Exclusive: Russell Crowe On Robin Hood And Bill Hicks, and more
In the latest issue of Empire, now on shelves, our Big Interview is with Russell Crowe, star of the (really rather good) film version of State of Play and all-round acting titan. While we had him, though, we decided to ask a bit about upcoming projects, and here's a little of what he had to say. First up, the formerly Nottingham and probably currently titled Robin Hood
"The challenge is to make a great film. There's no point in making the second-best Robin Hood movie. If we are going to do it, we have to do it with the thought in mind that we've got the chance of making the best Robin Hood movie ever. Doing a Robin Hood movie is a childhood dream; doing a bad Robin Hood movie - that doesn't come into the dream. It's got to be fully realised and really worth the effort - as we sit and talk it's been 18 months of effort, and that's the sort of stuff that people don't see or quantify."
He also said that his archery is coming along, which is comforting. But then there's his hoped-for biopic of Bill Hicks - truth or myth?
"It's a labour of love. it's been a couple of years so far, just discussing all the different possibilities and working on a script. Because you could approach it and just do a straightforward biopic, but that doesn't respect who he is and what he had to say. There's a very different theory that Bill Hicks was in fact a prophet, and that the things he said 20 years ago are still relevant now. Like he said, 'Don't vote in George Bush Sr because there are a whole lot of Bushes in Texas...' You can go through the stuff he was saying then and it's actually shocking, because it's like he was talking yesterday."
Click cover for more details on this month's issue
He also said that he was open to the idea of playing Captain Jack Aubrey again should a Master and Commander sequel ever get off the ground - pick up this month's Empire for the full interview.
Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and Ridley Scott should be awesome. Robin Hood will be able to even talk with an English accent too (remember Costner's Californian accent in RHPOT still good though) ... Read More
I saw the great Bill Hicks play live twice and believe me when I say, he WAS funny. On both occasions, the whole venue was electric with laughter! His political views just added to the mix. Read 'Bill Hicks: Agent of Evolution' by Kevin Booth for the down to earth lowdown from those who knew him best. I'm not so sure we need a biopic from the studios who would have ignored Hicks whilst he was alive. It leaves a bad taste. ... Read More
L: manufan
Crowe's just gone up in my esteme, I've been saying that about Bill for years.
ell, duh. It's the reason why he's so well liked still. He certainly wasn't that funny, it was his political and social rants that made him superb. Not his dick jokes.
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L: francisca1
Thx so much to Empire for having the BIG interview with Russell Crowe. It's very entertaining and great to know that the man seems relaxed and happy these days. Marriage life suits him so well. A brilliant actor and consummate professional, a loving husband, a wonderful father to his two boys, and a clever rugby-club owner. His charity works for his Aussie community has been well-known too.
sp;
Be honest, you're Russell Crowe, aren't you? ... Read More
We can rely on Russell to be utterly ready for starting his new film in April. Archery is a beautiful sport and he hadn't had the opportunity to demonstrate it so far in his films. I fully agree with him when he states he wants to achieve the best Robin ever, that's exactly what we are looking forward to.
It will be a treat to see both outstanding stars in the leading roles, Russell will certainly be a brilliant and astute Robin, middle-ages humour will hopefully be involved ! I hope Sir Ridley... Read More
Thx so much to Empire for having the BIG interview with Russell Crowe. It's very entertaining and great to know that the man seems relaxed and happy these days. Marriage life suits him so well. A brilliant actor and consummate professional, a loving husband, a wonderful father to his two boys, and a clever rugby-club owner. His charity works for his Aussie community has been well-known too. He's been living his life to the fullest! Hope he continues to make fine movies 'cause I'll always be ther... Read More
Parts of this film was going to be shot at Cleeve Abbey in Somerset where i work, but apparently we're too epxensive and they skipped in favour of Eastern Europe! ... Read More
