Something to Crowe about

The Roman Empire epic drama Gladiator, starring New Zealand-born Russell Crowe, picked up its second movie award in as many days yesterday when it was named best picture of 2000 by the Broadcast Film Critics Association.

The movie, starring Crowe as a Roman general who falls out of favour and returns to Rome as a slave and gladiator, also won the Golden Globe for best dramatic picture in one of the major award ceremonies before the March Oscars.

Gladiator harks back to the late-50s era of epic Hollywood costume dramas. In both the Golden Globes and the Broadcast Film Critics Association awards, it beat out competition from Traffic, a sobering tale about the illicit drug trade, and the true-life box-office hit Erin Brockovich.

Last month, the critics named Crowe best actor for his performance in Gladiator and Julia Roberts best actress for Erin Brockovich. Roberts also picked up a Golden Globe, making her one of the favourites for Oscar glory.

However, it's Crowe's off-screen life that is vying with his movie for the headlines. Australia's Woman's Day magazine reported yesterday that his romance with Hollywood sweetheart Meg Ryan has turned icy, with the actor getting cold feet over long-term commitment.

Crowe was refusing to take Ryan's calls over whether he would move into her "family dream home" in the United States.

"Russell has done a disappearing act in Meg's eyes," the magazine quoted one of Ryan's friends, Ruth Lehman, as saying.

"It has hurt her very much. She's even back talking with hubby Dennis Quaid. She told him, 'Russell's breaking my heart.' And he said, 'I told you so."'

The collapse of the relationship came after Crowe decided to stay at his property in northern New South Wales after Christmas rather than go back to Ryan, explaining that he needed time and space.

Lehman said Ryan called Crowe on New Year's Day "and gave him a piece of her mind."

After that call, Crowe said: "She might be America's sweetheart, but she can swear like a trucker."

He also told a friend, "Man, Meg's always on my back. I was glad to go home for a rest."

Crowe and Ryan met on the set of their film Proof of Life, after which they were often seen in each other's company, including in Australia.

In recent weeks, gossip columnists have reported Crowe being spotted in the company of other women. Crowe turned up at the Golden Globes without Ryan.

- REUTERS