Almost Famous

Starring: Frances Mcdormand, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Jason Lee, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe

Music by Nancy Wilson

Songs by John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, John Bowman, Robert Plant

Cinematography by John Toll

There is little not to like about Cameron Crowe's nostalgic, semi-autobiographical view of the Rock & Roll scene in the early 1980's. This warm-hearted film refuses to take itself seriously. The poignancy is there but it remains under the surface of an entertaining story told with good-natured fun. Crowe allows those of us who lived through that wacky time a chance to laugh at ourselves. For those who didn't, it's a fresh, spirited look at an era long past. "Almost Famous" is filled with crisp writing, terrific ensemble acting, lush cinematography, good humour and some great Rock & Roll.

William Miller (Fugit) is a bright 15 year old. He is a talented writer and a big fan of Rock & Roll. Living with his over-protective college professor mother (McDormand) in San Diego, California, Miller gets a few articles published in a local Rock & Roll magazine called Creem. Under the guidance of Creem's editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman), William's articles get the attention of Rolling Stone magazine. Unaware of his age, Rolling Stone gives him an immediate assignment to join the tour of an up and coming new Rock group called Stillwater, headed by the charismatic yet somewhat dense Rock star Russell Hammond (Crudup). His odyssey, on tour with Stillwater and his relationship to a young groupie called Penny Lane (Hudson) is the narrative of the film. To give any more away would be to ruin the adventure.

I find it difficult to point out any single performance, as all actors make important contributions to the film. I will say that this is Crudup's finest film performance to date. Best supporting actress nominations to Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson are entirely justified. Yet it's the ensemble as a whole that makes this a rich and moving experience. Crowe is also deserving of his nomination for best original screenplay. This is film writing at it's best. John Toll's cinematography captures the spirit of the early 80's with grand style. Of course, music is the thread that keeps this film bright and joyously fresh. Leave your troubles behind; you're in for a fun trip. Rock & Roll!

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