Interview with Russel Crowe

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“When I'm in a city, I'd love to explore the north, south, east and west of that city — and the best way to do that is by bike.” - Hollywood star Russel Crowe in our special interview.

Although the notorious A-list bad boy Russel Crowe has matured a bit since his cellphone-throwing rampage days, the New Zealander, Oscar winner and caring father still shows his rebellious side from time to time.

In the latest comedy”The Nice Guys“, which is set in the 70s, Russel Crowe teams up with People's Sexiest Man Alive Ryan Gosling (nominated for an Oscar in “Half Nelson” in 2006).

In the film, directed by Shane Black (“Iron Man 3”), Crowe plays a hitman who, together with a unlucky private investigator (Gosling), wants to track down a missing girl. During their investigations, the duo discover a shocking conspiracy case that reaches the highest levels of the judiciary. Part comedy, part noir thriller — “The Nice Guys” is reminiscent of films like “Get Shorty” and Black's previous film “Kiss, Bang, Bang,” with Robert Downey Jr. In the lead role.

We heard that you drove around a lot on a motorcycle during the filming of the 70s comedy “The Nice Guys” in Los Angeles.
Crowe: No, it was with my bike. I like it when I explore the area on the first day of filming, it strengthens me. When I'm in a city, wherever it may be in the world, I'd love to explore the north, south, east and west of that city — and the best way to do that is by bike.

How many kilometers did you travel on a bike per day?
Crowe: Around 100 km a week. That's 60-70 miles a week. Sometimes it was even more, as we often filmed outside the city. We spent a week in Stone Mountain (Ga.), a very long route.

What kind of bike do you own?
Crowe: I have a Scott mountain bike. I like mountain bikes because it doesn't matter which area you ride on them. I can use it both on the road and off-road. A racing bike doesn't match my appearance. I don't like the leaning forward posture. That might sound a bit odd now, but I appreciate the safety aspect of wider tires, especially when you drive in a city like New York where there are lots of construction sites. Because you drive around the corner unsuspecting and suddenly you fall into a hole in the road.

Do you always take your bike with you?
Yes

You've thought a lot about your movie character, haven't you?
Crowe: We can talk for hours now about what the backstory of my character Jackson Healy is, but to put it more simply, I wanted to portray him as a “leper.” I didn't want him to be from California as he could obviously be from the East Coast. I think he worked in the military almost his entire life. For example, when you think of his age — the time the whole thing is set is around the Korean War, and he probably joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam War. I think he's only been out of there for four or five years. References to this background can be found, for example, in the way he lives; his apartment is neatly and minimalistically furnished.

Other people own ten different versions of some things, he only has one. We didn't delve long into this backstory as it wasn't necessary. It was important for my own preparation for the role, because - how do you get to such an age and still be such a creep and wish to be as cool as Ryan Gosling's character at some point. I think he knows he's missing something in life, but I don't think he can name these missing things.

He actually carries a certain sadness with him. With the skills he has, he just wants to be of use.

What kind of father are you?
Crowe: Well, if you ask my ex-wife (Danielle Spencer — with her he has two sons), I might not do as well (He laughs.) No, when I'm with my kids, I hear people talking about how connected we are. We talk as freely as we can and I try to spend time with them as often as possible. At the same time, it is important to me that they understand that there are certain privileges in life and that I define for them what these privileges are. For example: We're doing something special. For that, they must learn to be thankful, because that is something very important. Charles, 12 years old and Tennyson, 9 years old, are both very down to earth kids. You've already experienced a lot of great things because of my job, but you don't take that for granted and are humble and thankful for your place on Earth and the things you get to see. If it stays that way, then we'll be happy. (He laughs.)

You've built a great career, won an Oscar and have already directed — what are your goals for the future?
Crowe: I haven't really thought about what I'm going to do next. There are definitely people who keep a wish list, a wish list of directors that you would like to work with, but I was never the actor who wanted my own “Hamlet” version. I was just never like that. I decide on the material that I receive. I either like it or I don't. For the first time, the family tree, or who is in the film, doesn't matter. I'll look at these things later. When I read a script and I like the story right from the start, that's the movie I want to shoot.

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