"Almost Famous": 10 years after the band hit the road (again)

This is one of my newest favorite movies of all time, and it's hard to believe it's been ten years. Certainly one of director Cameron Crowe's two best films, the other being "Say Anything", and his most passionately close-to-the-heart story because he lived it.

"Almost Famous" would also be Kate Hudson's best and most memorable role to date, starring in a string of very forgettable romantic comedies since. Kind of sad because I really love her portrayal of Penny Lane, the band groupie (no wait, 'band aid') who doesn't know how to let go.

The movie's just a flat-out fun journey to watch...repeatedly. Hilarious and occasionally bittersweet, filled with many memorable quotes:

William: "He traded you for $50 and a case of beer!!"
Penny: [fighting back tears of rejection while trying to make light with a wisp of a smile] "....what kind of beer."

AND some really amazing music; classic rock tracks from the 70's interwoven with Nancy Wilson's album of songs for the fictional band Stillwater. Crowe has always said why create new songs that may sound superficial when you already have a huge catalogue of incredible classic tunes out there that can perfectly set the mood to any scene and resonate more deeply.

I especially like that photo I've included in the banners above; a publicity still of Cameron Crowe with the two actors who play William Miller at different ages, Michael Angarano (younger) and Patrick Fugit (older). It's almost like a progression of Crowe from boyhood to manhood, since "Almost Famous" is his personal story in a sense. Some of the best movies are ones that directors or writers have experienced in their lives. The immediacy and intimacy Crowe has with the material truly makes this movie what it is, and as time continues to pass, a true classic.

"It's okay! I'm easy to forget! Just leave me behind! I'm only THE FUCKING LEAD SINGER!!!"