Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe spy thriller [Image Source: COLLIDERIMAGES]
The Russell Crowe spy thriller, Body of Lies, will soon be removed from the free streaming lineup on Pluto TV, giving fans a limited opportunity to catch the film. As this Ridley Scott-directed movie prepares to exit the platform at the end of the month, its blend of espionage, star power, and drama is earning renewed attention.
Background on Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott’s Collaborations
Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott became a powerful Hollywood duo after the major success of Gladiator in 2000, working on four consecutive films together. Their professional relationship appeared to hit a rough patch with the release of Robin Hood, which failed to match Gladiator’s acclaim. Recent public comments from both Crowe and Scott during the buildup to Gladiator II, a project Crowe was not part of, indicated ongoing tensions between them. Despite this, their past collaborations, including Body of Lies, offer fans a range of diverse films, with the spy thriller standing out as an underrated entry now nearing the end of its free streaming run.
Body of Lies: A Brief Overview and Streaming Details
Body of Lies, which debuted in 2008, is set for removal from Pluto TV’s free viewing catalog at the close of the month, so viewers eager to see it should act soon. The film showcases Leonardo DiCaprio as a covert operative working deep within the Middle East and Russell Crowe as his handler. The story structure keeps the two main characters apart for most of the story, reminiscent of the dynamics between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Heat. With a hefty production budget of about $70 million, Body of Lies earned just under $120 million at the international box office, so it did not achieve blockbuster status. Reception was mixed, and critics currently rate the film at 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. As noted in critical consensus,
Image of: Russell Crowe
“Body of Lies relies on the performances of Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio to elevate it beyond the conventional espionage thriller.”
– Critics
Current Awards Season Highlights for Crowe and DiCaprio
This awards season, both Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio have attracted attention, though under different circumstances. Crowe’s momentum for his role in the World War II drama Nuremberg has faded. The studio has shifted its promotional focus toward Michael Shannon in the Best Supporting Actor category, and Nuremberg is no longer seen as a contender in major award races. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio is a leading candidate for a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, a film anticipated to receive recognition in several categories. Fans can stream One Battle After Another at home, watch Nuremberg in theaters, and have only a few days left to view the Russell Crowe spy thriller Body of Lies on Pluto TV.
Main Cast of Body of Lies
Body of Lies stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe in powerful roles, with DiCaprio portraying the deep-cover operative and Crowe as his calculating handler. Their performances form the foundation of the movie’s impact, as pointed out in reviews and rankings by critics and fans alike.
What’s Next for the Film and Its Stars
Body of Lies continues to gain appreciation as a unique entry in the filmographies of Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott, despite its modest box office run. Its limited availability on free streaming may spark renewed interest among viewers, especially those exploring past collaborations or following the current awards season. As Crowe and DiCaprio remain active in high-profile projects, their earlier work in this espionage thriller stands as a testament to their range and influence in Hollywood.
