ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

MOVIES

Crowe Taking Reins on World War II Drama

Curious about why Russell Crowe--coming off “Gladiator,” “The Insider” and “Proof of Life”--has been turning down a spate of high-profile roles? He’s decided to plant himself behind the camera, directing “The Long Green Shore,” a World War II drama based on the novel by John Hepworth.

Crowe is rewriting the initial script for the movie, which he’ll co-produce with Mark Johnson (“Rain Man”), who has a deal at Intermedia, which is financing the film. Though the actor plans to star in the movie, he hasn’t revealed which part he’ll take.

“Any questions I might have about a first director were immediately answered in our first session three months ago,” Johnson told The Times Wednesday. “What Russell wanted to do with the material was so original and compelling that I immediately wanted to see that film. He also has the self-confidence as a director that’s necessary to inspire others. I don’t think it’s going to be a huge leap for him, going from one side of the camera to the other. He’s ready.”

“Shore” is slated to start shooting next spring, most likely in New Guinea and Australia. Crowe will next be seen at the end of the year in Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind.”

POP/ROCK

Seattle Concerts to Boost U.N. Campaign

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is planning a week of concerts in Seattle in October to help fund its campaign against world hunger. Among the performers donating their time: R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews, Femi Kuti and Emmylou Harris.

Proceeds will be used to purchase seeds, livestock and agricultural tools and equipment for struggling farmers and food production projects around the world.

The concerts will be broadcast around the world by satellite and will also be available via a virtual stadium on the Web, organizers said. A benefit CD will also be marketed.

TELEVISION

Julia Child Defends, Chides Martha Stewart

Julia Child mixes compliments with mild criticism about fellow domestic guru Martha Stewart in the September issue of Vanity Fair.

“It’s the haute bourgeoisie who have a problem with her,” said Child, who has appeared on Stewart’s TV show. “They’re jealous of her. For what? That she manages to do everything so perfectly, I suppose. But the masses love her. That’s the key.”

Stewart’s mistake, added the 88-year-old TV chef, is that she gives the impression of having invented everything herself.

“I think sometimes it would be nice if she said, ‘My friend Suzie showed me this and here’s how she did it,”’ Child said. “It’s always that, ‘I have done it.”’

Child did shoot down the notion that she paved the way for Stewart. “She invented herself, really.”

QUICK TAKES

Mariah Carey has checked out of the New York hospital where she was admitted two weeks ago for a physical and emotional breakdown. “Mariah is feeling better,” said her spokeswoman, Cindi Berger. “She is resting under a doctor’s care at an undisclosed location with her mother.” ... Mariette Hartley, Len Cariou and Hank Stratton will make up the cast of “Copenhagen” at the Wilshire Theatre, Nov. 25-Jan. 6 .... Mimi Rogers gave birth to a son, Charlie Rogers-Ciaffa, on July 30. It is the second child for the actress and her longtime partner, film producer Chris Ciaffa.