Almost Famous - almost missed this film

In my quest to delve into the annals of film history and seek out the Oscar winners of yesteryear, it seems I might have overlooked some acclaimed material of the modern era.  Almost Famous was released in 2000, just before I began to watch films as a serious hobby.  As a result it flew completely under my film-dar (that's a pun on radar btw) until a few weekend back.  I think that perhaps in the past I had been given the wrong impression by the film's poster art, which involves Kate Hudson lying on a bed in her pants holding a guitar.  It made the film look like it was about some kind of psychopathic nut-case groupie desperately craving the reflected fame that is provided by hanging around in the dressing rooms of rock stars.

In reality though, Almost Famous - which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay - is more of a love letter to the rock and roll sounds of the 1970s than any kind of story in the traditional sense.  Patrick Fugit plays Willy Miller, a 15 year old who's mother has skipped ahead several years in school because of his obvious intelligence.  When he gets the opportunity to travel on tour with fictional band Stillwater, he is reluctantly allowed to leave home and is immediately dragged into the crazy hedonistic world of the band.  He experiences the good and the bad of their lifestyle, most notably lead singer Russell's confusing and destructive relationship with 'Band-Aid' Penny (played by Hudson).  She's a 'Band-Aid' because she 'aids' the band in whatever they need.  Surely I need not explain further?

Part coming-of-age tale, part tribute to the rock music of the 1970s, Almost Famous is a story about a boy growing up before his time through the power of music.  At the same time it's about the lead singer of Stillwater - a man who never really grew up because he became a rock star.  Linking these two together is Penny, who seems like a fellow lost soul but despite her connection with the band causing her emotional pain, she understands the world they live in better than anyone.

It's a film you'll want to watch if you have any sort of connection to rock music from the 1970s.  Don't be fooled by the poster.