Notorious tough guy Russell Crowe has climbed aboard an indie flick entitled "Tenderness," in which he'll work with a pair of teens and fellow Aussie John Polson, the actor turned director who gave us "Swimfan" and "Hide and Seek."

Says Variety: "Russell Crowe has signed to star in helmer John Polson's indie thriller "Tenderness" for Gotham-based GreeneStreet Films.

Thesp will lense the project for Polson in May before heading into production on Universal's "American Gangster" in July, and then Baz Luhrmann's untitled period epic, opposite Nicole Kidman, early next year.



"Tenderness" was adapted by scribe Emil Stern from the novel by Robert Cormier. Pic follows a violent teenager, Eric, whose life intertwines with Lori, a 16-year-old runaway who can't resist his charm. Crowe will play Lieutenant Cristofuoro, a cop who sets out to unravel Eric's complex past."