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Versatility is Russell Crowe’s middle name. With an impressive repertoire of eclectic films in different genres, the Hollywood star has shown that no character is beyond his reach. From his Oscar winning turn inGladiator, his moving performance in films likeA Beautiful MindandCinderella Man, to the chilling psychotic stalker inUnhinged, Crowe has done the gamut of roles.
The New Zealand born star has also been on the wrong side of fame and success. In 2005, Crowe was slapped with a felony charge for physically assaulting a hotel clerk in the lobby. Ironically, it was his filmCinderella Manthat helped the star curb his hot temper and understand the root cause of his tantrums.
Also Read:“If he goes down again, there’s no coming back”: Russell Crowe’s Safety Was in Serious Danger After Nasty Injury Before He Played a Legendary American Boxer
Cinderella ManHelped Russell Crowe Become A Better Person
In 2005,Russell Croweplayed the titular character in the biographical sports dramaCinderella Man, based on the inspirational journey of real life boxer James J. Braddock. The film received positive responses with Crowe being lauded for his powerful performance. ButCinderella Mandid much more for the Oscar winner than merely getting him success. Crowe who was known to have a fiery temper, has been on the wrong side of the law a few times.
In a particular incident, the actor was charged with assaulting a hotel clerk by throwing a phone on his face and causing minor injury, due to his frustration with the paparazzi. While the felony charge was later changed to a misdemeanor after Crowe pled guilty, it did the actor’s reputation no good. Ironically, it was his physically challenging role as a boxer inCinderella Manand the lessons he learnt in the film, that put things in perspective for the actor.
“I’m extremely sensitive, and that’s probably where some of my negative stuff comes from.If you take your anger into the boxing ring, you’re going to get beaten. You can have anger, but it’s not going to get you anywhere. You’ve got to be able to control it.”
Crowe went on to elaborate that the mental discipline he practiced in theRon Howarddirectorial helped him to find an oasis of calm in his turbulent mind and allowed him to take an honest and objective look at his issues.
Also Read:“That’s when it really freaked me out, people were angry”: Russell Crowe Was Embarrassed to Watch ‘Gladiator’ Years After It Won Him His Only Oscar
Russell Crowe Pushed His Body To The Limit ForCinderella Man
Russell Crowe has never been someone to back down from an acting challenge. InCinderella Man, theProof of Lifestar put his body through extreme rigor to play the role of a boxer. His strenuous regimen included working with the same coach who trained the great Mohammed Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. Recalling his experience with the coach while training for the role, Crowe said,
“He built in me the ability to keep going, to keep my head clear no matter how much punishment I was taking, and, you know, no matter how deep you’re dragging for a breath. And that’s the whole key to it. If you may keep your head clear, you can keep going forward.”
TheUnhingedactor though, had to face the aftermath of such gruelling schedules. Crowe ended up dislocating his shoulder resulting in a serious injury just before the filming ofCinderella Manwas to begin. While it seemed that the star may not be able to do the film, he rose above the odds with his determined mind winning over his battered body.
Also Read:“I’m a kid from Florida, What am I supposed to do in this?”: Russell Crowe Got Oscar Winning DC Actor Drunk After He Had Nervous Breakdown While Shooting ‘Gladiator’
Source:Irish Examiner
Sharanya Sankar
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1230
Sharanya Sankar, Writer for FandomwireHaving completed her Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sharanya has a solid foundation in writing which is also one of her passions. She has worked previously with Book My show for a couple of years where she gained experience reviewing films and writing feature articles. Sharanya’s articles on film and pop culture have also been published on Film Companion, a popular film-based website. Apart from movies and pop culture, her interests include music and sports. She has contributed over 650 articles to Fandomwire so far.
