‘Almost Famous’ Closes Generation Gap With Love

Mon., Sept. 25, 2000

Brian Formo North Idaho College

“Almost Famous” (Rated R)

Director and screenwriter Cameron Crowe plunges into the world of his own adolescence in “Almost Famous,” a semi-autobiographical film about a 15-year-old reporter working for Rolling Stone magazine.

It is easily his best feature film.

Crowe’s alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), is given the chance of a lifetime when asked to cover Stillwater, a rock group flirting with stardom led by guitarist-with-mystique Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and arrogant singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee).

Meanwhile, William is beset with women problems. His mother (Frances McDormand) foresees trouble when her impressionable child joins the corrupt rock world. And then there’s the alluring, self-delusional groupie, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson).

Like Penny, William is seduced by fame and the aura of “coolness” Stillwater exudes. It threatens William’s objectivity as a reporter.

Crowe’s dialogue is sharp and witty, which makes for several memorable scenes. In fact, every character the film owns at least one glorious, shining moment.

Crudup, McDormand, Lee and newcomer Fugit, all handle their roles with grace and intelligence. But the breakout star is Hudson, who is a marvel as the flawless angel and object of unrequited love.

Crowe injects the film with the humor, intimacy and warmth that helps “Almost Famous” achieve a movie rarity: It actually transcends the generation gap. He accomplishes this largely because “Almost Famous” isn’t about the music. It’s about love: free love, first love, wasted love, reckless love, smothering love, and the forgiveness and admiration a fan can feel for an idol.

If there’s anything rock ‘n’ roll has taught us it’s that “all you need is love.” Crowe understands this, and he strums it like an anthem in this poignant, personal film about the family you’re born with and the one you find.

Grade: A

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