Kermode Uncut: My Top Five Russell Crowe Films

[@sebastiansfeci1305]

i think Paul Bettany is a good actor but listening to Kermode you'd think he was the second coming of Marlon Brando

[@archieenfield7790]

Wow, I guess Russell is a fan of There Will Be Blood judging by that clip

[@bbkingzor]

Noah a better film than Gladiator? I think that's stretching it slightly!

[@fuckem187]

+bbkingzor probably true, Noah did surprise me though, I was expecting it to be awful. And Gladiator was good but nowhere near as great as some claim. Then you get films like Dark Knight Rises which are bang average turds (shots fired at your avater)!

[@bbkingzor]

Lewis C Ah, yes. I was wondering what would break first - your spirit or your body!

[@jimpy476]

I was waiting for the insider at 1 and I'm glad I was not disappointed. He should've got the Oscar for this

[@megumim6795]

I still wait for the sequel of Master and Commander.

[@Hoscitt]

3:10 to Yuma, best film he's been in!

[@artychris25]

Nobody mentions 'State Of Play.' He's fantastic in that. Definitely one of his best roles and one of his most under appreciated films.

[@bradleybennett1829]

kermodeandmayo Come on are you serious? NO mention of Cinderella man??? Best RC performance by a country mile, and a superb film. Bloody hell Mark.

[@Batman-wo3vm]

I thought Kermode liked Gladiator. Years ago when a listener had mentioned Gladiator as a film with no redeeming qualities, Kermode vehemently defended that movie. In fact he said it was one of his favourite films of that year.

[@nikosvault]

Batman well, 2000 was not a great year for movies.

[@richardmullen3155]

Cod = false, heroism = something a left leaning former trotskiste no longer believes in (at least that's my theory.) It's a weird insult/criticism to just casually drop in without expanding on it (as if were all supposed to be aware of his new revisionist view of Gladiator!) To counter Mark's new view of this evergreen truly epic cinematic masterpiece, it's not just the best movie from 2000, but the best sword and sandals movie and the best mainstream movie of the noughties. Gladiator may not be the very best Crowe performance, but it's hands down the best Joaquin Phoenix performance, both repulsive & compelling as the spoilt damaged man child who happens to be the most powerful leader on the planet. Finally two words Hans Zimmer.

[@nikosvault]

Richard Mullen Finally one word: Holst.

[@richardmullen3155]

nikosvault Holst's Planets, particularly Mars, is more obvious in other film scores. What about 'The Right Stuff'? And Cliff Eidelman's Main title to "Star Trek VI" If the Holst estate really wants to make issue of composer plagiarism, I'd start with those over 'Gladiator' or 'Star Wars' Holst is, of course, fair game now because his music became free of copyright in 2004 (70 years after his death). A good thing too because I think it's ridiculous for copyright to last so long.

[@nikosvault]

Richard Mullen He sure must be fair game to Zimmer. He lifts entire passages during the battle scenes.

[@liftwell]

I wonder what Kermode thinks of the The Sum of Us. Another early work of Crowe's and very different from Macho roles he plays today.

[@rhyslloyd3200]

I love Master and Commander.

[@cjknotty]

Pleased to see The Insider getting credit. In my view it's an underrated film.

[@davidfgranger]

Wait, haven't I seen that film? I thought it was called There Will Be Blood.

[@hanshotfirst1138]

I hardly think A Clockwork Orange has a confused morality myself. Gladiator is a flawed and cliched film with many problems, but I think it's far from a terrible movie and Crowe is good in it.

[@jacoblambert1629]

Noah is not a better film than Gladiator but I would certainly go along with your choice of The Insider as his best performance.

[@DUFMAN123]

Wait wait wait, Gladiator and Beautiful Mind aren't that good and Noah is better? Urghh I doubt it. Other than that loved you put Master and Commander on there, it is one of my favourite films.

[@SomeSunshineOutside]

I really dont know how this "acting out someone else" business goes. It's as though kermode's saying that paul bettany "obviously" captures the attention of the viewer much better than crowe. But there's nothing obvious about that. And perhaps i merely have an untrained eye, but i really dont see it. Crowe stands out. So does bettany. There's no "one outshining the other".

[@richardmullen3155]

I feel the same about Crowe & Phoenix in Gladiator.

[@danduranduran]

Sid 6.7 in Virtuosity. A weird little role in a weird little movie, but to this day I think it's his best performance that I've seen.

[@frentury]

Yeahp, i would have definitely had his performance in 3:10 to Yuma as one of his best, if not The best.

[@vernonallen3370]

The Next three days, is my favourite Russell Crowe film an understated performance where he's not chewing the scenery and it's a great story also a close second is the Cinderella man.

[@Sunomis]

Am I crazy for liking Virtuosity ?

[@fringelilyfringelily391]

It's a very early effort, but The Sum Of Us is a lovely little film with a very likeable performance from Russell ... I also loved The Good Guys.

[@watchwatchlalala]

Mark drinking from a Wonder Woman mug. :)

[@stephenkane1074]

The Nice Guys ..... "at least youre drinking again ....... yeaaahhh"

[@tomfletcher7625]

He overlooked American Gangster, brilliant film, understated performance from russel crowe like in the insider. Also state of play was great.

[@Dagrond]

I really liked his Robin hood directed by Ridley Scott. It may have been the cinematography, or the story, or Cate Blanchett, but it's wonderfully inviting, immersive, memorable work. Guess no one else likes it much for some reason.

[@danduranduran]

Virtuosity!

[@alansmart5560]

Completely agree with the insider not just my favourite Russell Crowe film but also Michael Mann and considering he did the first hannibal lecter film manhunter and la takedown which later became heat which he did has well

[@Wicki973]

Super video

[@stephenmcdowell5711]

LA Confidential is a fantastic movie. Crowe is great in it.

[@blokey8]

Incidentally, my dad took me to see Master and Commander when I was 10. Pretty sure it's the most visceral 12A film of all time.

[@raylawlor4887]

I liked him in LA Confidential, for a few reasons... but the main reason is you (or rather one) tends to like performances in movie you like overall, and I loved LA Confidential. It was brilliantly cast (De VIto, Spacey et all)... and it was a great story.

[@dorianwhitney3862]

Despite what people may think of the film, he was great in Body of Lies. Really engaging character. I loved that movie. Took a few viewings of the film to fully understand it, but it was great.

[@deckofcards87]

Not his best movie, but I really like Crowe in Virtuosity. He hammed it up in a way like we've never seem him do since, kind of like a cyberpunk Joker.

[@BrowncoatByNight]

5. 3:10 to Yuma 4. A Beautiful Mind 3. American Gangster 2. L.A. Confidential 1. The Insider

[@AS7KNIGHT]

American Gangster? I thought he was good opposite Denzel especially towards the end and in the interesting final scene in the extended version of the film.

[@MrE5785]

this is really killing me what is the music playing at the end of this video? I recognise it but can't place it

[@stuartmacleod8231]

it was a scene from LA Confidential, if that helps

[@jackreed7287]

Master and commander at no 1.

[@KCRyder]

so are we talking best films or best performances?

[@jordongrubic1348]

I agree that Crowe was stunning as Jeffrey Wigand in The Insider, but I'll say the exact same thing about his portrayal of John Nash in A Beautiful Mind. The latter was the first film I ever saw him in and it was his performance that gave me an appreciation for acting. Pacino was great in The Insider and Bettany was great in A Beautiful Mind, but it was Crowe who captured my attention in both.

[@peterhardie4151]

+Jordon Grubic A Beautiful Mind was sentimental rubbish. Incomparable to the Insider.

[@sadsalidhalskdjhsald]

"Noah is a better film than Gladiator" < I lolled, then cried when I realised Kermode was being serious

[@hafssol82]

Well, I for one had much more fun with Noah.

[@sadsalidhalskdjhsald]

hafssol82 Ha ha, that sounds slightly rude.

[@jameskond]

It's a funny think to say, but I can see why Kermode liked Noah over Gladiator. Gladitator doesn't really try to be inventive and uses the whole gladiator trope that has been around for ages. Noah on the other hand is balls to wall crazy and mixed with the fact that's about a religious figure, makes it more interesting at the very least.

[@FVD]

Romper Stomper is like the Australian version of NZ's Once Were Warriors.

[@ghonxjc8417]

For me it's got to be Sid in Virtuosity. But LA confidential is a close second, and a good year a notable mention

[@gorankatic40000bc]

''Romper Stomper'' forever! Uncompromising brutal film that depicts reality. Masterfully shot, edited, directed and scored! Far away from castrated studio films and their decadent film language. ''Romper Stomper'' is the film with balls!

[@HieronymusLudo]

Agree with the #1

[@jonjones1553]

Proof of Life.

[@Slaphappy1975]

My personal Top 5 Crowe performances (not a movie ranking) 1 Jim Braddock- Cinderella Man 2 Ben Wade 3:10 to Yuma 3 Maximus- Gladiator 4 Jeffrey Wigand- The Insider 5 Bud White- LA Confidential

[@TowTruckCoroner]

The Quick & The Dead

[@CheerfulSmilingEd]

I loved a good year. Yeah it has many faults but it's so pretty!

[@deogratias7625]

I agree!

[@alansmart5560]

And also the best thing about gladiator is the soundtrack by lisa Gerrard

[@ekoostic]

Oh god i forgot about "3:10 to Yuma" and "Master and Commander". Now I know what I'm watching tonite!

[@misterEstrange]

My top 5 roles by Russell Crowe. Which I think is different to my top 5 Russell Crowe movies. 5. A Beautiful Mind 4. Romper Stomper 3. Master And Commander 2. American Gangster 1. Cinderella Man

[@Batman-wo3vm]

And it's weird he mentions Noah where he said he couldn't connect with Crowe's character in any way and that Jennifer Connoly was more impressive :P

[@alexespinoza6366]

Flagging a flag for his performance in "Virtuosity" it was over the top in a good way.

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

Cinderella Man.

[@Rog5446]

This is about Crow's top five performances. But if it was about Crow's top five films, Master and Commander would be tops.

[@rabbijim1]

I really enjoyed him in L.A. Confidential.

[@dravenuk]

I can't really argue with this list. Maybe Gladiator could be in there. Sure, it's a one dimensional role but it is a traditional hero role. And it IS mythic with Crowe great as Max. But yeah, he has given stronger, more nuanced performances. I still think he is utterly fabulous in LA Confidential. Bud White is a great creation. And Master and Commander is fab too. I love that film.

[@MicahYongo]

Astonished that Kermode didn't like Gladiator. Joaquin's Phoenix's performance alone makes it great viewing.

[@jameswoowaa479]

Good top 5. Glad Master and Commander made it. As a fan of the books he really did capture the nuances of the character very well.

[@bigneon_glitter]

5. American Gangster 4. Gladiator 3. The Insider 2. Master & Commander 1. LA Confidential

[@thecanberean]

5. Romper Stomper 4. A Beautiful Mind 3. Master and Commander 2. The Insider 1. Cinderella Man

[@jespernicolaj]

The Nice Guys is his best, but I also like him in The next three days

[@jediroya6810]

Before starting the video I said The Insider and Romper Stomper, nice that Mark agrees with me for a change! But I think one needs to distinguish between best Russel Crowe movies and best Russel Crowe performances. LA Confidential was a great film but Crowe’s was far from the best performance in it. On the other hand, Gladiator was derivative and unoriginal but Crowe was excellent in it, he dominated with his presence.

[@looloowhiskey]

Mark ever so slightly bitter he was mistook for someone else...

[@townsjim]

He looks like Steven Gerrard

[@chuckygobyebye]

Proof.

[@tumppuman]

Agree! The Insider is easily Crowe's best performance. I like to think that he got his oscar for Gladiator mostly because he lost for The Insider in the previous year to Spacey and American Beauty.

[@BURP39R]

I come back to this every time: www.smh.com.au/news/national/when-i-was-russell-crowes-stooge/2006/06/06/1149359738242.html?page=fullpage The man is a good actor, but bloody hell, his personality is Radio Rental.

[@heatrayzvideo3007]

L.A Confidential is prob the only role I liked him in.

[@simontrebel87]

1. American gangster 2. 310 to yuma 3. Master and commander 4. Gladiator 5. A beautiful mind I still need to see LA confidential, and the insider

[@pesahson]

Definitely watch The Insider!

[@stiiffyrabbit]

Gladiator and L.A. Confidential, 2 1/2 times each! Otherwise, I would really struggle to let the movie run.

[@kaiterenless1888]

State of Play

[@Retrospective.]

Master and Commander. i would grab a bread knife and following Lucky Capt. Jack into battle, if he asked me to.

[@jeremymuir4332]

Gladiator is my all time favourite and it actually bugs me when someone doesn't like it; 3:10 to Yuma is very good and although farfetched; I love The Next 3 days.

[@user-rl4fm4uu6o]

russell crowe was from 1993- 2005 probably the greatest actor in the world . I feel he doesnt get the roles anymore

[@actingconstablecuddy2163]

the idea anyone could even enjoy noah never mind actually think it's better than gladiator is wild to me

[@Tymbus]

Noah, based on a graphic novel, is amaing. Yep it is bonkers and it is better than the regressive Gladiator who's main mission was to drain the homoeroticism of Gladiator movies

[@cannibalholocaust3015]

When you can skim over Gladiator/Beautiful Mind and still have a credible top 5 it really shows the league he is in. For instance, if someone like Gerard Butler was Maximus and somehow equalled Crowe it would be his undoubted career zenith.

[@samcottle]

Noah better than Gladiator? What are you talking about!?

[@denisj458]

Man if only he could update this list to include the Mummy

[@Subcleff]

Cindarella Man not in top 5? Come on...

[@jpr2137]

LA Confidential is the type of performance Russell Crowe should have been doing his whole career. He is never a leading man . He is a character actor , and that character is a donut eating Detective/P.I/Journalist.

[@themadafaka6839]

LA confidential American gangster 3:10 to Yuma The nice guys & Romper stomper

[@vipnetworks136]

He is best in Les Misérables... just kidding 5 Jim Braddock Cinderella Man 4 Cort The Quick and the Dead 3 Bud White L.A. Confidential 2 Ed Hoffman Body of Lies 1 Ben Wade 3:10 to Yuma

[@girlsinnottingham2201]

HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN AMERICAN GANGSTER???

[@Grifftinderpals]

That scene from The Water Diviner - just like There Will Be Blood, except without the acting.

[@liquoriceseahorse]

Thumbs down. Russell Crowe's best performance is Sid 6.7 in Virtuousity.

[@prodigalfan]

what do you mean he's got out acted by Paul Bettany in A Beautiful Mind? And although I love Noah but it's definitely NOT better than Gladiator. That's just crazy talk lol

[@MoritzMeyer56]

I would definetely add Nice Guys to that list by now.

[@DodderingOldMan]

I once sat next to Russell Crowe at a restaurant near my house. So he's basically my favourite actor ever, just for that reason. Just kidding. Mostly. But I do think he's good. I don't really like Gladiator either, but I do think Crowe was really good in it. Not as good as Joaquin Phoenix though. And yeah, Romper Stomper is one of the best ever Australian films. We actually do great films every now and then.

[@gavinBsussex]

Noah better than Gladiator? Er no Mark, just no....

[@bhuxtablesmith]

1. Gladiator 2. A Beautiful Mind 3. 3:10 to Yuma 4. The Insider 5. Body of Lies

[@sanyrub]

Gladiator is over rated. The story is not that good and could have been way more effective. Master and Comander is definitely a way better film. My favorite role from Russell Crowe is The Sum of Us, a little Australian film from the early 90s.

[@chanceie12]

The clip looks a lot like there will be blood.

[@AndyLondon22]

dont understand why he likes paul betteny so much??

[@reciprocalcat]

I really like Gladiator :/

[@heatrayuk2520]

Noah IS a better film than Gladiator. Gladiator is utterly vacuous.

[@tomashize]

The early Aussie one where he's Gay and has an embarrassing Dad!