Almost Famous, ’’ the new film by writer-director Cameron Crowe, is fantastic. It immediately entered my top ten list. I was inspired to see it after hearing about it and now that it has racked up a couple Oscar nominations, it was a done deal. Have to see it.
First of all, it is worth every nomination and then some. I was pleasantly surprised by this film, mainly because of the way it presents the story to the viewers. It is a very carefully made film, which is obvious from the way the director talks about it. After all, this is based on what happened to him in his high school years. He wants to tell this story, and with this sense of heartfelt passion, he spins an emotionally complex movie with a perfect ratio of drama and comedy. It is hilarious at times, but it is very heart wrenching at times, too.
The story follows William Miller (Fugit), an outcast among his peers and a fantastic writer. His articles impress the editor of Rolling Stone Magazine, and they hire him to do an article on an up-and-coming band named Stillwater. They don’t know that he is only 15 years old. The plot then follows his journey with the band across the country. Along the way, there are fights, accidents, problems, and pressure, especially from the editors of Rolling Stone and from his mother. He then discovers what is important and who he is. In many ways, it is a coming-of-age story. Everyone comes into terms with themselves in this film, from the band, to William, to his mother, and to an energetic ’’band-aid’’ named Penny Lane.
The film is very well done, as I said. The camera angles are impressive, and the music is great. It is, after all, about the music. I commend Crowe for putting his vision on the screen so delicately.
The acting is also superb. Kate Hudson is excellent as Penny Lane, and her performance will probably win her the Academy. Frances McDormand is also very good as Williams mother. Patrick Fugit amazes as the confused William. And Billy Crudup shines as the bands front man, Russell Hammond. Very well cast, very well acted.
Once again, ’’Almost Famous’’ is a great movie. I highly recommend it to anyone.