Director Taylor Hackford is delighted Proof Of Life stars Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe fell in love; because the world's curiosity is helping to advertise the film. Ryan and Crowe met up to shoot the movie - the tale of a woman taken hostage by South American insurgents who falls in love with the man sent to negotiate for her freedom - and began an affair earlier this year, which eventually led to the very public end of Ryan's nine year marriage to Hollywood star Dennis Quaid. But Hackford insists the couple's steamy off-screen relationship did not affect their work. He says, "Both Russell and Meg were incredibly professional on this film. They were there every day, worked and were very focused." And the director admits the affair has given his movie some good free publicity. He says, "I would like Proof Of Life to be seen and judged on the film - not on some relationship thing. On the other hand, name identification of Proof Of Life is rather strong at the moment. And that is a great help." - Wenn.
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