Almost Famous

The last time I visited LA, I stood right beside Grauman's Chinese Theater and was immediately struck by the poster hanging right across me. It featured the face of a blond woman wearing sunglasses which reflected...something. I couldn't tell what it was. So I just stood there, transfixed for several minutes as I tried to make out the image. It was a person. But, what were they doing? When my mind gave up seeking answers, I asked my mom who replied with, "it's a person on stage". The movie's title was "Almost Famous" and the tagline read: "Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don't fall for it." It was quite pragmatic. Was it about Broadway, sex, drugs or rock n' roll? About a month later, I was back at home and read the Friday paper. The movie had been released and I found the answer I had been looking for.

The theatrical poster for "Almost Famous" (2000)

The movie was about 70's rock 'n roll. It starred Patrick Fugit as a dorky high school kid who is given the chance of a lifetime: writing for Rolling Stone magazine. Unfortunately, I didn't see this film when it premiered. But when I did, I instantly fell in love with it. The hero, William Miller, is an unpopular student who has an overprotective mother and a passion for writing. He's a character that I immediately identified with. Like William, I had always felt like I was an outsider. I never did fit in with the popular crowd in high school. And I wanted my educational experience to come from the real world. That's exactly what happens to William Miller in "Almost Famous".



William Miller is an aspiring rock journalist from the 1970's.


In the film, the 15 year-old writer travels the country with a rock band named Stillwater. He eventually develops a crush on a girl, experiences heartbreak, saves a person's life and finishes his project on time. The picture is a comedy-drama that covers its subject lightly. It's not a heart-edged movie, but a heartwarming portrait of a teenage boy's coming-of-age. There's not one unlikeable character in the movie. Russell Hammond, the lead singer, cheats on his wife and has an ego the size of Mount Rushmore. But because he's played by the charming Billy Crudup, we don't feel his character is "bad", just a bit misguided. With just a little help, Russell could see things more clearly and be a better person.

Billy Crudup plays Russell Hammond, the lead singer of Stillwater.

"Almost Famous" is one of my favorite movies because it struck a chord within me. William's adventures are like the daydreams I had as a teen. High school was boring. I wanted to move to Los Angeles and experience a "higher learning". William Miller experiences exactly that. He is transported from the world of high school into the world of rock. And on the day of his graduation, he is in New York City and saves the woman he loves from certain death. I'm sure he didn't regret missing one of the most "important" days of his life.

Kate Hudson won a Golden Globe for her performance as "groupie" Penny Lane.