This week we look at Cameron Crowe's semi-autobigraphical rock n' roll masterpiece, Almost Famous.
From the man that brought you Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Jerry Maguire comes this wonderful film about a teenager that stumbles into a job for Rolling Stone magazine. His first assignment, a think-piece about a mid-level band grappling with their limitations in the face of the harsh glare of success... Stillwater.
Like Fast Times, Almost Famous is semi-autobiographical. Crowe actually was a reporter for Rolling Stone at age 16 and travelled with The Allman Brothers on tour. This is a behind the scenes look at sex, drugs and rock n' roll in the early 70's. The lives of rockstars and the crew and groupies that are along for the ride.
The cast is outstanding. Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Anna Paquin, Noah Taylor, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Fairuza Balk, Zooey Deschanel, Jimmy Fallon and Rainn Wilson.
That's an impressive ensemble.
Even more impressive, the soundtrack. Crowe's wife Nancy Wilson, who knows a thing or two about rock n' roll herself, is Musical Director. Nancy, Cameron and Peter Frampton wrote all of Stillwater's songs and they are performed brilliantly by the cast. When Stillwater is not on stage songs by Todd Rundgren, Simon and Garfunkle, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Yes, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Clarence Carter, Steely Dan, Deep Purple, Thunderclap Newton, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers fill the scenes with over 50 songs that put you in touch with the characters.
This is a funny, bittersweet film that leaves you with a smile and a warm glow yearning for more.
Altho a flop at the boxoffice, Almost Famous was a huge critical success earning 4 Oscar Nominations (including the uncomfortable dual nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Kate Hudson and Frances McDormond) and Cameron Crowe won the Oscar for Best Screenplay. It earned another 44 wins including Golden Globe for Best Picture and Grammy for Best Soundtrack & 76 nominations.
2 comments:
Yes he may not of born there but thats where he hung his hat when he got put in to office.
I was force to live in Texas for 5 years. and I feel for you more now that he's going to be moving back!
Trust me, I know the the story well. Just saying don't blame Texas. I tried to warn people about him since he first ran for Governor but nobody would listen.
Never voted for the man. Like your votes actually count since Diebold.
(EDIT: This is a carryover discussion from a thread at Just a Girl. Nothing to do with the movie.)
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