physically perfect' man. Celebs look so good that nearly all of us cast them as sexual gods in our inner movies, says Locker. Plus, 'Celebs can have anyone they want, so part of the fantasy is that they're picking you.'" (We will reluctlently restrain ourselves from attempting a witty comment here!)

10/5/00
DreamWorks Home Entertainment is about to unleash a huge ad campaign for the release of Gladiator on DVD and video. Thanks to Melly, you can see some of the promo materials being sent to retailers here!

We have added a magazine cover from Poland here (scroll) (Thanks to Jola and Rafal)

Angela writes in with this humorous tidbit from the London Evening Standard:
"There have been over the last couple of days, some articles about how we can programme our evening's entertainment on TV ö you know, with pay-per-view digital and satellite channels. So in today's Standard they were asking why we can't programme the rest of the arts and what we would really like to see. So, under Films come:

VIKING
Staggeringly inaccurate historical actioner in which Mel Gibson directs Russell Crowe as Soren Firegaard, a Viking Captain sold into slavery and forced to wear a short skirt by evil Brits who have raped and pillaged his Nordic homeland. The destruction of Elsinore and the longboat battle in a storm are masterpieces of digital technology. Co-starring Meg Ryan as a moist-eyed Icelandic farm girl, Nigel Havers as the sadistic British commander Sir Cardboard-Cutout, and Vinnie Jones as Sven the Mute Beserker."

For what now seems like Ted Casablanca's weekly trashing of Russell visit The Awful Truth (thanks to Marjean!)

Just when you thought you were going to make it through a whole day without a mention of Meg -- Magazine alert: Hello (UK October 10) features some photos of Ms. Ryan. (Yeah, Russell is in them too). (thanks to Susan M and Kate!)

Another reminder that the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards -- "A Night of Killer Music and Fashion" -- will be presented live on VH1 from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, October 20 at 9:00-11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Russell is nominated for Best Celebrity Style - Male but no word yet if he will attend or not.

Speaking of VH1, several of our readers have written in to alert us to the "My VH1 Music Awards". Click here and vote for 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts !!! (Sorry we hadn't posted this sooner, but until now, we couldn't figure out how to get to the voting area!)

10/4/00
For the latest Meg / Russell rumor see our RUMORS section.

One of our readers, whose son works at a California movie chain, is so familiar to the staff due to her Gladiator "habit" that the following appeared in their employee newsletter: "Coming to Marina Pacifica 12 this week: Gladiator - That same movie with Russell Crowe is coming back, and so is Roy's Mom." (thanks to Christy!)

Want to go to Gladiator School? Check out NationalGeographic.com. (thanks to Chris!)

A few more photos of Russell and Meg on Tom Cruise's boat appeared in ÁSorpresa! (Spain 10/9/00) you can see them here thanks to Esther!

Nothing new that we hadn't already reported in this new article from Mr. Showbiz, but it's worth checking out for that photo! (thanks to Deb!)

10/3/00
For the latest casting rumor see our RUMORS section. (thanks to Kathy, Margaret and Dee!)

10/2/00
We have added a few new photos here and one to our Proof of Life: In Print page here. (We added quite a bit of news yesterday, so be sure to scroll, if you haven't already read it!)

10/1/00
Want to own a Russell autographed Gaslight cd and help a charity at the same time? Radio station Y-100 (Philadelpha) is auctioning one, with a T-shirt from the Stubb's show, among their other celebrity items. Once at their homepage, click on the Y100 AIDS Auction box . Russell's autographed CD & T-shirt are near the bottom. Hurry auction ends Tuesday! (thanks to Michele!)

The Charlotte Observer (October 1) features the article: `Gladiator' gone from many screens, but hardly forgotten, written by one of our readers! (Thanks to Dawn for sharing it with us! )

Magazine Alerts!
Empire Magazine (UK, November) lists "Empire's 69 sexiest movie characters of all time". Are any of us suprised at who came in as number one?

MAXIMUS
Played by Russell Crowe in Gladiator (2000)
Sexy Spec: No-one has quite brought out the animal lust in Empire readers like Crowe's Maximus. "Maximus is everything a woman could want," sighed Sarah Rudkin, via email: "strong, noble, intelligent, brave, loyal, devoted to his family and just about sexy enough to light any woman's fire!" Who'd have thought a man who chops people to bits could be so appealing?
Horny highlight: "My name is Gladiator!' Few words, much action." (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

Ok magazine (UK Sept 29, ) has a short article on Russell and Meg with small photo. (thanks to Susan M!)

The following are all Australian magazines and feature articles and photos:
Who weekly (Oct 2)
New Idea (Sept 30)
Australian Vive magazine, (Spring 2000, issue 16) features Russell in a 4 page article: "The Unsentimental Bloke", with full page photo. (see left)

The UK Daily Mail ran a contest in which readers were shown the recent photo from Santa Monica, of Meg stroking Russell's beard and were asked to imagine what Meg was saying to Russell. The winning caption was "Lose the beard Russell, and I'll buy that hairbrush" (thanks to Nicky!)

9/28/00 (Second update today!)
Click on the photo to see some captures from Entertainment Tonight (US, 9/27/00) thanks to Neicie!

Magazine Alerts! Need to see still more photos of Russell and Meg? Apparently, they will grace the cover of the new edition of People Magazine (US) and they are already on the cover of Women's Day (Australia, September 25)

Ok -- just who are Ted's sources anyway??? See the latest diss (whoops -- we mean "dish") from Mr. Casablanca. (thanks to Karen W)

Entertainment Weekly asks: What repercussions will the Meg Ryan/ Russell Crowe affair have?" (on Proof of Life box office). Read the full article here.

9/27/00
Details on Entertainment Tonight's feature on Russell and Meg here. The upcoming issue of People Magazine (US) will also jump on the bandwagon. (If the above direct link doesn't work for you, try www.etonline.com.) (thanks to Karen W!)

For some new photos of Russell and Meg in Sydney (at least one of which may appear in the new People magazine) click here. (thanks to Kathy and Margaret)

Magazine alert! In addition to the upcoming People magazine (US), if you find you just can't get enough photos of Meg and Russell, the French TV magazine "TŽlŽ-Loisirs" (Sept 30) also features one. (thanks to Brigitte!)

9/26/00 (Second update today!)
TV Alert! Entertainment Tonight (US) is doing update on Russell and Meg's relationship on the show that airs tomorrow evening (9/27). Check local listings. (thanks to everyone that sent it in!)

L.A. Confidential was a big hit for CBS Sunday night. It came in second in its time slot, behind only the Olympics, and was the highest-rated movie of the week (ending Sept. 18).

Magazine Alert! Bunte magazine (Germany, September 21, 2000) features some photos of Russell and Meg. (thanks to Conny!)

In Style magazine (US, 10/200) has a little blurb about Chinese lacquered-duck rolls that features a small photo of Russell. (???) You can see why and also see a larger version of this photo from Interview magazine by Herb Ritts here. (Mr. Ritts, you rule!)

In case you missed our home page updates the last few days, we have added some more fan art here (much more to come!) and our Ian ãMollyä Meldrum interview with Russell is back! (A new improved version including more photos!)

Thanks to Jody R., here is a photo of Russell with Nicole Kidman from Harper's Bazaar. (US, 9/00).

9/23/00
In addition to Gladiator -- No Way Back, Heaven's Burning and the special edition of Romper Stomper are coming to DVD in November! You can pre-order here and save! And watch for Hammers Over The Anvil on VHS and DVD coming soon with special savings from Videoflicks!

Magazine Alerts:
Hello Magazine (9/26, UK) features 3 full pages of photos of Russell and Meg (thanks to Katie E!)

Cheryl H. reports in that the October 2000 issue of Los Angeles magazine has a small photo of Russell with Michael Mann (The Insider) at the Hollywood Film Festival on page 38. In addition, there is a quote: "Why am I here? Aren't you sick of me in your newspapers?" -- Russell Crowe on being honored at Hollywood Film Festival."

Interview magazine (October, US) has a photo and item about Russell in "The Movies' 20 most-wanted." Russell ranks no. 2. (thanks to Lisa and Michelle!)

For those of you in the Chicago area, mark those calendars! Doc Films, as part of their Thursday night series on Australian National Cinema at The University of Chicago will screen Proof on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. (thanks to Johanna J!)

Jennifer S. tells us that Russell's name has even made it to "Wheel of Fortune," appearing today as the "Proper Names" puzzle!

The Press (Christchurch, New Zealand) reports that "the New Zealand [basketball] team had some celebrity support against Cuba. Television pictures showed New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe cuddling movie star girlfriend Meg Ryan (Proof of Life) in the stands." (thanks to Heather!)

For those of you in the Berlin, Germany area, the filmschool HFF Konrad Wolf, (Potsdam) will host a two-day workshop with John Nelson (Visual Effects Supervisor Gladiator ) for students this Monday and Tuesday, September 25 - 26. First a screening of the film, then a lecture, then the workshop. (thanks to Elisabeth N!)

Any insomniacs out there? For those of you in the Austin, TX area the Dobie Theatre is running midnight screenings of The Quick and the Dead, now through Thursday, September 28th. (thanks to Melanie H!)

We don't normally post TV alerts for Russell's films (too many films, too many readers from too many countries) but we've gotten so much mail about this one, we thought we'd better mention it. If you can tear yourself away from the Olympics, L.A. Confidential will have it's US network premiere on CBS, Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings). May we suggest a new Olympic event? Spotting the edits! (Our personal favorite from the version screened on planes was the addition of "Julius Caesar!!" in place of one of Russell's lines, -- let's see if they repeat that one! No need to send us the edits though, we are sure there will be plenty!!!

9/21/00
As we're sure most of you know by now (and thanks to all of you for sending in the various articles yesterday and today!), Russell and Meg Ryan (Proof of Life) were spotted together in Australia near his home recently. Yes, Russell and Meg are a couple. Their respective spokesmen are still saying "No comment." But Russell and Meg are a couple. We're also aware of the rumor that says they plan to marry once her divorce from actor Dennis Quaid becomes final. We have no clue if it's true or not. Now, let's pick ourselves off the floor, wipe our tears, blow our noses, get a grip, and . . .

. . . with that said, we have some really cool photos of Russell that Pea Eye has sent us from a Korean magazine. You can find them here.

Gladiator-related news from Italy! Luca Ward, who dubbed Russell's voice in Italian for movie theaters there, has won the Voices in the Dark award (given for film dubbing) for Best Male Voice. (thanks to Ilaria!)

We've mentioned it a few times already in recent news items, but for those of you who haven't been able to get a copy, you can read the Premiere magazine article "The E*List" (a ranking of the Internet's biggest stars -- which of course Russell tops!) here . Congratulations to all of the RC sites that made the list! (and thanks again to everyone who sent in the article)

Magazine alert: In its premiere issue, Total Movie (US) features a free DVD with the trailer for Gladiator! (Thanks to Alicia)

Possible TV alert? Jane B. tells us she spotted Russell and Meg cheering on the Tall Ferns (New Zealand's basketball team) at the Olympics today. Not sure if it will show up in the tape delayed coverage, but it's worth checking out!

Gladiator alert for those of you in London!
Nicky writes in that the National Film Theatre will doing a special screening of the film on the 22nd September. (Tomorrow). "It starts at 6pm and is preceeded by a half hour talk on how the special effects were done on the film by one of the top technicians that worked on the film." Sounds like a good excuse to go see it again! (Call theatre to verify times.)

9/19/00
Sylvia Nasar, author of "A Beautiful Mind," has given us an exclusive quote about her reaction to Russell being cast as John Forbes Nash Jr. in the film adaptation of her book. You can find it, as well as excerpts from her book, on our A Beautiful Mind page.

In case you missed Russell on CNN Showbiz Today yesterday . . . It wasn't a new interview, rather it was one from his Gladiator press tour. Here's what he had to say about filming the blockbuster (Thanks to Neicie for the photos!):

"It was a relentless physical challenge. I cracked a bone on the top of my foot here. Actually, well, I didn't crack it. Some bloke in the Bourne Woods shoved his shield down on top of it. So that was 'owcheewawa' -- busted this hip up. My bicep tendons in both arms popped out -- luckily, at different times."

We know that many of you -- like us! -- recently purchased Romper Stomper on DVD. We've now learned that a new special-edition version will be released Nov. 21. The two-disc set will include the unrated version, as well as interviews with Russell and director Geoffrey Wright, commentary by Wright, a making-of featurette, and a stills gallery, among other features. You can pre-order it (and save!) here.

Also, a reminder: Gladiator is coming to video in November too! You can pre-order your video (VHS or PAL) or DVD via our Shopping for Russell page here. And watch for Heaven's Burning on DVD and Hammers Over The Anvil on VHS and DVD coming soon with special savings from Videoflicks! We'll let you know when they start taking orders! (thanks to Melly and Mary for all of their help!)

It looks like dStore has 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts' "The Photograph Kills" cd back in stock!!! Order it here. (Please note prices listed are in Australian dollars but they ship worldwide). (thanks to Aditi!)

9/18/00
TV Alert! Showbiz Today (CNN) plans on interviewing Russell and a few other Australian actors on the show today! (Check local listings for times and remember - subject to change) (Thanks to Olga!)
Regarding alerts about Russell's FILMS on TV, while we really appreciate you sending them, we only post alerts when Russell himself will be on TV or if it is something unique. (Sorry about that! There are just too many films and too many countries for us to keep it up to date.)

9/17/00
We still have many more to come, but we have added a few more magazine covers. (Very impressive, Russell!) You can see In Camera thanks to Elizabeth and another new one from Greece, thanks to Tigerlily!

Thanks to everyone who sent in the following: Parade Magazine's Walter Scott was asked to pick the ten best male actors in film today. Russell, (of course!) along with quite a few of his former co-stars made the list.

ãQ: In your opinion, who are the 10 best male actors in Hollywood today?
A: Readers may be surprised that we're skipping the usual suspects: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Harrison Ford. In our opinion, they're no longer doing their best work. We pick (in alphabetical order) Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise, Ralph Fiennes, Gene Hackman (Quick and the Dead), Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins (SpotswoodAKA The Efficency Expert), Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey (L.A. Confidential) and Denzel Washington (Virtuosity). Such a list is subjective, of course.ä

We've added a new Proof of Life set photo here. (thanks to Esther!) And you can read another script review (some spoilers) at filmforce.ign.com. (thanks to Karen C!)

If you can't get enough of Russell and Meg, just one more . . . "Ryan and Crowe soak up the sun cheek-to-cheek", Sydney Morning Herald. (thanks to dharmes)

Just for fun --"Russell Crowe and Dennis Quaid Fight it Out" (thanks to Lisa S!)

9/16/00
We have added some more of the photos you have all been reading about all over the net here!

Mr. Showbiz features a fun poll about Russell and his shoulder injury. (thanks to Kahitsino!) There is also yet another article about .... you guessed it ...

Nothing new in this article but a photo of Russell arriving at the Sydney Airport last weekend. (Thanks to Donna, Kathy and Margaret)

Magazine Alert! GQ (Italy, September, 2000) features a large photo and article on Russell.(Same photo as in Premiere (US October, 2000), which is the same photo found here. Scroll down till you get to Entertainment Weekly December 24/31, 1999.

Sorry if we are a bit slower at updating than usual. We have Olympic fever! (Don't you??)

9/14/00(Second news update today!)
Magazine Alerts: Maxim (Italy, Sept. 2000) and Max (Italy, Sept 2000) feature articles and photos. You can see the photos from Maxim here, thanks to Paolina!

Thanks to Ariana, we have some photos from Femina Magazine (South Africa, Sept. 2000) here, where we've also posted a journalist's commentary on Russell and the press.

Hey, we never said it was over! Ted should start paying attention to us!!!! The Awful Truth

Thanks to everyone who wrote to tell us about the photo of Russell in the October issue of Playgirl magazine (US). Before you get too excited, it's just a screen capture from Proof -- the magazine isn't big enough to feature any more of Russell.

Based on our mail, it looks like Ms. Ryan remains the hottest topic with our readers. Sandrine tells us that the September 12th Issue of Hola magazine features 7 new photos of Russell with Meg. You can view 2 of them here and here (Thanks to everyone who sent in the links).

9/13/00
According to the Daily Telegraph, the new 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts album "Bastard Life or Clarity" is scheduled to hit shelves around Christmas. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!) This has not been officially confirmed by the Grunts, but we'll keep you posted!

The October issue of Movieline mentions Proof of Life in its article on "Oscar Bait 2000":

"This political thriller from non-Oscar-bait director Taylor Hackford stars impressive actors who, word has it, have come through with performances that elevate the material. Meg Ryan plays the wife of a diplomat (the always good David Morse) who's been kidnapped by terrorists in South America, and Russell Crowe is the hostage negotiator who comes to his rescue and falls for Ryan in the process." (Thanks to Sandy!)

Today's Guardian newspaper reports that archaeologists believe they have found the only known grave of a female gladiator. The woman apparently fought in the Roman amphitheatre in London. You can read the full article here. Meanwhile, for those of you nearby, on Saturday a re-creation of a gladiatorial battle will be held in Guildhall Yard, on the site of the amphitheatre.

Speaking of Gladiator, the Irish Times reports how the film has re-ignited interest in Roman history. You can find that article here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

To those in Canada (or willing to travel there), Romper Stomper will be playing again at Paradise Cinema in Toronto on Oct. 4 and 5. (Thanks to Jen!)

Russell joked about their relationship in Austin, now Danielle Spencer (The Crossing) will be turning up all over U.S. television, as she joins the syndicated show "Beastmaster" during its second season beginning the week of Oct. 2. You can read more about her character, and find out when and where the show airs in your hometown, at the official website here. (Thanks to Janine!)

For those of you who forgot to check our homepage for updates yesterday, you missed the addition of our newest film page -- A Beautiful Mind.

9/11/00
Russell's name will continue to crop up in entertainment sections this month, as papers and magazines take a look at the winners and losers of Summer 2000. From the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Sun-Sentinel yesterday:

"Russell Crowe helped breathe new life into the sword-and-sandal genre with the summer's first unqualified critical and commercial success, Gladiator. Whether taking on Big Tobacco in last year's The Insider, or little Joaquin Phoenix inside the Coliseum, Crowe earned almost as many raves from female movie patrons hungry for a manly man matinee idol as he did from reviewers starved for a semi-intelligent action hero."

(Semi-intelligent???)

Even though it is still early, the film is once again being talked up in various articles as a MAJOR Oscar contender. It will most likely be on every year-end "Best of 2000" list and Oscar "prediction" article for months to come!! (Go Gladiator Go!)

A reminder: The Insider is released on video in the UK today, Sept. 11. (Thanks to Claire and Eurwen). To order it, or any of Russell's other films, visit our Shopping For Russell page.

Things aren't looking very hopeful for Flora Plum at the moment -- this from today's Variety: Looming strikes cause A-list cast shuffles.

9/9/00
According to today's New York Times, Russell has indeed signed to "A Beautiful Mind":
ã Brian Grazer, the Imagine Films producer, and Ron Howard, the director, last week signed Russell Crowe, star of "Gladiator" and one of Hollywood's hottest leading men, to play John Forbes Nash Jr. . . . And what does Mr. Nash think of the choice? 'I think he can play other roles than a gladiator, which obviously I am not,' he said. . . . Filming is set to begin next March, with a tentative release date of November 2001ä (thanks to Marcy!)

David Caruso (Proof of Life) is among the celebrities expected to turn up at the Olympic games according to The Sunday Telegraph (Australia). (thanks to Kathy and Margaret). Be sure to scan the crowd for Russell, he has mentioned in interviews wanting to go watch the games and with his change in filming schedule, it's likely he might. (Just one more of the many reasons to watch the Olympics!!!)

9/9/00
In an online poll, Good Morning America viewers picked Gladiator as their most-loved film of the summer! Ironically, Mission: Impossible 2, which topped Gladiator as the summer's highest-grossing film, was voted the most hated film of Summer 2000. (How did two of our favorites, The Patriot and The Perfect Storm, also make that hate list???) You can see the full results, with a photo of Russell from Gladiator, here. (Thanks to Diane!)

Meanwhile, for what we assume was also just for fun, the San Francisco Chronicle did its own survey, this time of players on the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's. Gladiator was their favorite film of the summer, too, for both its storytelling and, of course, the battle scenes. (Thanks to Suzanne and Claudia!)

Variety has word of a possible new project for Gladiator director Ridley Scott and producer Walter Parkes -- an hourlong TV police show set in ancient Rome! The show would be set during the reign of Nero in 65 A.D., almost 100 years before Gladiator, and would focus on the head of the Urban Cohort, the Roman police force. Scott would likely direct the show's two-hour pilot and serve as a consultant on the series, which would NOT be a spinoff or prequel to the blockbuster film. For the full story (until Variety changes the link), click here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

9/8/00
Is Russell heading back to Australia? NY Daily News: Freak Accident Grounds Crowe. (thanks to JC!)

For a few more details on Russell's injury and the status of Flora Plum see Orlandosentinel.com "Crowe-Foster film project on shelf for now." A few highlights from the article:

"'Russell hurt his shoulder while he was in training for the film,' Barry Mendel, producer of Flora Plum, said Thursday . . . 'One of the acts he was doing in the film was a Spanish Web act' -- similar to the curtain-climbing act at Cirque du Soleil -- 'and in rehearsing it, he hurt his shoulder.'"

"The postponement has an indefinite time frame because of Crowe`s injury, which sources with the production describe as an aggravation of an injury the actor suffered while filming Gladiator. Mendel said the delay could last a few months, 'or longer. He`s a very physical actor, and he wants to be able to do his own stunts.'"

"There are conflicting accounts about when Crowe hurt himself. Some sources with the film said he hurt his shoulder on Tuesday. But the Orlando production office told the Sentinel last week that the production was being delayed. Sources close to the Orlando production told the Sentinel that the film`s spiraling costs and ever-changing script were the reasons that they had heard for the production`s being halted. They also said that the film is -- at this stage -- canceled and not postponed."

The Melbourne Age was one of the many papers to also run a story. No real new news, but a new photo! You can see it here.

Magazine Alerts!
Alitalia's in-flight magazine "Ulisse" (September 2000) features an article on Russell. (thanks to Rossana!)

Total Film (UK, October) includes a 16-page article entitled "Hardest Men in Hollywood." [We know your imaginations are running wild with this one and we will restrain ourselves from making a comment here!!!] Russell is named as 29th ... after describing his alleged fight in Australia "Russ, You're a legend, and at a time when real men are disappearing from our screens completely, you're about our only hope" (thanks to Katie, Zhenya and Hannah!)

Steadycam (Germany). Current issue features Ridley Scott and an article about Gladiator. (Thanks to Elisabeth N.)

For those of you in the Montreal area, now is your chance to see Romper Stomper again on the big screen as it was intended! It will be screening at The Cinema du Parc September 22, 23 and 28. (thanks to Attrayou!)

Gladiator, currently in 8th place, has remained in the top ten in Sweden since the film premiered at the end of May! (thanks to Birgitta!)

The Official Proof of Life page has finally added a second page. No new news there at the moment, but worth looking at anyway! (Click on the "coming soon" photo to get to the second page) (thanks to Susie R.)

9/7/00
RUSSELL SUFFERS SHOULDER INJURY, Flora Plum delayed. See our NEWS FLASH page for details. (Thanks to everyone who sent in items about it. There were too many of you for us to thank you personally via email, but please know that we appreciate it!)

"No Go For Crowe: Actor Injures Shoulder, Work on Hold"

As promised yesterday, we have added video captures of the Molly Meldrum / Australian TV interview here.

The latest edition of Ted Casablanca's weekly Russell comments, this time a quote from Guy Pearce here. (Thanks to Jana!)

This from the Austin American Statesmen XLent column. "Weekly Russell Crowe update: the actor's Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts recently moved out to Willie's private Pedernales Studio west of town, and visitors there so far include Quentin Tarantino, Mike Judge, Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater and, lest you were thinking they're making a movie instead of a record, guest keyboardist Ian McLagan." (Thanks to Sue M.!)

9/6/00
Thanks to Neicie, we will be adding some images from the Molly Meldrum interview asap -- this photo is a sample of what is to come! (keep checking back for more!)

Looks like Russell is getting closer to signing to "A Beautiful Mind." This from today's Hollywood Reporter:

"Imagine, Uni, DreamWorks are 'Beautiful' partners Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures will partner with DreamWorks on the biopic "A Beautiful Mind," which Russell Crowe is nearly set to star in for director Ron Howard. Budgeted at about $40 million, the project will mark the first teaming of Imagine and DreamWorks on a feature film. Akiva Goldsman scripted from Sylvia Nasar's 1994 biography "A Beautiful Mind: A Biography of John Forbes Nash, Jr." "Mind" is expected to go before cameras in March. Crowe has long been in negotiations to star in the true story about a mathematical genius with matinee-idol looks who suffered from schizophrenia but miraculously recovered and received a Nobel Prize (HR 5/19). In a 50-50 co-financing and co-production agreement, Universal is slated to distribute domestically, with DreamWorks handling international distribution. Crowe is repped by WMA." (thanks to Sam!) For more on this see our NEWS FLASH all the way back to May 19th.

Thanks to Cari we have added another candid photo of Russell from the Mission Impossible 2 premiere in London here. (scroll).

For a few more photos of Russell, (as well as Heath and Hugh) go to Corbis.com for their ãhunky bunch of Australian actorsä feature. Be sure to do it soon as their photos change often! (thanks to Sheila G.!)

Not that any of us internet-using Russell fans needed Premiere magazine to tell us this one -- but at least they are telling the rest of the world!! In their first ever "E List", ranking the Internet's most popular stars, Jennifer Lopez and Russell come in as number one.

A few of Russell's friends and co-stars also make the list:
Tom Cruise - Number 2
Leonardo DiCaprio (Quick and the Dead) - Number 5
Salma Hayek (Breaking Up) - Number 9

Magazine Alert! Renaissance Magazine (US, Volume 5 #3) features an article about Gladiator and includes two photos. (thanks to Cheri!)

9/4/00
In case you missed our homepage updates yesterday, we added more Austin fan reviews and photos here and, thanks to Katrina, the transcript from Molly Meldrum's TV interview with Russell here.

Jesse Nash, in Friday's NY Post's PageSix writes: "There's a special clique in Hollywood of handsome hunks with terrific, high-profile careers. They all have two things in common: they're sexy and they're single."

Here is a highlight of what he has to say about Russell:
"Simmering with an intense sexuality not seen on screen since Brando, Russell Crowe is a 'Gladiator' of love, taming ladies like lions. 'If you have the right personality, there's nothing stopping you from getting whatever you want,' he [Russell] insists."

Read the article "Here's the Beef" here. (thanks to Kathy and Margaret!)

Magazine Alert! Cinemania (Mexico, Sept. 2000) features an article on the 16 personalities of the year, which of course includes Russell! You can see the complete list here. (thanks to Cristi!)

9/2/00
Possible TV alert:
MONDAY, 9/4 "On the next EXTRA (US), it's a jam-packed Labor Day look at the hottest stories of the SUMMER OF 2000. From celebrity break-ups and baby news to career crashes and comebacks, EXTRA recalls the Hollywood highs and lows that grabbed our attention." (Check local listings for times. We can't guarantee Russell will be on but he was certainly in the news a lot this summer!)

Magazine Alert: Cine Premiere (Mexico, Sept.) The Mexican version of Premiere magazine features a photo and a short article on Russell and Meg Ryan. (thanks to Cristina!)

Thanks to Manuela, Sue and Colleen for sending the following article from the Austin American Statesman. Read at your own risk, the article contains (in our humble opinion) sexist remarks about Russell's (and 30 Odd Foot of Grunts') female fans. (You will need to scroll to get to the part about Russell and the band) Click here.

Susie tells us that Gladiator is now playing on ON DEMAND pay movie channels in various hotel chains throughout the US. Sounds like a good time to plan a vacation!

9/1/00
We have added a few more magazine covers here (including our first from Greece and Russia). We still have more coming!

Mr Casablanca is at it again!

8/30/00
What were they thinking??? In Access Hollywood's Top 10 of 2000, Russell failed to land among the actual top 10 celebs of the year!! But at least he was named favorite male celebrity, with 37% of the votes. Meanwhile, Gladiator was voted top movie with 36.5% (its closest competitor was Scary Movie, with 28.4%). (Thanks to Margaret and Kathy!)

We're a bit shorthanded at the moment, so we'll have screen captures from the show as soon as possible!

We'd also like to thank everyone for all your kind wishes and congratulations the last few days. We can't answer everyone personally, but we'd just like to say that your support really means a lot to us!

8/29/00
A reminder to those in the U.S.: The Access Hollywood special "Top 10 of 2000" will be on TONIGHT on NBC! (see items dated 8/23 and 8/13). Check local listings for times.

According to Exhibitor Relations, Gladiator was 22nd at the box office this past weekend, actually rising one notch from last week. It made $450,919 on 507 screens, bringing its total North American box office take to $182.7 million. (Thanks to N.)

Canada TV alerts! On Sept. 6 and 7, StarTV will show a Behind the Scenes special on L.A. Confidential. And on Sept. 9 and 10, there will be a repeat of "Extreme Close-Up" on Russell. As always, check local listings for times. (Thanks to Maggie!)

In its September 4 issue, Rolling Stone picks Gladiator as the best summer movie and Russell Crowe as the best male actor in its Summer Report Card. (Thanks to Fumiko and everyone who sent it in!)

The shows may be over, but Austin still can't get enough of the Grunts! From Waterloo Records' Top 50 selling artists for the week ending August 19th, 2000:

1. Bob Schneider - Lonelyland TX
2. Thirty Odd Foot Of Grunts
3. Scabs - Destroyer TX
(Thanks again to Karen)

And finally, the mystery of Maximus' missing dog is now over! An article in USA Today (May 10, 2000) titled "The Scoop on the Gladiator Dog" quotes executive producer Walter Parkes:

"Everybody has asked us this question" [what happened to the dog]. Parkes says: "In an otherwise carefully conceived script, it's a complete oversight on our part. We at one time had an ending when Maximus is reunited with his army and his dog. We changed that, needing to have this more intimate, personal ending, and we forgot to deal with the dog. I can only say the dog is happy somewhere in Ostia." (Thanks to Betty B)

8/28/00
Both Entertainment Weekly and Premiere magazine feature articles and photos on Proof of Life in their Fall Movie Previews. We've added both articles here. (The EW photo can be found on our main Proof of Life Page; we will have the Premiere photo shortly!!)

We don't normally post TV alerts for Russell's films unless it is a special occasion (like yesterday's item) or unless the film is premiering on TV that night. But because the following movies are so hard to find in each particular country, we decided to make a few exceptions:

In the U.S., Hammers Over The Anvil will be shown on the Romance Classics cable channel on Saturday, Sept. 16. Check local listings for times. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

Virtuosity will be shown on Danish television tonight on TvDanmark 2 at 8 pm. (Thanks to Dorthe)

And an update from yesterday: The mini Russell Crowe marathon on Film 4 tonight apparently isn't quite so mini after all -- it will also feature Quick and the Dead and Proof.

Apparently seeing Gladiator wasn't a pleasure for everyone! But don't fault the film. In a survey in the new issue of Empire magazine, which is out today, readers were asked to describe their worst moviegoing experiences. Among the complaints: One reader says Gladiator was ruined for him by a German student who translated the entire film's dialogue for his two non-English-speaking friends; another said "the volume of the soundtrack gave him an 'eardrum battering' more akin to a 'Monsters of Rock concert' "; and yet another reader said that when she saw the film, 10 to 15 minutes were chopped out of the movie, making it impossible to follow the plot. (Maybe that explains what happened to the dog???)

Magazine alerts:

The September/October issue of Creative Screenwriting has L.A. Confidential on the cover with two photos of Russell as Bud White inside. (Thanks to Cynthia)

Russell is on the cover of French Allez Savior, which has an article on Gladiator vs. historical fact. (Thanks to Christina)

The July/August 2000 issue of "Archaeology" has an article about Gladiator called "Reanimating Rome -- 'Gladiator' Shows Respect for Setting and Subject." (Thanks to Pat)

ABC (U.S.) has picked up broadcast TV rights for Gladiator, for an estimated $22-$25 million. Unfortunately, the film won't be shown on the network until late 2002 or the beginning of 2003. (Thanks to Jeanette)

8/27/00
KGSR radio in Austin, Texas, has posted the transcript to Russell's on-air interview with Kevin Connor. You can find it here. (Special thanks to Kevin, and to everyone who sent it in!)

UK TV alerts! Want to learn more about real-life gladiators? "Gladiators - The Brutal Truth" will air Monday as part of "Romans Day" on BBC2 throughout the day.

Also, the British satellite/digital channel, FILM 4, is having a mini Russell Crowe marathon on September 2, with showings of L.A. Confidential and Romper Stomper, starting at 8 pm. (Thanks to Maya)

Historisches Museum der Pfalz in Speyer, Germany, has an exhibit on ancient Rome and gladiators, "Caesaren und Gladiatoren," now through October 1. The exhibition is moving to the British Museum in London that same month. You can read more about the exhibit at the museum's website here. (The site is in German). Thanks to Elisabeth N., who spotted an ad for the exhibit in the new issue of Antike Welt, an archeology magazine which also has an article on Gladiator this month.

8/25/00
The official 30 Odd Foot of Grunts site has added a live version of Nowhere, recorded at the Aug. 4 show in Austin! It's in MP3 format and takes awhile to load. You can download the song here. (thanks to Linda C!)

8/24/00
More from Austin: Waterloo Records' Top 50 selling artists for the week ending August 12th, 2000
1. Bob Schneider - Lonelyland
2. 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts - Gaslight
(thanks to Karen W.)

Marilyn reports in with the following: "For the last several weeks, Gladiator which premiered 2 1/2 weeks earlier--has been higher in the U.S. box office rankings than the much-vaunted Mission Impossible 2. The last time MI-2 came in ahead of Glad was the 3rd week of July, when the films were at #15 and #16, respectively. Since then, MI-2 attendance has been dropping off faster--while Gladiator's weekly dropoff percentage has been DECREASING! The most recent Variety box office figures showed Gladiator at #19, and MI-2 at #28. The fact that Crowe's film accomplished this in 63 fewer theaters than Cruise's proves what we've known all along--Russell's got better 'legs' than Tom."

More box office (International):
"Gladiator' still fighting

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" ascended to $235.3 million, powered by Greece's $378,000 in three days and China's nifty $1 million in 12 days. (thanks to Diane!)

The film, which opened May 25th is the no. 1 hit in Turkey for 2000 as of August 22. Mission Impossible 2 is no. 2 and the Patriot is no. 3. (thanks to Zehra/Istanbul)

It is number one in Yugoslavia, where a pirated version with Chinese and Polish subtitles also turned up on a local TV station! (thanks to Marija!)

8/23/00
Magazine alert! Rolling Stone (US, 9/14/00). There is a short mention of the 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts Austin show (August 4th) and a photo of Russell on stage from behind. Some of you who were right up front may be able to see yourselves! Also, it looks like there are quite a few males in the audience, contrary to what the article says! (thanks to Lisa D!)
(We will have the photo posted ASAP)

Friday on Network 10 in Australia, Molly Meldrum will present a one-hour special on Russell titled "Russell Crowe: Behind the Gladiator." The interview, which was taped in Austin, will examine his career and will include clips from his films.

Gladiator continues to conquer the world, this time China! Bloomberg News reports it is now challenging Titanic, that country's biggest foreign film ever, as king of the box office. "Dubbed into Mandarin, the Dreamworks SKG sword-and-sandals epic generated 2 million yuan ($240,000) of ticket sales in Shanghai during its first four days," according to Bloomberg. About 10 minutes of the movie won't be seen by Chinese audiences -- censors cut one scene in which Commodus tries to seduce his sister Lucilla. (Thanks to Teri!)

Voting has begun for Access Hollywood's top 10 stars of 2000. Results will be announced on the NBC special on Aug. 29. You can vote for Russell here. (Thanks to Dottie and everyone else who sent it in!)

The Orlando Sentinel has printed a couple of articles on pre-production for Flora Plum. Among the new information is that the film's director, Jodie Foster, has been scouting locations in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties, looking for locales with a 1930s look to them (the film is set during that time). Russell and co-star Clare Danes are expected in Florida in early September. We'll have the articles up as soon as possible. (Thanks to everyone who sent in the articles!)

8/22/00
Thanks to everyone who sent in the following from the Aug. 20 edition of Parade. It's an update from the Parade item we reported on 6/18/00 in which columnist Walter Scott had a less-than-enlightened view of Russell's ability to carry a film:

"Q: Regarding your recent item on Russell Crowe: If you think that millions of women went to see Gladiator for the special effects, you're even dumber than I think.

A: Ouch! We got dozens of letters taking exception to our opinion that Russell Crowe, 36, doesn't have what it takes to become a box-office star of the dimensions of Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson. We intended no disrespect for Crowe's formidable acting skills, only to question the octane level of his screen chemistry. Can he set millions of hearts aflutter? Apparently lots of women think so - including Meg Ryan 38, who reportedly left her hubby, Dennis Quaid for Gladiator's gallant Maximus."

Panayiotis writes in to report on Gladiator's mega-opening in Greece:

"Gladiator opened last Friday in Athens, Greece and made the biggest opening in the history of Greek theaters with 61.000 tickets during the first three days. Another Gladiator greek record is the number of the theaters; The film is showing in 44 theaters in Athens, while last year The Matrix, which until now kept the record, had opened in 35 theaters. Regarding tickets, second is the Perfect Storm, which opened on Friday, 14th July making 60.000 tickets."

The Sydney Morning Herald this weekend had an item about Gladiator's box-office success in Australia. Click here and scroll to "Another footnote." (Thanks to Marilyn)

We appreciate ALL the reviews we've gotten from people who saw the Grunts live in Austin, but due to the overwhelming response, we are not accepting any more. . Thanks! And our apologies to everyone we owe mail to!

8/21/00
We have started adding some fan reviews from the final Austin show at Stubb's here.

Some 30 Odd Foot of Grunts fans defend their band! Read how they did here: As the Crowe Flies (Scroll) (thanks to Marilyn!)

OK, OK, regarding that Meg Ryan item on her alleged return to Dennis Quaid, as to why she is supposedly no longer interested in Russell -- "All he wanted from me was round-the-clock sex." -- we aren't touching that one with a ten-foot pole! (thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

Speaking of Meg, we have added some new Proof of Life photos.

Rachelle and Maria wanted us to remind everyone in the Toronto area about the mini Russell film festival starting tomorrow. See our news item dated 7/4 for details. (And be sure to skim the still current news on the way down!) Paradise Cinema 1006 Bloor Street West. 416-537-7040.

8/19/00

To all those who sent in gossip items yesterday about Meg Ryan, we appreciate the tip, but since it doesn't directly involve Russell or his work, we won't be posting it.

Speaking of the Grunts, the band played its final scheduled performance in Austin last night. Among the celebrities spotted in the audience was Jodie Foster, who will be directing Russell in Flora Plum starting next month.

8/18/00
Access Hollywood plans an hourlong prime-time show on NBC next Tuesday, Aug. 29, highlighting the year to date's 10 hottest stars from movies, music and television. Viewers will be able to vote online for their favorite stars, and the top 10 winners will be announced on the show. Check local listings for times.

For all of you who have been writing in asking about those cameras that have been recording the shows in Austin, Diane sends in this article from today's Dallas Morning News. (click here)

Thanks to everyone who sent in the following two items:
In the August 28 issue of US Weekly is an article called "Does It Help to Be Australian?" which is about how Australian actors treat the Hollywood lifestyle with irreverence and perhaps this is why they seem to maintain their happiness and sanity much better than their American counterparts. There is a paragraph about Russell with quotes on his view of Hollywood and acting.

Reminder: Mystery, Alaska will be out on video in the UK on Monday, Aug. 21. (You can still pre-order it and save at Blackstar video here!)

Meanwhile, Fela tells us that the tentative release date for Gladiator and Insider on DVD in Germany will be around mid/end of December.

Once more, some last-minute tips for those of you heading to the Austin gig tonight here.

Helen reports in that Molly Meldrum (an Australian media and rock personality) is to front a Channel 10 (Australia) special on Russell. Molly interviewed Russell in Austin. No further details at the moment but watch your local listings.

8/17/00
We've finally added our review of the Grunts' Aug. 4 show. You can find it along with more fan reviews here.

What's this we hear about a dog onstage with Russell in Austin??? If you know what we're talking about (or even if you don't) click here.

Magazine Alert! The September issues of both Mad magazine (US) and Cracked magazine (US) feature spoofs on Gladiator. You can get a sample here.

Heat magazine (UK) has some photos and a short report from the Grunts show in Austin in their August 14 - 20, 2000 issue. (Thanks to all who sent it in!)

8/16/00
Romper Stomper is now available on DVD at VideoFlicks.com! The disc is not region-coded, which means it will work in U.S. players. To buy it, click here. (Thanks to Debra!)

Gladiator won the annual Gold Australian Box Office Achievement Award for the highest-grossing film in the market over the past 12 months, handed out at the annual Australian Movie Convention. Heath Ledger (Two Hands) and Nick Giannopoulos (The Wog Boy) were named Australia's leading actors for 2000. (Russell did not star in an Australian film in the last 12 months) For an older photo of Russell with Heath click here.

In case you missed it on our home page, we've added a new featured photo here!

8/15/00
Thanks to Linda C. you can see the Australian Today Show interview here. Look for the Today icon on the right for the interview with Richard Wilkins. (You will need Windowsmedia player to view and reminder, the interview will only be posted on that site for a limited time!) Also, thanks to Priscilla for telling us about the Maximum Crowe mention on the show yesterday!!)

We have started to add some of your Austin fan reviews (and a photo!) here.

"He's a wonderful person don't believe all the bullshit you read...once and for all let me say that Russell is one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met...and he's lots of fun" (Tomas Arana--from the Gladiator/SKG Fansite Message Board chat last night.) (Thanks to Lisa D. for sending it in) See related news item 8/14 for details.

8/14/00
Oz TV Alert! Lisa let us know that she heard a rumor that Tuesday morning (8/15/00) Australia's "Today" show will feature an interview by Richard Wilkins with Russell that was done in Austin. Check your local listings for times.

Magazine Alert! The September issue of Glamour Magazine has a small photo of Russell and a brief mention of the band in an article called Rockin' Roles: "All of these actors want to be seen and heard -- as musicians." (Thanks to Sydney!)

Also, in the Aug. 8th edition of Soap Opera Digest, Russell is mentioned in an interview with Aussie actor Paul Leyden. As he's discussing being homesick, Leyden states:

"What's funny is when I was in Australia and saw someone like Russell Crowe interviewed, I heard that really broad accent, and kind of cringed a little bit. You go, 'Ugh, do we really sound like that?' And then when you get here [New York] and you see him interviewed, you're like, 'Go get'em!' . . . He tucks in every Australian cliche he can, which I think is fantastic."

A second reference in the same issue is made by actress Lauren Koslow. She's asked to define sexy: "You don't define sexy. Sexy just is . . . but since you're twisting my arm, I'll say sexy is most definitely Russell Crowe in Gladiator." (thanks to Cathy for the article and Mom for the photo.)

There will be an online chat tonight with Tomas Arana of Gladiator on the Unofficial Gladiator / Dreamworks SKG Fansite. See our related news section for details. (Thanks to Liz)

8/12/00
Magazine Alert! The latest issues of both US Weekly and Entertainment Weekly (U.S. editions) feature articles about the 30 Odd Foot of Grunts gigs in Austin. You can read them both and see the photos here! (Be sure to check out the quote by one of our longtime readers, Phyllis Johnson, in the EW!)

Reminder for those of you sending in fan reviews of the Austin shows: Please try to keep them under 400 words. (Unfortunately we don't have time to edit them down for you.) We will only be able to post a limited number of reviews from each of the shows, due to the large number of our readers who attended. (Feel free to share your adventures with us, we just can't post them all).

New Proof of life article added here.

You can read a great new interview with Russell about the Grunts here! (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

In the September 2000 issue of TALK magazine, Nicole Kidman has this to say about Russell:

Nicole: ...he (Tom Cruise) goes to (football) games with Russell.

TALK: Russell's a bit of rager, isn't he?

Nicole: He has a very, very deep soul, I must say, and he is truly one of my dearest friends. He is loyal beyond belief and we've spent almost every New Year's Eve together for the last few years -- Tom, Russell and I.

TALK: Do you see other Australian actors while you're here?

Nicole: Lots. Everybody knows everybody. I've known John Polson, who was in Mission Impossible 2, since I was 15. We've all worked together, been to parties for ages. And there's a great pride when other Australians do really well. People I meet in the street say, "Isn't it great for Russell," you know, and Toni Collette. We've all become quite patriotic about it. (Thanks to Lisa D.)

"One thing that hasn't been widely reported is that the band is donating all profits to the People's Community Clinic, a local heath care provider for the needy. In a statement last week, Crowe said, 'Austinites have given us a big warm Texas welcome, and this is our big-hearted Australian thank you.'" (Austin-American Statesmen 8/10/00)

8/10/00
Some last-minute tips for those of you heading to the Austin gigs and a new photo of Russell here.

A photographer from a news agency managed to get a few photos at last Friday's 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts gig. (Reminder, no cameras allowed! See our tips linked above for details!) You can see them here (click on visitors, then search people and scroll until you get to "August 4, Russell Crowe performs at Stubb's in Austin".) (Thanks to Linda!)

One of our readers was able to attend the Hollywood Film festival and see Russell accept his "Hollywood Actor Of The Year" award. She has this to share with us:

"There were a lot of celebrities there including Morgan Freeman, Ray Liotta, and Jeff Bridges . . . Russell arrived late for the event so I didn't get to see him arrive. First they ran some clips from his movies (The Quick & the Dead, The Insider, Virtuosity, and of course Gladiator). They ended with the clip "I'm not quite finished yet" from Virtuosity. But when they announced him as the winner...WOW. He had a full beard and mustache, dark blue suit, blue tie and looking handsome as ever.

He started out with a joke about 'if everyone wasn't tired of seeing enough of him in the papers and all'. He was so charming with that deep Aussie voice. The audience was truly entertained and gave him a standing ovation.

Unfortunately, it was all too short. He thanked everyone as he held up his award and left the stage. They snuck him out the back soon after that so that was it for the night.

But for me what a night!" (Thanks to Rose!)

There's a satirical recount of the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston wedding in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine. They imply the vows went something like, "love, honor and cherish each other until Russell Crowe comes along." OUCH! (thanks to LLC!)

``Russell is a natural musician who kind of fell into acting and realized he was quite good at it.''

-- GARTH ADAM, bass player with actor RUSSELL CROWE's rock group 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, [as quoted] in US Weekly magazine.

8/8/00
Congratulations to Russell on winning the Actor of the Year award, presented by the Hollywood Film Festival Monday night. Russell and dozens of other celebrities were on hand for the black-tie Hollywood Film Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. The standing-room-only crowd numbered more than 1,200 people. Russell beat out past co-stars Christopher Plummer (The Insider), Kevin Spacey (L.A. Confidential) and Denzel Washington (Virtuosity) for the award.

Just as it did in North America before dropping out of the top 10 permanently, Gladiator climbed two spots in the British box office, from ninth to seventh. The film has been in the top ten for 13 weeks, earning more than 29 million pounds so far.

We've added a few articles on the Grunts' first show in Austin here.

For the Aug. 11 Entertainment Weekly, the editors played an anonymous sampling of various actors/musicians for Richard Sweret, Arista's senior A&R vice president. This is what he had to say about the Grunts:

" 'What's Her Name?' featuring Russell Crowe on vocals: "This is all about the singer's charisma. He's got a dark, slightly self-absorbed personality. If he's a mesmerizing Nick Cave type, it's promising. You might break this artist through a more intellectual means than Top 40 radio, like by placing a song in a Jim Jarmusch film."

Also from EW comes news that the upcoming Gladiator DVD will have two-discs, presumably for all those extra features director Ridley Scott has already promised. The DVD is tentatively scheduled for release in November.

8/6/00
30 Odd Words from Austin: The band was hot, Russell was hot, and it was too fucking hot. (And yeah, they did two encores!!) We're still in Austin. We'll have our review and more details soon!

For those of you interested, here's what they played.

Other Ways of Speaking
Wendy
Castle Builder
Charlie's Song
Circus
Things Have Got to Change
Memorial Day
All the White Circles
Daniel
Sail the Same Oceans
Afraid
Somebody Else's Princess

Encore

The Photograph Kills
Oblique is My Love
What's Her Name
What You Want Me to Forget
Nowhere

Second encore

Never Be Alone Again
Barry Kable
David
Folsom Prison Blues

Just a reminder, no one is home till Tuesday night, so we'd still appreciate it if you would hold off e-mailing us till after then.

8/3/00
THIS JUST IN FROM AUSTIN AND THE GRUNTS!!!! The show at Stubb's this Friday night (August 4th) has been moved from the indoor venue to the outdoor ampitheatre. This means more tickets will go on sale today (Thursday) from 1pm at the Stubb's box office. REMINDER, no one is here at MRC to answer your mail till after Tuesday, so if you have any questions you will have to call Stubb's. See our 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts page for venue info and phone numbers.

8/2/00
We're off to Austin!
No one will be here to answer your mail from now (Wednesday, August 2) until late Tuesday, August 8th, so we'd appreciate it if everyone held off on writing in -- including sending reviews of the show -- during this time since there won't be anyone to read them. We are hoping to post some updates about our experiences from the road, like we did from the Viper show back in '99, but we can't promise anything.

The syndicated show Extra had a few seconds of Russell and Meg Ryan doing what appears to be their second-favorite activity together - shopping - in the SoHo district of New York City recently. According to the report, the two were quite affectionate. It may be repeated in your area today, so check local listings. (We won't comment about the flannel shirt . . . )

7/31/00
Thanks to A-Chi, we have added the cover to At Movies E-Weekly (Taiwan) here.

The Austin American-Statesman has reviewed Gaslight in anticipation of the 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts shows starting this Friday, August 4th. You can see what they have to say here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

7/30/00
Please note it has been brought to our attention that someone has recently posted to message boards pretending to be one of the webmasters of Maximum Russell Crowe and asked that people write to them. The ONLY place to write to us is at the addresses posted on our site. We are sorry for any false information that may have been passed on, but be assured it DID NOT COME FROM ANYONE ASSOCIATED with MRC.

7/29/00
Don't blame us!!! This photo is straight from the pages of Empire Magazine (UK, August 2000). (Be sure to scroll, the second one makes up for it!)

Russell has been nominated for a Vogue/VH1 fashion award. Competing in the same category, for best Celebrity Style - Male, are George Clooney, Samuel Jackson, Jude Law and Gladiator co-star Joaquin Phoenix. The awards will be presented live on VH1 from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, October 20 at 9 p.m. EST. You can cast your vote at Vogue.com and VH1.com. (thanks to Marilyn)

Speaking of Joaquin Phoenix, he had this to say about Russell in Jump Magazine (US 9/2000). "Man, Russell Crowe is brilliant. You do a scene with him, and you can just see the wheels turning. His mind is so fast. He's always thinking." (thanks to Cheryl H.)

Russell has been nominated for the Hollywood Film Festival's "Hollywood Actor of the Year Award" along with former co-stars Kevin Spacey (L.A. Confidential) and Denzel Washington (Virtuosity). The awards are to be presented August 7th at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. See hollywoodawards.co for more info. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

7/28/00
Here's something you definitely won't see on Russell's new official site russellcrowe.com! It's the cover art for his single "I Just Wanna Be Like Marlon Brando," which he recorded years ago in New Zealand under the name Russ Le Roq. Check it out here. (Thanks to Suzanne!)

More Mel vs. Russell: This article asks that age old question . . .
"Who (technically speaking) is cuter: (a) Mel Gibson in knee breeches or (b) Russell Crowe wearing a gladiator outfit?"
Find her (not so surprising) results here.

Illustration by Keith Seidel (Thanks to Kathy M.)

7/27/00
Russell's official site is now up: russellcrowe.com.

We have added another magazine cover (Impact, UK, June 2000 and a new photo and interview (Tribute, Canada, June 2000) here.
(Still more coming!)

Russell makes GQ's top 100 most fashionable men in the world. He comes in at number 72. "even outside the arena he looks good" (thanks to Sigrid)

Italian magazine alert! The current issue of "L'ESPRESSO" features a video of "Skin Heads" (Romper Stomper) for the price of LIT. 9.900 (about $5). (Thanks to Paolina for the photo)

We've added the last batch of reviews/reports from the Grunts' London show. You can find them here

7/25/00
We have added MORE fan reports from Sunday's 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts show in London here!

7/24/00
Initial fan reports are in, and apparently last night's 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts show was a success! Though the details seemed to change with each report we got (what exactly was the color of his shirt???), everyone seemed to agree on one thing: The show was fun for everyone. The band played about two hours, and Russell gave introductions to the songs. No cameras were allowed. We've added a few of the earliest reports here. Be sure to check back for more!

Meanwhile, to get you ready for the Grunts' shows at Stubb's in Austin in a few weeks, we've added some photos of what you should expect to see. You can see them here.

The latest on filming for Flora Plum, from the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel:

"Flora Plum, which is to star Russell Crowe and Claire Danes and will be directed by Jodie Foster, has opened a production office at Universal Florida. Filming is scheduled to take place between September and December in the area, with Winter Garden being a prime location."

From The Sunday Mail, Brisbane (Australia); "EUREKA FILM LURES CROWE"
"Russell Crowe could return to Australia to star in a low budget movie about the Eureka Stockade.

Crowe, who after the success of Gladiator and The Insider can command up the $US15million a movie, has been in negotiations with producers of the $AUD10million film, to be called THE STOCKADE.

The man behind the project, Peter Kennedy, whose forefathers took part in the violient miners' rebellion at Ballarat in 1854, has secured Idiot Box director David Caesar.

Crowe, who has been earmarked to play rebellion leader Peter Lalor, has also expressed interest.

'We've got a reasonable shot at Russell," Kennedy said. "But I started negotiations before the success of Gladiator and The Insider. So he might end up out-pricing us.'" (thanks to Marina!)

Gladiator hits the big time!!
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - "With the year just past the halfway point, the class of 2000 has placed two films on the list of the Top 50 worldwide box office champs of all time as DreamWorks' "Gladiator" and Paramount's "Mission: Impossible 2" join the select club. The first film released in 2000 to make the exclusive roster was "Gladiator," which has moved up into the No. 39 spot with $378.6 million worldwide. The Ridley Scott-helmed picture will most likely move up several more notches since the film is still collecting significant box office in North America and internationally. On its weekend box office, the Roman-set epic is still tracking in the Top 20 domestically - grossing $1.6 million last weekend - and has amassed $174 million to date. The film's international run has exceeded its domestic performance, pulling in $202 million to date, and the film has considerable life left in it at the box office. "

7/23/00
Tonight is the night of the 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts concert in London! Feel free to send in your reviews, but please be aware that we won't be able to post them all. And please keep them short!

Apparently Entertainment Weekly got many letters from fans wondering why Russell wasn't in the magazine's recent "It List" issue, which had the magazine's picks of some of the coolest (and hottest) current performers. Next week's issue spells out why Russell wasn't mentioned: ". . . Don't even get us started on the desperate pleas for Russell Crowe. What gives? Well, [Christian Bale] and [Jude] Law are actually It List alumni (they appeared in last year's edition), and Crowe just graced a May cover for Gladiator. In other words: Been there, done them."

Meanwhile, what's with all the comparisons of Russell and Mel Gibson cropping up lately? Also in next week's EW, "The Perfect Storm" director Wolfgang Petersen talks about a project he's been trying to get off the ground for years. It's called Endurance, about explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led a group of adventurers to safety after a trip to Antarctica went awry in 1914. Of the man who would be Shackleton, Petersen claims that Mel Gibson is interested in the part. "Mel would be great," Petersen says, "but now there's also Russell Crowe."

Even John Polson got in on the act, speaking from Los Angeles; "In explaining Russell's rise in Hollywood, Polson says: "Russell personifies everything that a lot of actors here don't have. That's good old-fashioned machoism. There are a lot of pretty boys over here. I don't mean that in a disrespectful way but it happens to be the truth."

Compared with many Brits and Americans, Crowe is "a real bloke", he says. "The same could probably have been said for Mel Gibson when he came out here. If you wanted someone to play Gladiator, there's a real shortage of guys here who could do it."

menelaion was lucky enough to snap some photos of Russell at the Mission Impossible 2 premiere in London and was kind enough to share them with us. You can see them here! (Thanks to menelaion!)

Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) in Melbourne to promote his latest film "The Wonder Boys" had this to say about reports that Russell could earn up to $25 million (Australian) for his next movie.

"I would like nothing more than to be able to work with them [Russell and Guy Pearce] again. They're both extraordinarily talented."

"Russell's success does not surprise me in the slightest. He's got that indefinable movie star thing that just makes people want to watch him."

Asked if he gets a percentage of Crowe's income, Hanson replies: "Well, write that down too and send it to his agent! "The media can speculate but the truth is I know Russell well enough to know that what he does is more important to him than how much he gets paid for it."

7/21/00
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, John Polson (Sum Of Us), who's also an accomplished director, wants Russell for a film he's interested in directing. The Mozart Maulers, which Polson hopes to film in Sydney next year, is a comedy based on a true story from the late 1980s about the first rugby league team at the Conservatorium of Music. Of course, everyone wants Russell in their next film, but given their success with The Sum of Us, and Russell's well-known love of the sport, you never know. (Thanks to Marilyn!)

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the first film released in 2000 to break the Top 50 highest-grossing films of all time is (big surprise!) Gladiator, which is now No. 39 with $378.6 million worldwide. (Thanks to Marilyn)

We've added the rest of the Heat magazine photos here. (See yesterday's item).

7/20/00
We've added some photos from Heat Magazine (UK, July 22-28 ) here thanks to Kate A. (more coming soon!) This is from the accompanying article:
"Last week, (Russell) braves London's poor excuse for a summer and stripped off his clothes to film underwater scenes for his new hostage thriller Proof of Life."

Thanks to everyone who sent in the following from IMDB.com.

"Who Is Stealing Russell Crowe's Underwear?"

"Gladiator (2000) star Russel [sic] Crowe is so adored by fans in London that they have taken to stealing his underwear. During filming in Britain, staff at a London hotel have reportedly been taking away a selection of the Australian hunk's undergarments without his knowledge. The ladies' man may be astonished to learn that most of his underwear-loving fans are apparently men."

(Now if only those men would teach IMDB how to spell "Russell"!!!)

Update!! The 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts show in London is now SOLD OUT.(see news item 7/19) Congratulations to everyone who got tickets!!!

7/19/00
This just in!!!!
For those of you in the UK: 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts will be performing a special show Sunday night, July 23, at 'The Borderline' in London. A limited number of tickets will go on sale on Thursday, July 20th. Tickets can only be purchased by telephone. see gruntland.com for more details! (Thanks to the Grunts!)

7/17/00
30 Odd Foot Of Grunts will have a song featured on a new cd coming out in August, benefiting a charity for endangered species. Watch here for more details coming very soon!!

We know it's been a long time coming, but we'd finally added more of your Gladiator fan reviews here (Due to the overwhelming response, we can no longer accept any new Gladiator fan reviews. Sorry!)

We also added an article from New Woman magazine (UK August 2000) called It's Just a Lust for Learning about -- you guessed it, Gladiator.

You can find another cover, more articles, interviews and photos from France added here.

7/15/00
This just in from 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts:
They want to let everyone know they are no longer accepting merchandise orders via the fax number in Australia. The only way to purchase their cds or merchandise now is through their outlet at dstore here. They are aware that there have been complaints that dstore's shipping costs are too high, it wasn't their doing and they are addressing the problem now. (Please note: prices are in Australian dollars.) They haven't had time to update gruntland.com yet, (they will do so as soon as they can), so please don't use the fax number still posted there.

Rosemary writes in that OurPrice stores in the UK are still giving out free Gladiator cd roms (See our news item 6/26/00 for more details).

Marilyn shares with us the following:
"I guess more Americans, from every walk of life, have been noticing All Things Russell than we may have realized. Even a sportswriter for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, in discussing Ken Griffey Jr's difficult baseball season since moving from the Seattle Mariners to the Cincinnati Reds, employs a Russ reference as a universally-understood metaphor:

"......Griffey insists he is happy, but his body language tells a different story. After going hitless in one extra-inning victory two months ago, he sat quietly at his locker, virtually removed from his teammates, who were laughing and celebrating. Russell Crowe smiled more during the Academy Awards than Griffey has this season......" (For those of you who missed Russell "smiling" at the Academy Awards, click here.)

7/14/00
Variety reports that Russell may be planning to make his directorial debut.
"While Crowe's next engagement is likely to star in the Ron Howard-directed Universal/Imagine drama ''A Beautiful Mind'' next spring, sources said Crowe's also contemplating making his directing debut on ''A Course in Miracles,'' which DreamWorks is in early talks to distribute for Disney-based financier Spyglass." You can read the full story here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

More on "A Beautiful Mind" here (scroll to May 19).

For a recent video clip on Russell from celebnews.com, click here. (Nothing new in the commentary but the visuals are worth it!! (Thanks to lilakid!)

You didn't think gossip columnist Ted Casablanca would ignore all the latest Meg/Russell/Dennis news now did ya? You can read what he has to say here. (thanks to everyone who sent it!)

Thanks to Neicie, you can see screen captures from yesterday's broadcast of Extra! here.

One more award for The Insider -- the screenwriters have been honored with the Humanitas Prize, which recognizes movies and television shows that enrich the human spirit. (Thanks to Marie and Fran!)

Last chance to vote for gruntland.com, as the best Official Band Site here at the Onya Awards! (Australian Online Music Awards). Voting ends today.

7/13/00
TV alert: Extra! (US) will be featuring a segment on "The Man in the Middle"/ Russell Crowe, on today's edition. It is the companion piece for the segment which ran yesterday on Dennis and Meg's divorce. A segment which unfortunately also featured Russell. (And to think -- it was only a few short months ago that we were lucky to see him for about 29 seconds of screen time at the Academy Awards where he was nominated for Best Actor!!) Check local listings for times and stations. (thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

We have added some new images from the Italian tabloids here and here. (thanks to Paolina)

Also thanks to Paolina, we have another great photo of Russell from the Italian magazine Max here. (Watch for still more coming from Italy, Germany, Austria, Brazil, France and more . . .)

7/12/00
Entertainment Weekly's "Shaw Report" (July 14, page 18), which is their list of what is "in" and what is "out" features Russell as "Five Minutes Ago" having already been replaced by Heath Ledger, who is listed as "In". (Now if only we could get Vanity Fair to do a photo shoot with Russell similar to the current one of Heath . . .)

Thanks to everyone who sent in the following 2 items:

"Dennis Quaid has filed for divorce from Meg Ryan revealing that he split from her the morning after she was seen in London with Gladiator star Russell Crowe - not six weeks earlier as her publicist claimed" . . . "Quaid, 46, is asking for the dissolution of his nine-year marriage owing to 'irreconcilable differences' and not because of the alleged affair.'"

USA Today (July 11) featured an article called "The Men of Our Dreams" and yes . . . it features the man of our dreams. (At least anyone who is reading these pages!) You can read it here. (Good news for Russell, no mention of Heath . . .)

7/10/00
After reading what seemed like 1,000 articles, letters and news items on the happy couple, we decided to take a break and add some really cool photos from the Italian press that we have been trying to add for awhile. The page takes a while to load, but it's worth it! Click here and enjoy!

And if you can't wait another second to see Russell and Meg, click here.

For those of you in areas where People magazine is not available, you can read the July 17th article here. Most of the article is about the Quaids, not Russell, and except for one Grunts photo (in the actual magazine), we have all the Russell photos on our site already. You can see the shot of Russell singing with the Grunts here. (Scroll)

7/8/00
For a new photo of Russell (without Meg!) click here.

We have added a new 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts review from Entertainment Weekly here.

Speaking of the Grunts, there is still time to vote for them as the best Official Band Site here at the Onya Awards! (Australian Online Music Awards). You can only vote once, but tell all of your friends!!! Voting ends on July 15th.

7/7/00
Movieline magazine (August, US) features Russell in the article "Heat From Down Under," about Aussie actors doing well in Hollywood. It's nothing we haven't read before, not even the quotes (it isn't a new interview), and the full-page color photo is a similar pose to the white-T-shirt-and-cigarette photo in GQ magazine last year (The difference: in GQ's photo, he smiles; in Movieline's he doesn't). Also featured in the article are L.A. Confidential's Guy Pearce and Simon Baker (who played Matt Reynolds), and The Patriot star Heath Ledger. Russell's had nice things to say about Heath, particularly his work in Two Hands.

Movieline also says that Russell is still in the running for A Beautiful Mind, the story of real-life math genius John Forbes Nash Jr., who fought back from mental illness to win a Nobel Prize. The magazine says that if Russell's "high salary demand knocks him out of the running," Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Jude Law and Matthew McConaughey are rumored to be interested in the part. Russell's agents are reportedly asking for about $15 million for him to star in the movie, which may be directed by Ron Howard.

Russell placed first in Advertising Age's (June 12) May ranking of celebrities' popularity as reflected by their U.S. magazine covers. He was on six covers in all, including Entertainment Weekly, Talk and Us Weekly. Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential) was second; Tom Cruise was fourth. To see these covers and many more click here.

News reports yesterday said Russell is set to film Flora Plum in central Florida from September through December. Director Jodie Foster reportedly has been seen scouting locations in the Orlando area. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

Gladiator has crossed the $350 million mark worldwide at the box office. It's grossed $171 million at the U.S. box office to date, making it the second highest grossing film of the summer and among the top 10 highest grossing R-rated films of all time. Outside the U.S., the film has made $180 million so far, opening in first place in almost every nation it's opened. The movie opened in Lebanon yesterday, hits Poland on July 14 and opens in Russell's homeland, New Zealand, on July 27.

We've added this week's Time magazine (U.S.) photo of Russell and Meg Ryan. You can find it on our second page of Proof of Life images here. (Thanks to Deborah)

Russell on South Park -- sort of. Many of you wrote in to tell us that this week's episode showed one of the characters, Wendy, having an interactive experience (again, sort of) with the Russell poster on her wall. For those interested, the show repeats this weekend. Check local listings for times.

7/6/00

No, Russell and Tom didn't hold a press conference to announce their own secret, special friendship. This is yet another shot of them at the Mission: Impossible 2 premiere in London earlier this week. Click the photo for more screen captures from yesterday's Entertainment Tonight and E! News Daily. (Thanks to Neicie for the photos! The bad joke was ours.)

In case anyone still cares about the movie, we've added our script notes on Proof of Life here.

Entertainment Tonight also had a segment on the upcoming People magazine cover story about the breakup of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid. Russell is poetically called the "man in the middle." According to ET, the magazine interviewed people who have witnessed Russell and Meg being openly affectionate, including kissing, and a plane ride in which Russell kissed Meg's neck and stroked her hair. The magazine quotes Quaid's friends as saying he's deeply upset by the breakup. He reportedly was close to tears when he heard talk about his wife and Russell. The magazine says there were signs the marriage was in trouble before Russell came into the picture, though Quaid denies in the magazine that he came on to one woman, named in the article, on the set of last year's Any Given Sunday.

We weren't supplied with advance copies of the magazine (though you'll see one of our exclusive photos inside!), but it appears that neither Meg nor Russell gives a statement confirming or denying the rumors about them. After nearly two weeks of circumstantial evidence -- and complete silence on their part -- all signs point to the rumors being true. We hate to jump the gun on things, but our mailbox requires it, so it's time to move on. As always, we will remain respectful of Russell's privacy until he ruins it himself. And remember: The truth is out there, and sooner or later someone will share it with the world (or at least the National Enquirer!)

In an AAP interview, Mel Gibson had this to say about turning down the lead role in Gladiator (as well as George Clooney's part in A Perfect Storm): "Gibson said both films had 'great scripts, really good stories. But I read [The Patriot] at the same time and you can't do everything at the same time. Those guys who did 'em, George and Russell, they were really good. I don't care who had their paws on this last, it's not about that.' "

7/5/00
We hit a major milestone yesterday -- we have now had over one million visits to our home page in less than two years! We would like to thank each and every one of you for helping make Maximum Russell Crowe truly MAXIMUM!! (now if only we could catch up on answering our mail . . .!)

Need some additional vacation tips besides Austin for the 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts' shows? Marsha reports that the Historic Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta will be featuring Gladiator on August 10th at the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival.
Time: 8 p.m., sing-along activities beginning at 7:20 p.m.
Cost: $6.50.
Contact: 404-881-2100
(Sing-along? Gladiator??? Maybe you can show off your expertise of Grunts' lyrics! )

Rachelle tells us that The Paradise Cinema, (Toronto) will be screening some of Russell's earlier films this August, so start earning those frequent flyer miles now!

August 21 - 22 : Proof, Romper Stomper
August 23 - 24 : Heavens Burning, L.A. Confidential
August 30 - 31: Gladiator

More photos of Russell and Tom at the Mission Impossible 2 premiere (See news item July 4) here and at the BBC site here. (thanks to Jill and Angela)

Visit EditorsNet for an interview with film editor Pietro Scalia ("Scalia Makes a Hero's Journey With 'Gladiator'"). He has some interesting things to say about the "hand over the wheat" shot and scenes that will be eventually be on the dvd.

We have finally added the Famous Magazine cover, (Canada, May 2000). (thanks to Christina!)

7/4/00
Russell attended the premiere of Mission Impossible 2 in London today with Tom Cruise . You can see another photo here. (thanks to Casey!) (Above photo from the Mirror, thanks to the chedge!)

Nina was lucky enough to be right in the middle of the action at the Empire cinema, Leicester Square. She reports in that Russell "went along the crowds ... with Tom Cruise and the two of them both very happily signed autographs and posed for pictures." She tells us it was an amazing sight and one she will not soon forget!

After two days' debating, we've decided to add this tabloid article for entertainment only. Yes it's gossip and yes it paints him in a bad light (from home-wrecker to two-timer in less than a week!! We always knew Russell was talented!). And personally, he could be sleeping with half the Roman army as far as we know OR care (and before this is all over, the Sun will probably report that he is!). So read it or don't read it, just don't get mad if you don't agree with it. And most of all, don't get mad at us! Well, you can get mad us, just don't write in and tell us!! Read the latest article here.

Fiamma wrote in to tell us that the RAI 8 o'clock news said Russell was in Milan last week at the fashion shows.

By the way, the July 10 issue of People (see item dated 7/2) also has a photo of Meg Ryan and her friend Laura Dern shopping in New York City. So far, there have been no gossip items about them being a couple. We'll keep you posted.

7/2/00
For those of you in PAL format territories, Mystery, Alaska is being released on video in the UK on August 21st and you can pre-order it at Blackstar.co.uk and save money! (thanks to Mimi!)

We've added some more magazine covers:
Schwann DVD Advance.

Set magazine. (Thanks to Tina D.)

Ciak Magazine. (Thanks to Raffaella and Elisa!)

And thanks to Elisa, we have added a new photo from the set of Proof of Life here!

Margaret shares with us an adorable story about who may be Russell's youngest fan!

As Margaret was checking MRC, her 4-year-old great-niece was sitting on her lap. She watched as the home page was opening and when the peekabo picture loaded she exclaimed, "Hey . . . he's a cutie!"

The July/August issue of Creative Screenwriting (Vol. 7 No.4) has an interview with Gladiator scriptwriters David Franzoni and John Logan. Russell is, of course, on the cover. (Thanks to Gloria)

The July 10 issue of People magazine (U.S.) has a photo of Russell in an article about on-the-set hijinks/pranks of top movie stars (it mentions the soccer match he organized in Ecuador while filming Proof of Life).

6/30/00
We've added two articles on the Russell-Meg Ryan situation here. One of them includes a, uh, statement from a Russell spokesman. But again, we beg you, for the love of God, Queen, Country . . . oh never mind. At least we tried!

MSNBC today interviewed celebrity photographer Greg Brennan in London, who claims that Russell and Meg Ryan have been "inseparable for the last eight days" and are "madly in love." Reports yesterday had Meg's son with husband Dennis back home in the States, but Brennan claims Meg introduced her son to Russell earlier this week in London. They showed a few pictures of Meg, one with her son in London, and of Russell, though Brennan admits he has yet to get a photograph of the co-stars together. Brennan says he's photographed both of them several times in the past, and said he was fond of both of them. Brennan claims the two usually arrive at the same place "within five minutes" of each other. Take this "news" with a grain of salt. But remember, until Russell and/or Meg makes a statement about the nature of their relationship (and that's unlikely), there is probably just more speculation ahead.

Thanks to everyone who has been sending in articles on this (there are too many of you to respond to personally). No need to send any more though unless they have some new news in them. Our mail box will appreciate it! Thanks!

Photo (left) from Entertainment Tonight, June 29, 2000. (Thanks to Neicie)

6/29/00
We've added another photo of Russell and Meg Ryan filming Proof of Life. Click here. (Thanks to Sigrid)

Meanwhile, E! Television and other entertainment shows have confirmed that Meg and her husband of nine years, Dennis Quaid, have separated. Now, we know what you're thinking -- especially after a couple of recent gossip items about Meg and Russell (one of which had them doing nothing more than Russell lighting a cigarette for her). But we know nothing more about the situation, and anything else at this point would be pure speculation. So please, for the love of God, Queen, Country, and all things Jodie Foster, don't ask us! For E's story on the Quaids' breakup, click here.

For more photos of Meg and Russell at the David Bowie concert mentioned yesterday and more tabloid speculation, click here. (thanks to Virginia)

6/28/00
Russell was among the star-studded audience at the David Bowie concert, Tuesday night at the Broadcasting House in London. To see a photo of him on the way in and to read more about the concert, click here (thanks to DAC)

Just when we thought things couldn't get any weirder, The Mirror reported on Monday that dozens of life-size cardboard displays of Russell have been stolen from UK cinemas showing Gladiator. Female fans are being blamed. A spokesman for Odeon cinemas in south Wales said, "Cardboard cutouts of Russell Crowe have been disappearing in their droves. The only thing we can think of is that women fans are swiping them on their way out of the film. The film shows lots of bloody battles but most women are turning up just to see Russell Crowe."

In today's Variety, Army Archerd reports that now that Jeffrey Wigand's gag order has essentially been lifted, he plans to openly talk about his ordeal with Brown and Williamson Tobacco. According to Army, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing a documentary in which Wigand tells all. "Secrets Through the Smoke" will be directed by actor/director Jeremy London and will feature Rosie O'Donnell, Christy Turlington and Giselle Fernandez, who will host. Lowell Bergman, whom Al Pacino portrayed in The Insider, will help with the film. It will be distributed to schools as well as legislators.

Magazine cover Alerts:
Paula first tipped us off to the July-August issue of Scr(i)pt magazine (US, Vol. 6, no. 4) and thanks to Roxanna, you can see it, along with the cover of Military Illustrated Magazine (UK number 145) and, thanks to Paolina, SFX (France, June 2000) here.

Some more recent magazine articles on Russell:
TV Hebdo (Quebec's version of TV Guide) (Thanks to Julie B)

People online has a clever article on "Aussie Blokes." To see how Russell rated, click here (thanks to Suzanne)

We have added the French Premiere article here (thanks to Sandy and Susan!)

Last but not least, insiders tell us there is going to be another big DreamWorks advertising push for Gladiator over the Fourth of July weekend.

6/26/00
If you haven't already seen it on television, you can view the Chicken Run trailer that spoofs Gladiator HERE ! (Thanks to Myst)

For our UK readers: Shannon tells us that "Our Price" record/video stores are giving away free Gladiator CD roms with scenes from Gladiator together with short interviews with RC and some other cast members. Includes a screensaver.(Quantities are limited)

Annie in Norway reports in that 56,613 people saw Gladiator in Oslo alone (pop. around around 550,000) since its opening in late May. The film is has remained number one since the opening!

6/24/00
Edwina was nice enough to scan the photo from the TV Guide Cable edition (US, June 17) for us. You can find it on our new page just added here.

From Kyodo News Service comes this quote from an interview with Gladiator director Ridley Scott:

"About the star Russell Crowe, who plays Maximus, Scott said he noticed him in 'L.A. Confidential.'

'I think he's gonna become a big star everywhere now. I believe he will become a big star in Japan. He's a dedicated man.' he said."

The new issue of Entertainment Weekly has placed Connie Nielsen on its annual "It List" as the "It Import" (page 31) This is what she has to say about Russell: "He's hugely respectful and he definitely listens; it's really easy to be a woman around him." (Thanks to Margot and Jacqui!)

Thanks to Wanda, we now have a photo from the April/May issue of Le Magazine de Optimum (France) here.

6/23/00
We've got a hodge-podge of news today! First, Lisa attended the screening of Romper Stomper last night in Las Vegas:

"I just returned from the show, and to say the least, I am even further astounded by this actor's depth and talent. As the lights came up on the room, a few whispers and rustlings punctuated the acute silence caused by this piercing film."

The Washington Post has a virtual Gladiator game and a place to register to win free movie tickets. Find it here. (Thanks to drs and Diana)

Spencer Treat Clark (Lucius in Gladiator) has nice things to say about Russell in this week's (US 6/27) Soap Opera Digest:

"Though Clark worked on films like Double Jeopardy and Arlington Road while still on AW (Another World), his biggest movie so far is the smash hot Gladiator in which he plays royal heir Lucius. 'I loved the film,' says the 12-year-old. 'It's kind of like a documentary because I saw it all all being filmed and I know what's going to happen. We went to LA for the premiere, and it was great to see Russell [Crowe], Joaquin [Phoenix] and Connie [Nielsen]. They were all very good to me. Russell is the nicest guy I've ever met. Honestly, he is so nice.' " (Thanks to Lisa!)

Dorthe sends this update from Denmark:
"About Gladiator, I thought that you might like to know that the movie is No.1 here in Denmark and has been since its release on May 19. Here we are overexcited about it, first of all since two Danish actors are in it, Connie Nielsen and Sven-Ole Thorsen."

Also in the UK, Russell is featured in this week's (24-30 June) Heat magazine. Thanks to everyone who sent it in, and also Shoopi for sending in this from the article:

"...It goes on to chronicle the steps to his current position. There's no new material in the article and some of it is incorrect or at least misleading. For example, they seem to suggest that Mystery, Alaska came before LA Confidential.

The steps are:
1. Rocky Horror
2. Rock star
3. Neighbours
4. Romper Stomper
5. Playing gay
5. Hollywood beckons (The Quick & The Dead)
6. Oops ('wayward choices prevented him breaking through... Virtuosity, Rough Magic, Breaking Up, Mystery,Alaska - none of these took Russell any closer to stardom. Meanwhile, the actor, born in April 1964, was slipping into his mid-thirties.')
7. Salvation (La Confidential)
8. Oscar! (The Insider)
9. Romance (Golden Globes, Jodie Foster, Crowe: 'but no, unfortunately I'm not Charlie's father')
10. Ker-ching! (Gladiator)<

Dani reports in from Germany that TV-MOVIE, a German TV magazine features a 2-page spread on Russell including this photo. (For a larger version click on the photo and scroll.)

More from the Hammers Over The Anvil screening: The film's co-producer Mr. Harvey-Wright, who attended the screening and a Q-and-A afterwards, said he's looking into getting the film released on video in the U.S. (At the moment, the film is not available in the U.S., and we have no information on any future screenings). We will of course keep you posted!

Finally, thanks to everyone who has written in to tell us about the screening. We can't answer you all personally, but it sounds like everyone really enjoyed the film!

6/22/00
Thanks to Wanda, you can see some new photos of Russell from Max Magazine (Italy, May) here! (Apparently Maximum Crowe was mentioned in the article!)

An article about Russell and a new photo has been spotted in this week's TV Guide (US) (thanks to everyone who sent in the tip!)

Many of our readers were able to make it to the screening of Hammers Over The Anvil last night. Charlotte tells us that the director of Cinematheque mentioned that Maximum Crowe was responsible for most of the evening's attendance! (see our news items dated 6/9, 6/12 and 6/19.).

Angie has this to report:
"In case you haven't heard already, I just got word from Andrew Crane we had 500 show up for HOTA at the Egyptian theater in Hollywood, hosted by American Cinematheque.

Mr. Harvey-Wright did a great tongue-in-cheek intro reminding us of the "other" virtues of this beautiful, touching film... playing to the audience who rumbled like an earthquake in ironic laughter at his humor.

The audience was 85% women, who were excited to be there. I spotted one fan sporting a TOFOG workshirt. But when the opening credits finished, you could hear just about everyone holding their breath. No one moved, no one spoke ... just dreamy smiles breaking out all over the theater... (so reported my Mom, "And you too!", she said to me and I'm guilty).

Although this movie is 10 years old, there was a particular scene which was a hint of what Russell is famous for now - conveying emotion without words - that was the scene where Alex is being convinced by Grace and East to keep their affair a secret. When Grace kisses Alex full on the lips, the look on East's face is priceless - it was one of the biggest responses from the audience.

"Dating the Enemy" which co-starred Guy Pearce was thoroughly enjoyed by the previous audience. We laughed in continuous waves throughout the movie, from beginning to end.

What a delightful Wednesday night!!!!"

(Thanks to all of our readers who supported this screening!)

Click here for backstage.com's article on Australian actors in Hollywood. "Actors We Love - Aussie Transformers". (Features Russell of course!) (thanks to Marilyn!)

6/21/00
Thanks to Susan M. you can see a new photo of Russell from the June 9th issue of OK Magazine (UK) here.

We have also added the French Premiere (July) cover and French Gladiator poster here. (thanks to Celine and Sandy)

6/20/00
Thanks to Wanda, you can now read the HQ (Australia) cover story here !

Hot off the presses from Slovenia! Click photo (below) for more. (thanks to Stane!) Watch for more magazines from around the world coming soon.

6/19/00
More on the screening of Hammers Over The Anvil in Los Angeles! The co-producer of the movie, Peter Harvey-Wright, will be there to introduce the screening and take part in an after-screening Q-&-A. For more information on the screening, see our news items dated 6/9 and 6/12. (Thanks to Andrew!)

The June 14th edition of National Post (Canada) had an interview with composer Hans Zimmer about his score for Gladiator. Find it here. (Thanks to Lisa D.!)

Better late than never! We've finally had time to add the Skip magazine (Austria May 2000) cover and article. Click on the photo.

We've also just added Tara's candid photo of Russell from the Los Angeles Gladiator Premiere here. We still have plenty more great items coming!

Anette wrote in with this Gladiator news from Sweden:
"This week Gladiator is at the top of the list according to newspapers, for the third week. . . . Now it«s been seen by 272,000 altogether in Sweden and it had its premiere 19 of May 2000. Gladiator has been given good and very good reviews."

Is Russell a tough guy, a whimp, or just plain smart? Click here and decide for yourself.

6/18/00
In the June 18th issue of Parade magazine (which is distributed in various Sunday newspapers today), there is an item in Walter Scott's Personality Parade, along with a photo of Russell with Jodie Foster at the Golden Globe awards in March. (Thanks to Pat and Sherri):

"Q: After Gladiator, what are Russell Crowe's real career goals: money or solid acting credentials?

"A: The two aren't always mutually exclusive. Some of Hollywood's best actors are also its richest. In Crowe's case, he gained distinction as a versatile character actor in L.A. Confidential and The Insider and became a leading man in Gladiator at a relatively late age - 36. Thanks to the success of that Roman epic, the New Zealand-born star reportedly has raised his asking price to $15 million. Next up are roles as a hostage negotiator opposite Meg Ryan in Proof of Life and a hairy circus freak in Flora Plum, directed by Jodie Foster. It remains to be seen if his ordinary features, Everyman persona and fiery temper are enough to carry a big-budget film without Gladiator's special effects. Frankly, we doubt it."

Ordinary??? Can't carry a film? Obviously they've never seen any of Russell's other films!!

Great three-minute interview clip with Russell here! You must have RealPlayer to see it. (Thanks to Valerie!)

6/16/00
Tomas Arana was kind enough to share with MRC a few of his personal photos from the set of Gladiator. We've added them to our exclusive interview with him here.

We have to give very special thanks to Kate A. for this one! Check out The Guardian, The Observer: Film Unlimited (UK) and their "Sites We Like" feature here! (scroll and look to the left).

USA Today features a story on David Caruso Proof of Life. Here is some of what he has to say about Russell:

"I am amazed by his ability, and the strength and conviction he has in his work. It's no accident that he's the biggest actor in the world right now, and he's just beginning."

He's also willing to defend Crowe against accusations that he's difficult - an accusation that has haunted Caruso ever since he left Blue after the first season. "I was destructive and I was extremely ignorant of my responsibilities. I was green. We're not talking about that with him. This guy's the real thing."

You can read the full article here. (Thanks to everyone who sent it in!)

According to various U.K. news reports, a young boy is in critical condition after being speared in the head with a 2-foot iron bar by a friend while imitating scenes from Gladiator. The accident occurred earlier this week when Dale Robinson, 12, and two friends were acting out the battle scene near their homes in Llanharry, South Wales. The boy collapsed to the ground, then pulled the spear out himself and was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Stane wrote in to say that Gladiator is doing huge business in Slovenia. It is still number one in its fourth week and over 65,000 people have seen it out of a total population of approximately 2 million!

6/15/00
Even the San Francisco Giants have caught Gladiator fever! The baseball team loved the film so much that two players, Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, posted their review to the official SF Giants website!
Here is a sample:

"When we were in Milwaukee, as J.T. Snow took his first at-bat in the Friday night game, he bent down and scooped up a handful of dirt before he got into the batter's box. He rubbed it into his hands, stepped into the box and hit the first pitch down the left-field line for a double.

Snow got the idea for scooping up the dirt from "Gladiator." It was a habit of the Gladiator to scoop the dirt before every fight. Snow figured if it worked for Maximus, it would work for him.

It worked. Strength and honor."

You can read the entire review here. (thanks to Michelle!)

As promised yesterday, click on the photo to see more from HQ magazine.

6/14/00
Romper Stomper is part of the UNLV International Film Series in Las Vegas. It will be shown Thursday, June 22 at 7pm in CBC A106 on the UNLV campus. For more information, call the university at 702-895-3547. (Thanks to Gina)

Russell is nominated for favorite "Hollywood Actor of the Year" at Reel.com (what's left of it anyway.) If you vote, you'll be automatically entered to win two tickets to the Hollywood Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, August 2-7. To vote, click here. (Thanks to Myrrh)

UK TV alert: The Making of Gladiator that was delayed because of Grand Prix coverage June 3 has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 24. It may only appear on LWT / Carlton, so be sure to check local listings. (Thanks to Sue S. and Sara!)

Magazine alert: SFX (France, June) is dedicated to Gladiator. It has images that illustrate how some of the special effects worked in the movie. (Thanks to Paolina!)

HQ (Australia, June) features Russell as the cover feature. We will have it posted soon. ( thanks to Marina!)

According to Music Week (June 17th), Gladiator's soundtrack is 17th on the U.K album chart and No.1 on the classical soundtracks & compilations charts. (Thanks to Fabienne J.!)

Finally, thanks to everyone who sent in this very telling quote from Toni Collette's interview in the Calgary Sun (June 12):

"One of the friends Collette partied with [on Oscar night] was fellow Aussie and Oscar nominee Russell Crowe.

The two had dated briefly when the filmed the drama Spotswood in Australia. It was Collette's first film.

'I was 17 at the time. Russell was a lot quieter in those days. He presents this new boisterous, bad-boy image to prevent people from seeing how vulnerable he really is.

'It's really working for him because it's such an entertaining persona, but it's not him.' "

If you haven't done so, check out our Oscars 2000 page.

RUMORS and GOSSIP. . .

8/6/99:
Director Shekkar Kapur (Elizabeth) has dismissed American reports that he approached Russell Crowe for the main role for his next venture, "The Siege of Krishnapur". He has been quoted as saying he is "looking at several Australian possibles". Most of the film's action takes place in a 19th Century fort where British soldiers are trapped by over-whelming enemy forces.

2/1/99:
Rumor from Quebec's "Musique+": A film about the Aussie band INXS is in the works with Russell being considered for the role of the late Michael Hutchence.

1/20/99:
The rumors about Russell possibly starring as Wolverine in the live-action X-Men movie started about late August 1998 and haven't stopped. The latest gossip is that director Bryan Singer had been interested in Russell all along, but didn't approach him for the part until about a month ago, with a salary offer near $5 million.

12/25/98:
New casting rumor: Possible starring role for Russell in "Fortune's Fools" directed by Rob Cohen (The Rat Pack, Daylight, Dragonheart). Thriller about a coke addict turned police informant who finds himself being hunted by his former cop friends after he wins the lottery. Script by Eric Berkquist. Release date 1999.

Premiere (September 1998) states that Russell is a contender to play Wolverine in the Bryan Singer directed "X-Men". Click here to see a humorous artist rendition.