ALMOST FAMOUS

The best aspect of Almost Famous that i enjoyed the most was the way classic rock has been woven into the script at critical junctures.The time line the movie presents to us is 1969 to 1973. The movie deals with the journey of William Miller ( Patrick Fugit) as the wide eyed teenager whose dream job is to be a successful rock journalist. His family comprises of a strict and conservative mother ( Frances Mcdormand : simply brilliant as the overprotective mother ) and Anita ( a cute looking Zooey Deschanel) : who is the complete opposite of her mother.


Anita encourages William to follow his heart. With the help of Lester Bangs ( Philip Seymour Hoffman : memorable cameo) he joins the band Stillwater. He meets Penny Lane ( Kate Hudson in a star making role) who helps him along the way. During the early 70's there was a lot of turmoil going on like the Vietnam war, Civil Rights Movements and thus the songs written during this period also reflects the sentiments of the people. As wel all know the 1970's was the greatest decade for rock music and this fact is very much evident in the movie.My secret wish was to be born in the early sixties so that i could also experience the golden age of classic rock.

I found many scenes in the movie to be magical like Russell ( Billy Crudup ) raising his arms towards the heavens and screaming “ I am a Golden God!!!!!!” from the top of a house,the entire sequence when the gang sings Tiny Dancer by Elton John,Penny Lane saying to William “ You are home”,the band aides or rather groupies prancing around William,the eye contact between William and Penny Lane in this particular scene sigh :-) a young William glancing thru LP'S of Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys,Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan,Blue by Joni Mitchell and of course Tommy by The WHO and also when he says the “the letter u!!!”


I loved the innocence and vulnerability of the characters and how they evolve at the end of the movie. I also loved the way the lifestyle of the 70's was shown with its hippies,protest through songs...the film does have a laid back charm to it..this is one movie that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face...

The story itself is autobiographical in nature. Cameron Crowe ( credits include Jerry Maguire,Vanilla Sky) himself was a rock journalist at Rolling Stones Magazine and toured with the Allman Brothers Band ,The Eagles and Led Zeppelin.Heartfelt characters,rollicking soundtrack,memorable one liners ( “I dig music”),controlled direction... Almost Famous is one of the best movies about rock and roll...