My girlfriend and I recently sat down and watched Almost Famous together. It was her first time seeing it. I've seen the movie countless times so I decided to watch the movie through her point of view. That being, watching like it was my first time . Glad I did. Almost Famous is a comedy-drama and above all musical movie directed by former Rolling Stone writer and director Cameron Crowe. Prior to Almost Famous, Crowe directed the 80's classic Say Anything... and Jerry Maguire. Almost Famous can also be classified as semi-autobiographical because Crowe did tour with bands like The Eagles and many more. The movie follows high school student William Miller (Patrick Fugit) as his love for rock n roll becomes the focal point of his life while growing up in the 1960's (just like Crowe did). Despite his conservative mother Elaine , played by the great Frances MacDormand , he continues to expand his love and knowledge of rock n roll largely due to his sister's record collection (listen to Tommy with a candle burning ).
After Willam meets with legendary music critic Lester Bangs, who is played brilliantly by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, he finally gets to write his first true article for Rolling Stone magazine . He is sent to a Black Sabbath concert to write a review on the opening band Stillwater . From there , he meets the gypsy/roadie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and forms a strong bond with not only her but with Stillwater's guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup)
Aside for my love for music, my second greatest passion is movies. This movie is defiantly in my top 10 and for good reason. This film beautifully showcases the role a music critic has in shaping a bands legacy and following. There have been countless bands in rock n roll history that have been loved by fans, but despised by critics. Bands like Led Zeppelin , Grand Funk Railroad, and even AC/DC weren't well received by critics at the time. This movie proves that not all critics are the same because throughout the movie , we see William write his true feelings on Stillwater which are chronicled while being on tour with them and his own appreciation for them . This movie alone is the reason why I created this blog.
The film also cleverly represents on how the majority of rock bands acted while on the road touring. It really puts the saying "sex and drugs and rock n roll" intro perspective. Russell Hammonds "I am a golden god!" scene showcases all of this perfectly.
Lastly , but certainly not least, the soundtrack . The soundtrack used for Almost Famous is flawless. The songs used compliment the scenery and mood perfectly . Simon and Garfunkel's "America" is used at the begging of the movie as Willam's sister Anita drives off with her boyfriend . That's a perfect song for not only the scene, but for the time period . Anita is part of the counter culture movement and with the rebellious action of her fleeting her home , "America" is a symbol for freedom .
The most famous use of the soundtrack comes with the band singing along to Elton John's classic "Tiny Dancer" on the tour bus . The scene is now considered iconic and in the process introduced John's classic to a whole new generation of fans . The scene is also powerful because prior to the scene, Stillwater had a heated argument between its members and even lashed out on William. With the band singing in unison to "Tiny Dancer" it proves that music truly brings society together and that music can heal.
This movie is truly a masterpiece . If you haven't seen it, please do yourself a favor and get on it . It'll be worth it.
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