Almost Famous

ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)

In February 2001, with a face of mild acne and a heart of adventure a 19 year old me backpacked across America. I traveled exclusively on Greyhound buses and stayed in hostels ranging from “pretty good” to “sleep whilst hugging your rucksack”.

Treating myself one night to a hotel in Richmond, Virginia, I watched the Oscars live for the first time. Julia Roberts guffawed as she won Best Actress for ‘Erin Brockovich’ and in broad daylight Marcia Gay Harden stole the Best Supporting award from Kate Hudson’s innocent young hands. I was furious. Poor millionaire, Goldie Hawn’s daughter, Kate Hudson.

I love everything about ‘Almost Famous’, but a lot of it does rest on her performance in this star-making role. A character so endearing and charming that it’s been 20 years and she’s still fondly and solely associated with it. That and it seems she hasn’t bothered making an effort since. Actually, she’s great in Glee.

Hudson plays Penny Lane. We’d call her a groupie, she prefers “muse”, to rock band Stillwater. But I’m getting carried away.

‘Almost Famous’ tells the semi-autobiographical story of 15 year old overachiever William who lands the dream assignment of joining his beloved band on tour, and reporting back to Rolling Stone magazine. First off, imagine that. Imagine an aspiring journalist landing a job with Rolling Stone magazine AND going on tour with your favourite band! What could possibly go wrong?!

Egos clash as bandmates vie to be top dog. Harsh realities are faced for groupies (excuse me, “muses”) when wives come onto the scene. And hearts are broken when 15 year olds have to grow up.

This film has divided opinions and I’ve enhanced or discarded friendships depending on it. Some mates love it, others really don’t. For me, it’s perfect. This touching and often very funny script has everything; a coming of age yarn, a nostalgic road trip and a love story with rock music. Though essentially ‘Almost Famous’ is an adventure story with a truly inspiring soundtrack (unless I’ve misremembered this I’m pretty sure Elton John’s Tiny Dancer wasn’t a big deal in the UK until this film gave it a new life.)

Cameron Crowe not only won my heart but also the Oscar for Best Screenplay.

Frances McDormand is great.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is great.

Jason Lee is great.

Zooey Deschanel is in it.

It’s just great.

Watch this with a cold beer when the sun is shining and you’re stuck in doors.

10 Self Discovering Thumbs Up!