Crowe flies in for premiere

HOLLYWOOD STAR Russell Crowe flew in to Edinburgh on Saturday for the Scottish premiere of Noah.

The New Zealand-born actor arrived by private jet from Dublin before walking the red carpet at the Film House cinema in front of hundreds of fans.

Like many Hollywood A- listers, Crowe has declined to make a firm opinion on the upcoming referendum but hinted he would not like to see Scottish culture diluted.

He said: “I’m not sure I’m really informed enough to make any real comment.

“But, if I thought there may be a watering down of what is known as Scottish culture then maybe I would then have a stronger opinion, but it’s definitely very understood what is Scottish around the world.”

Introducing the start of the film, Crowe, who turns 50 next week, joked: “I can tell you definitively, your weather today is significantly better than in Dublin.”

The biblical

epic

has received strong criticism from various religious groups for its loose inter pretation of the Genesis story.

Crowe said: “Given all the controversy around the film, it would be very easy for the Vatican to rescind the invitation they put forth, but the fact that they didn’t I think shows a consistent kindness.”

The cast of Noah has a strong British cast including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone and Douglas Booth.

Getty. Russell Crowe flanked by friend Charlie Allan, left, and Douglas Booth.