REM - STIPE'S PITT ADMIRATION

REM star MICHAEL STIPE is urging Hollywood bosses to offer BRAD PITT more challenging roles - because he's a far bigger talent then his resume suggests.

The rock star, who produced quirky films VELVET GOLDMINE and SAVED!, was stunned by the accuracy of Pitt's Irish accent in GUY RITCHIE's critically acclaimed 1999 movie SNATCH.

And he wants producers seeking to fill difficult roles to hire the actor in the future, insisting his skills have yet to be fully pushed to the limit.

Stipe says, "I think Brad Pitt is an astonishing actor whose abilities far exceed the way that he's been used.

"Friends of mine who are Irish were shocked at his accent in Snatch, saying it was the most accurate accent anyone has ever done."