ALMOST FAMOUS, ALMOST REVIEWED

Do you remember the first time you saw the world with adult eyes? How about the first time you were inspired by a piece of music? These are just two of the subjects writer/director Cameron Crowe takes on in his new film, Almost Famous. The film is a slightly autobiographical story. The film’s creator started his career as a rock journalist at the ripe old age of 15. As if that weren’t a kick in the ass, he was a staff member of Rolling Stone by 16. What were you doing at age 16? Probably the same thing I was doing: failing your driver’s test. I told that guy at the DMV, “I had those drinks to help settle my nerves.” But did he listen? I’m serious. 16 was a very stressful age! By age 22 he wrote the book Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He then adapted the book into a screenplay, which began his film career. Crowe then became a writer/director and made such films as Say Anything, Singles, and Jerry Maguire. Crowe’s fourth film, Almost Famous, takes place during the death rattle of true rock & roll in 1973. You know, back when music meant something. Today, record labels produce boy bands that are a dime a dozen, and groups that can’t perform their music live because they only sound good in a studio. In 1973, music had something to say; nowadays it has something to sell. What were we talking about? Oh, right. The movie. Crowe’s films always have a strong message, one that is important to him and the time in his life that he writes it. Almost Famous is just that. Cameron, your film is incendiary.