There have been many varied reviews of Russell Crowe’s first attempt in the director’s chair, with his sweeping epic “The Water Diviner,” which takes place in his native Australia.

The two-time Academy Award winner has proven he has what it takes to anchor a strong cast in a bawdy, emotional film like “A Beautiful Mind” or a raucous, heartfelt turn as a warrior in “Gladiator,” but it has yet to be determined by audiences, whether they will receive his offering of a strong father figure in front of the camera and a leading man behind the camera, as well.

“I loved it,” says Crowe in an article issued by USA Today. “There’s just nothing at all that I’ve ever done creatively that’s anywhere near as deeply satisfying. It’s all encompassing.” At 51, this is Crowe’s first time in the director’s chair. His power as an actor and an individual in the film industry surely garnered enough attention and rallied enough troops to aid Crowe in his quest to direct.

The tale of “The Water Diviner” centers on an almost 100-year-old letter found by co-screenwriter Andrew Anastasios that tells of a mysterious father who set sail in search of his son after World War I. A harrowing tale to be sure, the scale of the production may have been a lot to tackle as a first time director. Various publications have given alternating views of the finished product. Again, the critical reception and wide audience approval have yet to be reconciled, as the film itself has yet to be released to mass audiences.

According to USA Today, ten years ago, “Crowe had circled another project to direct, but let it pass. This time, he had much to prove.”

Crowe goes on to say: “I’d be doing my 12 hours on set, then eight hours with the editor. Get a little bit of sleep, back to set. That was pretty heavy for awhile.”

“The Water Diviner” premieres in theaters this Friday.