Whilst I fully support the ideal of freedom of speech, readers should be warned that any criticism of this movie will only be met by an astounding level of intolerance on my part. What follows will be a completely one sided review of what has been scientifically proven to be at least 600 degrees more awesome than any other coming-of-age movie ever.

 

There is a point in Almost Famous when the movie’s protagonist puts on a record of The Who’s album, Tommy, and you can literally see the character’s love affair with rock and roll music start to take hold to the tune of the song Sparks. You might not ever see something like that if you watch movies for the rest of your life. That scene has to be on the greatest moments of character development ever filmed and its one of many, perfectly done moments that occur throughout the movie, and the best part is, everyone who watches this movie is likely to have their own favourite moment which they connected with, aside from the one on the bus; everyone connected with that one…you know which one I’m talking about.

 

 

The plot of Almost Famous follows the semi-autobiographical exploits of William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an intelligent and wide-eyed rock journalist who eventually manages to tag along with fictional rock band, Stillwater, as they tour America during the ‘last gasp’ of rock and roll, all in the name of writing his first high exposure piece for Rolling Stone magazine.

 

The plot is, quite awesomely, based on the experiences of writer and director, Cameron Crowe’s early life when he toured with bands such as the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and most incredibly of all, Led Zeppelin.

 

In the larger scheme of things, Almost Famous is really a love letter to the music of the 70’s; an era that is easily the most deserving of such warm tribute.

 

It needs to be said right away that Fugit, in his big screen debut no less, performs his role brilliantly, serving as the perfect canvas for larger than life characters like Stillwater’s guitarist, Russel Hamond (Billy Crudup/ Dr Manhattan), music critic, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and the achingly beautiful Band-Aid, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson).

 

I’d just like it on the record that this movie was, and will always be, the greatest thing that Kate Hudson has ever been involved with. The character of Penny Lane, which was inspired by real life Band-Aid, and mother to actress Liv Tyler, Bebe Buell, is simply one which you have no choice but to fall in love with. One scene in particular, where she cries and smiles at the same time…is just…so…

 

 

Naturally, the soundtrack to this movie is simply incredible ranging from Simon and Garfunkel to Jimi Hendrix, but even better is the utilization of music to convey emotion; a technique which is expertly done throughout the movie. One example would be the refrain of ‘Tiny Dancer’ being played during a moment with Penny Lane…she surely must be the tiny dancer that Elton John sings of.

 

Even Stillwater’s music, which was created for the movie, actually manages to stand its ground next to the likes of Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath and Neil Young, at least in terms of fitting in with the music of the time and actually sounding a bit like a weird amalgamation of Skynyrd and Zeppelin.

 

Interestingly, Cameron Crowe was granted the rights to use Zeppelin’s music after he held a private screening of the movie for Led Zep members, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

 

On a more ironic level the sound track also includes Alvin and the Chipmunks; a set of characters which more recently made the big screen (the reviewer was overcome with violent spasms at this point),with actor Jason Lee, who plays the part of lead singer Jeff Bebe in Almost Famous, playing the role of the Chipmunk’s manager. Truly a crying shame which I put down to the infamous “you gotta pay the bills” syndrome that has been the downfall of so many other competent actors (I’m looking at you Johnny Depp).

 

Almost Famous is brilliant. If you are a human being, watch this movie. If you are a human being who has ever enjoyed music, watch this movie. If you are a human being who has sung along to Justin Bieber song, congratulations, you are now an oxymoron, don’t watch this movie.

 

Brilliantly acted, perfectly written, amazingly directed; a cinematic masterpiece.

 

(Reviewed by Channa Fernanopulle)