Almost Famous is a film loosely based on the experiences of its director Cameron Crowe about a 15 year old boy who is commissioned by Rolling Stone magazine to interview the band Stillwater while on their 'Almost Famous' tour in 1973 in the United States. The boy is commissioned by telephone, and his employers do not know he is only 15. The film has poignancy for me because it reminds me of my Lobster cub reporter days writing cruise ship band entertainment reviews for maritime publications.
The film starts with the boy (played by Patrick Fugit) growing up and gradually becoming interested in Rock journalism while still living with his protective mother. His older sister is seen 'flying the nest', but remains influential, possibly because of the collection of records which she leaves behind for him. While on the tour the boy remains an observer, because of his reporter status, but he is carried by events as his relationships with many of the central characters develop. One of these characters is 'Penny Lane' (Kate Hudson), a groupie who, as it turns out, is also only 15. But don't be misled, her age is rarely, if at all, mentioned again and, for this lobster anyway, has no bearing on any further events in the film. She may as well be 18 or 19. In fact, this demonstrates a possible weakness with the film. There are either too many themes, too many unfinished themes, or the themes are too complex. It's hard to say at times what it's all about (now is it the entire band or just one of it's members he is meant to interview?). This, however, is possibly overcome by the inherent 'entertainment value' of many scenes. A particular example occurs when the lead guitarist, a central character, slips away from the band (accompanied by the cub reporter) and ends up at a late night house party. At the party he is seen loudly giving advice to a small group of party-goers on what he sees as important in life and music. One of the revellers replies to this advice in a Garth-like (see the movie 'Wayne's World') manner, with the question 'Wanna see me feed a mouse to my snake?'. This had me laughing into the next week. The rock 'n roll themes are all there - the performance, the music, the fame, the money, the time and the location - but the snake brake relieved the tension when it was needed most. Oh yeah, and Kate Hudson is Goldie Hawn's daughter, the Beachboys album Pet Sounds makes an appearance early on (as do many other albums in the same scene), Frances McDormand plays the mother, and there's lots more (you've gotta watch the movie to see how it ends). Overall - the message is muddled, but it's entertaining and, from a musicians point of view especially, is well worth watching.
For more information on the film 'Almost Famous' go to Almost Famous
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Almost Famous - DreamWorks Pictures (2000), review ©2002 Lobby The Lobster & Virtually Acoustic
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