It is reported that Russell Crowe delivered an astonishing singing audition, likely securing him the role of the policeman pursuing Hugh Jackman in the film adaptation of the musical Les Miserables.
Nevertheless, the situation is complicated as it places Crowe in competition with his friend Paul Bettany, who has also auditioned for Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper, set to start filming Les Mis in the spring.
“It’s a high-class problem,” an executive associated with the movie shared with me last night.
“There are two exceptional actors, each possessing the qualities needed for the film, but barring a 3D format, only one will portray Inspector Javert — Russell or Paul.”
Yet, another executive revealed that Bettany would not be awarded the role, and it would go to Crowe instead.
Arrangements were made by Crowe’s representatives for him to hold two performance sessions for Hooper.
During the first session, Crowe acknowledged that he was not completely word-perfect; however, at the second — conducted in New York this past week in front of Hooper and the musical’s composer, Claude-Michel Schonberg, among others — he was fully prepared.
“What Russell did was quite brave: he truly worked for the role,” someone involved with the film’s production in New York communicated to me. Typically, movie stars can be lazy, expecting everything to be handed to them. Russell may drive you crazy, but he went out and fought for this role. He genuinely wanted it. The unfortunate aspect is that Paul wanted it just as much.”
There’s hesitance in officially confirming that Crowe has been cast as Javert due to ongoing discussions about finances and schedules, along with considerations regarding personality dynamics.
by Helena Bryanlith
