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Film fans state the case for Mirren and Crowe
Peter Dominiczak22.04.09
DAME Helen Mirren and Russell Crowe received rave reviews from members of the public for the political thriller State Of Play in its premiere at Leicester Square.
The plot concerns a Congressman and an investigative journalist who untangle a world of spin and political collusion.
Crowe plays a veteran reporter and Mirren his editor. Early reviews by critics have been mixed and the film has to live up to a British TV series of the same name which won three Baftas. But the audience at last night's screening described the film as a "gripping thriller" and reserved special praise for Mirren and Crowe.
Pictures: Stars at the State of Play premiere
Laura Williams, a 26-year-old who works for a television company in Holborn, said: "The film was very tense and kept me guessing until the end.
"Helen Mirren is incredibly funny and swears a lot. She works well as the angry editor. Russell Crowe was good but we've seen him in that brooding, angry role many times before."
Louise Croft, 22, from King's Cross, said: "I'm a massive fan of Helen Mirren so it was good to see her. She is brilliant in the film."
Ross Spaine, 24, said: "Russell Crowe completely steals the show. He is fantastic in the role and it seems to suit him well."
