A Beautiful Mess

Russell Crowe's films tend to be more fun for the moviegoer than the moviemaker. And Eucalyptus, the star's latest project, appears to be another moviemaker's headache. Fox Searchlight Pictures called off production just three days before Crowe and fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman were set to start filming. Citing a collective concern over the script's readiness, the studio dismissed reports that Crowe alone forced the delay, closing the tiny window when both stars were available. The movie always faced steep challenges--a modest budget, huge stars, and the challenge of pronouncing eucalyptus-tree names such as Kakadu Woollybutt.