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| "Almost Famous": Almost Perfect by: Chris Maage Editorial
In order for a film to be entertaining, it is essential that the film have an interesting plot. This film, which takes place in 1973, is a story about a fifteen-year-old rock journalist for Rolling Stone magazine who goes on tour with a fictional band (Stillwater). The main character, William, is thrown into a world of sex, drugs, and Rock & Roll. He gets an inside glimpse at what it was like behind the curtain of the music scene in the '70s. In his journey, he learns about love, fame, and the (sometimes disappointing) humanity of his rock idols. It's a wonderful coming of age story that takes place in the whirlwind that was the music scene in the early 1970's. This makes for an interesting plot, because the viewer gets to see it through the eyes of a child, with wonder and awe. The second criteria are acting and character development. In order for a film to be believable, it is imperative that the actors in the film successfully portray their roles in a way that the audience gets a glimpse at who they are. This way the viewer is able to empathize with a character, making an emotional attachment. In Almost Famous, our main character is William Miller, played by Patrick Fugit. We see a quiet young man who is changed forever when his older sister gives him her Rock & Roll albums when she moves out of the house. We see the isolation he experiences at school where he is much younger than his peers, and we also see the problems he has at home living with his very strict (anti drugs and Rock & Roll) mother. All of these things paint a very intimate picture of our main character, so the audience is able to identify with him. Also, Fugit's wide-eyed prepubescent looks, and shy demeanor, help him pull the part off beautifully. The final element that must be met is the soundtrack. The music that accompanies the film must be appropriate to the subject matter. Almost famous is filled with the popular music of the early 1970's. Viewers recognize many recording greats such as Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, and the Allman Brothers. There is actually a scene in the film where William is on the tour bus with Stillwater, and Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" comes on the radio, and everyone on the bus sings along. The music ties the entire film together. It is perhaps one of the most important tools used by the director. Almost Famous succeeds in meeting all of the above requirements. The film provides an interesting plot by showing a very young man thrust into a strange, new world of sex, drugs, and Rock & Roll. Our film also employs good acting and character development. The audience is able to identify with William, so they have an emotional attachment to him. Finally the film uses popular music from the 1970's for the soundtrack. This ties the film's elements together to create a strong theme. All of these elements come together to create a wonderful film. full of humor and surprises. You can be assured that their movie-going dollar won't go to waste on Almost Famous. Sneak in if you have to. |
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It's hard to believe how much it costs to go to the movies these days. When you get to the theater it costs $7 just for the ticket. With all of the garbage playing in the theaters these days, it's hard to justify such an expenditure, especially on a college student's meager budget. Certain criteria must be met, so one won't come away feeling robbed. Almost Famous, by Cameron Crowe, meets the essential criteria which will be set forth by the author. The author will illustrate how the film, Almost Famous, succeeds in using three specific elements needed to produce an entertaining film. These elements are plot, acting and character development, and last but not least the soundtrack.