Review of Almost Famous

Introduction

Almost Famous is semi-autobiographical in that the director, Crowe, started out in life as a writer for Rolling Stone (at age 16) and the character Penny Lane is based on a real person. Crowe himself has stated that this is the one film he most identifys with.

The movie follows the band Stillwater on their 1973 tour of the US as observed by a 15 year old naieve, would-be journalist, William Miller (Patrick Fugit). Also accompanying the band are a group of girls, calling themselves the band-aids who believe they are there almost as muses for the band members. William, as the enemy (a reporter) is initially mistrusted but soom becomes one of the gang as the band open up to him......

Billed as a comedy, this is much deeper than that and has more to do with the coming-of-age of William and the sad way the girls get used by the band.

The acting throughout is excellent and the sounds and sights of the early seventies are perfectly reproduced.

Video

Top notch video quality is expected from moder features and that`s what we get. Colours are wonderful, easily bringing the garish 70`s straight to your living room and there are no signs of digital compression throughout. I didn`t even notice a layer change.

The DVD menu has been nicely created too, in the style of a Rolling Stone montage and works well.

Audio

Both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks are excellent, with very little to distinguish between the two in a normal living room situation. Surround is kept to a minumum, mainly used during the life stage shows to put you in the audience. There`s also the odd moment where it`s used to great effect ;)

The soundtrack is also excellent, with lots of contemporary rock tunes to get you going.

Features

Not too bad, no commentary but a good set of production notes gives a great insight into the film. There`s also a decent selection of cast bios and a watchable making-of from HBO.

Then there`s a selection of (often quite long) Rolling Stone articles, written by Crowe himself, some trailers and a video from Stillwater.

Conclusion

One of the top films from last year, and rightly so. Rather than relying on huge box office names, Crowe has produced a thought provoking, entertaining film that provides a few chuckles along the way.

Thoroughly recommended.