Russell Crowe "Cutting Down" On His Drinking

Russell Crowe has cut out "dark drinks" that don't "bring out the best" of his personality.

Russell - notorious for his fiery temper - has curbed his alcoholic intake since becoming a father, but has no plans to become completely sober.

Oscar-winner Russell, 44, said: "I've given up drinking quite a few things. Some things I don't drink anymore, as me and that product don't see eye to eye at certain times."

"Tequila and I are still good friends and vodka and I still get on. It's just the dark drinks that don't seem to bring out the best of my personality."

Earlier this month, Russell said he has cut down his drinking for the sake of his two sons - Charles, four, and two-year-old Tennyson.

He explained: "The drinking thing has sort of taken a different place in my life since I had kids. There's a whole lot of things I don't do anymore because it affects my level of patience. I don't want to be in that place where I'm exasperated with these beautiful children."

Russell's latest film "Body of Lies" - for which he piled on 63lbs - opened in U.S. cinemas this weekend, but was beaten to the number one spot at the box office by Disney film "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."

"Body of Lies" also stars Leonardo DiCaprio and was directed by Ridley Scott.