Set in 1973, the story follows William Miller as he takes his first steps in
the world of music criticism.Aged just 15, and inspired by his sister's record collection, William has been
knocking out the odd band review for his local paper, when he catches the
attention of Rolling Stone magazine; The Rock Magazine of the time.
Unable to believe his luck, he sets off to cover his first big story, and ends
up tagging along with Stillwater, a fictitious band, but one which
excellently portrays all the qualities and quirks of the bands of the time.
Pursued relentlessly by his mother through the telephone, William becomes part
of the entourage, travelling inter-state as the band attempt to 'go large'.
William's adventures with the band provides an excellent focus to pull all the
threads of the film together; the bands trials and tribulations, their life on
the road, the Rock 'n' Roll imagery, the Groupies / Band-Aids, William's own
awakening as an independent force, and the tale of family love which brings
everything to a happy and not too sentimental conclusion.
Intermingled with all this is a soundtrack which will be familiar to those
who were cutting their teeth on the vinyl of the time. It is a well chosen set
of tracks which match the mood of the film perfectly. That said, anyone who
hasn't reached middle age may not be so impressed.
As they say; if you can remember it, you weren't there.
Patrick Fugit takes on his role astonishingly well, especially considering his
age. The rest of the cast offer stirling performances, although the staff at
Rolling Stone seemed a little too artificial.
It is impressive that Almost Famous managed to pull off the whole Rock
and Roll circus venture, drugs, drunkenness and debauchery, without flashing a
breast or baring a body. The drug references were relatively low-key and the
beautifully delivered "Don't take drugs" message was well integrated, even if
a little tongue in cheek.
The consequences of a life of exuberance, the rock band way, were detailed
enough to remain credible, and the spirit of the early seventies, post hippy
and at a musical crossroads, was well captured.
This is an excellent film which entertained and didn't offend. In contrast to
Velvet Goldmine this was a homely film, where the kids were just having
fun, exploring their place in the scheme of things, and living life to the full.
It is a story which Crowe has obviously yearned to tell, and he has done so in
the most satisfactory of ways. It's a nostalgic trip back in time for the over
thirties, but, most probably, a pointless venture when seen through the eyes of
today's teenagers.
So, if you're out of touch with today's modern music scene, don't let the 12
rating put you off; this is not really a film for the kiddies.
