Everyone in “Almost Famous” looks tired, sad, and like they’re to convince everyone (including most importantly themselves) that they’re not depressed. It is a perfect portrayal of the effects of Rock & Roll, but isn’t it also a perfect representation of the effects of life? “Almost Famous” is the story of a 15 year old rock journalist in the process of writing a story about an unpredictable band on the verge of stardom. The piece forces him to follow the fictional band during their American tour, which comes along with having to deal with the band’s antics and their entourage.
The story itself was inspired by the true experiences of writer/director Cameron Crowe as a young rock writer in the 70’s. Cameron Crowe put everything on the table in order to convey the emotions he experienced in his youth. He accomplished it through several methods, like his brilliant use of the classic rock soundtrack (including most famously the “Tiny Dancer” sing along bus scene) and the fact that he filmed a lot of the scenes in the locations where the stories that inspired the film took place (like the ramp behind the Black Sabbath concert).
Similar to most real life parties, it’s the side characters that really complete the picture. Jimmy Fallon plays a hilarious manager in one of his first on-screen roles. The late, great Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays legendary rock critic Lester Bangs. Some notable cameos include Rainn Wiliams, young Jay Barouchel, and Comedian and Podcaster Marc Maron. All of the aforementioned play really funny characters in a movie that is technically a Drama, which is another interesting point. Anyone can write a “Comedy” movie, but it’s much harder to write a serious movie with a solid plot line and manage to make it funny. Dramas that can pull off humour for more than just comedic relief are much more impressive (and often funnier) than most comedic movies. Almost Famous keeps the comedic side just fine, while also retaining a solid storyline. I guess that sometimes you CAN have your cake and eat it too.
As a musician, I can see how Crowe’s history in the rock world influenced the script (which got him a BAFTA and an Academy Award for best original screenplay). Most of the on-screen tension between the bandmates resemble most conflicts I see in real bands (including mine). The acting paints with a diverse palette of emotions, so although you see these strangers go through some of their worst, you also see them at their proudest moments. “Almost Famous” is a re-enactment of everyone’s unintentional urge to stand out while pleasing our coexisting need to be loved and belong. By the end it’s a re-enactment so good that it will make you feel special, and will, indeed, feel loved.