Film Review : ALMOST FAMOUS * * * *

Submitted by jblack on Tue, 03/20/2001 - 07:02
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Almost Famous (2000)
CAST Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, Jason Lee, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Fairuza Balk, Anna Paquin

DIRECTOR Cameron Crowe

Cameron Crowe has made a movie that rivals Say Anything in greatness. It is charming and warm spirited and has undeniable appeal.

The film is based on real life experiences of the director Cameron Crowe. In the early 70's he was a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine, at the tender age of fifteen. The character that represents him is William Miller, played by newcomer Patrick Fugit. He's a wiz kid who is set to graduate at the age of fifteen. His older sister turns him on to rock and roll and the rest is history.

William attempts to get backstage to a Black Sabbath concert, and finally does when he gets in with the opening band Stillwater. He befriends Russell Hammond (Crudup), the guitar player for the band, and he falls for one of the band-aids of the band, Penny Lane (Hudson). Kate Hudson is wonderful as Penny Lane. She exudes a resilient confidence on the outside, but underneath is a flowing stream of emotion. Hudson does great in releasing that emotion and tucking it back as if it was just a mistake.

There is alot to be said in this film about growing up and coming to grips with ones own identity. The soundtrack is splendid, with many great songs from the era. The set designs are authentic and the band Stillwater is very believable. There are many touching scenes in the movie. One in particular is every one on the tour bus singing along to Elton John's Tiny Dancer. Billy Crudup is great as Hammond, the rock star who has a conscience. Philip Seymour Hoffman is again right on with his performance as the helpful editor Lester Bangs. Patrick Fugit is very impressive in his debut role. A very sensitive kid learning how to grow up by being around rock stars. Frances McDormand is once again special in her role as a rule wielding mother who gives good advice to Russell. This movie is a treat and it resonates a real good feeling inside of us all. One of the very best films of the last five or six years.