TIME Magazine:

By Josh Tyrangiel

Is Russell Crowe, star of Master and Commander and cinema's current hunk in a funk, really a sweetie after all? Nope. But he is full of surprises...

The first glimpse I had of what Russell Crowe's friends call Crowe's "intensity" was on the green waves of Sydney Harbor. In advance of our meeting, Crowe's publicist announced that her client had a surprise for me: he had rented a tall ship like the one he captains in his new movie, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World for the sake of a photo shoot and our introductory chat. It seemed a bit obvious–ship movie, ship interview–and I wondered if it wasn't a clumsy gesture designed to focus the conversation on knots and fathoms rather than more interesting matters like bar brawls and love affairs. But soon there were other surprises to ponder.

As we toddled into the harbor aboard the Svanen, a 120-ft. oak beauty, Crowe was nowhere to be found, and our crew became suspiciously quiet. Once we were past the commuter ferries and tourist boats, the Svanen's engine yawned, and I was told to look toward land.

Squinting, I could just make out two shapes bobbing on the waves. One was a woman; the other was Crowe. "This is the real surprise!" said Crowe's publicist. "He's kayaking out to meet you with his personal trainer!"

I was looking to post a story about Crowe's upcoming movie, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Crowe is as adventuresome as they come, in my book. While Josh Tyrangiel's adventure Down Under led to more of an exposé of the man rather than the movie, this is an intriguing read.

I'll look for more detail on the movie, and post it separately. In the meantime, I think you'll enjoy learning a little more about this somewhat mysterious Aussie. Thanks Josh.

~Jennifer