Movies
Section B • Page 3
The University Daily Kansan Thursday, September 21, 2000
Almost Famous almost perfect
Film follows teen-age writer for Rolling Stone
Actors Billy Crudup and Patrick Fugit talk about a scene with director Cameron Crowe on the set of Almost Famous. The movie is based off of Crowe's experiences as a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. Photos courtesy of Dreamworks Pictures
By Brian Bartelt
Kansan movie reviewer
What can be said to convince you to see this movie?
Most reviewers who write about Almost Famous will say "it meanders back to the days when music meant discs of vinyl goodness," or "it takes viewers on a nostalgic trip to the innocence and complexities of being an adolescent in the 70s."
If that's the case, don't read those reviews — just read this. Almost Famous is a great movie — for any generation. And after the summer's weak showing from Hollywood, it's a refreshing reminder that studios can make good films.
However, with a KU freshman class that was born in 1982, statements like those don't carry much weight. They might even turn students away.
What works about Almost Famous? Everything. The story is about William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an intelligent and lucky 15-year-old who gets to tour with a rock band and write about it for Rolling Stone magazine. William is a tenderfoot in every way—he's never left his home, he's never kissed a girl, and he's never gotten intimate with the world of rock 'n' roll. His resulting development as a person and a writer provides a story that is completely involving, entertaining and funny.
The believability and reality of the movie stems from its autobiographical nature.
Writer/director/producer Cameron Crowe, who sports an impressive resume including work on Jerry Maguire, Say Anything and Fast Times at Ridgement High, actually wrote for Rolling Stone as a teen-ager.
His involvement with the subject
adds to the film's likable personality. Look for Oscar nominations for best director and best original screenplay.
The film's cast is possibly it's strongest point. Fugit as William is likable and convincing, bringing humorous subtlety to the role that is indicative of real skill. Frances McDormand, who won the best actress Oscar in 1997 for her role in Fargo, is a likely contender again for her comic portrayal of William's mother. Kate Hudson, in the role of "Band-Aid" Penny Lane, proves that she's more than just the daughter of Goldie Hawn — she's a talented actress too.
Aside from strong individual performances, the real strength of the cast is in their interaction - the ensemble works together with craft and harmony that is rarely seen on film.
Visually, Almost Famous stays within safe, established territory, but is flawless in its execution. The soundtrack is rich, featuring songs
from Led Zeppelin, Elton John and more. Even if you don't like rock 'n' roll, you'll be hard pressed to fuse with the music.
But again, the true strength of the movie's sights and sounds lies in how they combine with all the other filmic elements. The interweaving of the imagery, music, acting and writing, work together to form a delightfully vivid experience.
Almost Famous is possibly the year's best film. It's a shoo-in for a best picture nomination, and, even with an excellent crop of fall films, it's a likely winner.
Go see it.
You'll be glad you did.
Almost Famous opens tomorrow in Lawrence at South Wind 12, 3433 Iowa St.
The Etc. Shop
928 Mass. • 843-0611
Edited by Clay McCuistion
Brighton sunglasses
William (Fugit) seizes his chance to get an interview with a band member. -Almost Famous features a strong cast, including Oscar-winner Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson.
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