By LOUIS B. HOBSON -- Calgary Sun
Monday, January 10, 2000

Aussie bad boy Russell Crowe has a fan in producer Doug Wick, who was one of the backers of Crowe's costume epic Gladiator -- in theatres this spring.

Crowe is famous for his bar brawls, whether it's in his native Australia or on location. He's also famous for throwing temper tantrums on the sets of his films.

"With all of his demons, with Russell it's always about the work," says Wick.

"He doesn't tear up phone books to intimidate his directors or co-stars, but he questions everyone incessantly.

"That can be intimidating for some people. There's no question Russell is volatile, but the genius is up there on the screen."

With Gladiator, Wick may have seen Crowe on his best behaviour. The actor insists he got along with director Ridley Scott.

Crowe explains: "It's only when the captain of the ship doesn't know where he's going that I explode. Ridley is the kind of strong director I like, as was Michael Mann on The Insider.

"These are men who are confident and have done their work long before they get to the set."

Crowe has been nominated for a Golden Globe for The Insider and is a front-runner to get an Oscar nod in February.