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DramaMusic

Almost Famous

- Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don't fall for it.

In 1973, 15-year-old William Miller's unabashed love of music and aspiration to become a rock journalist lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview and tour with the up-and-coming band, Stillwater.

Release Date : 2000-09-15

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : DreamWorks PicturesColumbia PicturesVinyl Films

Production Country : United States of America

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Billy Crudup

Character Name : Russell Hammond

Original Name : Billy Crudup

Gender : Male

Frances McDormand

Character Name : Elaine Miller

Original Name : Frances McDormand

Gender : Female

Kate Hudson

Character Name : Penny Lane

Original Name : Kate Hudson

Gender : Female

Jason Lee

Character Name : Jeff Bebe

Original Name : Jason Lee

Gender : Male

Patrick Fugit

Character Name : William Miller

Original Name : Patrick Fugit

Gender : Male

Zooey Deschanel

Character Name : Anita Miller

Original Name : Zooey Deschanel

Gender : Female

Michael Angarano

Character Name : Young William

Original Name : Michael Angarano

Gender : Male

Anna Paquin

Character Name : Polexia Aphrodisia

Original Name : Anna Paquin

Gender : Female

Fairuza Balk

Character Name : Sapphire

Original Name : Fairuza Balk

Gender : Female

Noah Taylor

Character Name : Dick Roswell

Original Name : Noah Taylor

Gender : Male

John Fedevich

Character Name : Ed Vallencourt

Original Name : John Fedevich

Gender : Male

Mark Kozelek

Character Name : Larry Fellows

Original Name : Mark Kozelek

Gender : Male

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Character Name : Lester Bangs

Original Name : Philip Seymour Hoffman

Gender : Male

Liz Stauber

Character Name : Leslie

Original Name : Liz Stauber

Gender : Female

Jimmy Fallon

Character Name : Dennis Hope

Original Name : Jimmy Fallon

Gender : Male

Olivia Rosewood

Character Name : Beth from Denver

Original Name : Olivia Rosewood

Gender : Female

Bijou Phillips

Character Name : Estrella Starr

Original Name : Bijou Phillips

Gender : Female

Alice Marie Crowe

Character Name : Mrs. Deegan

Original Name : Alice Marie Crowe

Gender : Female

J.J. Cohen

Character Name : Roadie Scully

Original Name : J.J. Cohen

Gender : Male

Gary Kohn

Character Name : Roadie Gregg

Original Name : Gary Kohn

Gender : Male

Ray Porter

Character Name : Roadie Mick

Original Name : Ray Porter

Gender : Male

Mark Pellington

Character Name : Freddy

Original Name : Mark Pellington

Gender : Male

Eion Bailey

Character Name : Jann Wenner

Original Name : Eion Bailey

Gender : Male

Terry Chen

Character Name : Ben Fong-Torres

Original Name : Terry Chen

Gender : Male

Rainn Wilson

Character Name : David Felton

Original Name : Rainn Wilson

Gender : Male

Erin Foley

Character Name : Alison the Fact Checker

Original Name : Erin Foley

Gender : Female

Jesse Caron

Character Name : Darryl

Original Name : Jesse Caron

Gender : Male

Charles Walker

Character Name : Principal

Original Name : Charles Walker

Gender : Male

Jay Baruchel

Character Name : Vic Munoz

Original Name : Jay Baruchel

Gender : Male

Pauley Perrette

Character Name : Alice Wisdom

Original Name : Pauley Perrette

Gender : Female

Peter Frampton

Character Name : Reg

Original Name : Peter Frampton

Gender : Male

Zack Ward

Character Name : The Legendary Red Dog

Original Name : Zack Ward

Gender : Male

Mitch Hedberg

Character Name : Eagles Road Manager

Original Name : Mitch Hedberg

Gender : Male

Devin Corey

Character Name : The Who Road Manager

Original Name : Devin Corey

Gender : Male

Pete Droge

Character Name : Hyatt Singer

Original Name : Pete Droge

Gender : Male

Elaine Summers

Character Name : Hyatt Singer

Original Name : Elaine Summers

Gender : Female

Eric Stonestreet

Character Name : Sheldon the Desk Clerk

Original Name : Eric Stonestreet

Gender : Male

Marc Maron

Character Name : Angry Promoter

Original Name : Marc Maron

Gender : Male

Shane Willard

Character Name : Ticket Scalper

Original Name : Shane Willard

Gender : Male

Chris McElprang

Character Name : Aaron Amedori

Original Name : Chris McElprang

Gender : Male

John Patrick Amedori

Character Name : John Patrick Amedori

Original Name : John Patrick Amedori

Gender : Male

Kate Peckham

Character Name : Quiet Girl

Original Name : Kate Peckham

Gender : Male

Julia Decker

Character Name : Waving Girl

Original Name : Julia Decker

Gender : Female

Brian Vaughan

Character Name : Real Topeka Kid

Original Name : Brian Vaughan

Gender : Male

Anthony Martelli

Character Name : Poolside Provocateur

Original Name : Anthony Martelli

Gender : Male

Zach Clairville

Character Name : Acid Kid

Original Name : Zach Clairville

Gender : Male

Ian Ridgeway

Character Name : Topeka Partier

Original Name : Ian Ridgeway

Gender : Male

Isaac Curtiss

Character Name : Topeka Partier

Original Name : Isaac Curtiss

Gender : Male

Chris Lennon Davis

Character Name : Topeka Partier

Original Name : Chris Lennon Davis

Gender : Male

Scott N. Stevens

Character Name : Co-Pilot

Original Name : Scott N. Stevens

Gender : Male

Kevin Sussman

Character Name : Lenny

Original Name : Kevin Sussman

Gender : Male

Reathel Bean

Character Name : Warwick Hotel Clerk

Original Name : Reathel Bean

Gender : Male

Tom Riis Farrell

Character Name : Plaza Doctor

Original Name : Tom Riis Farrell

Gender : Male

Laura Bastianelli

Character Name : Nurse

Original Name : Laura Bastianelli

Gender : Female

Samuel Aaron Roberson

Character Name : High School Band

Original Name : Samuel Aaron Roberson

Gender : Male

Brian Andreasen

Character Name : High School Band

Original Name : Brian Andreasen

Gender : Male

Jared Hren

Character Name : High School Band

Original Name : Jared Hren

Gender : Male

Mary Dragicevich

Character Name : High School Band

Original Name : Mary Dragicevich

Gender : Male

Aura Barr

Character Name : High School Band

Original Name : Aura Barr

Gender : Male

Daniel Wilson

Character Name : Journalism Teacher

Original Name : Daniel Wilson

Gender : Male

William Barillaro

Character Name : Bus Driver

Original Name : William Barillaro

Gender : Male

Holly Maples

Character Name : Flight Attendant

Original Name : Holly Maples

Gender : Female

Matt Griesser

Character Name : PSA Co-Pilot

Original Name : Matt Griesser

Gender : Male

Susan Yeagley

Character Name : Have a Nice Day Stewardess

Original Name : Susan Yeagley

Gender : Female

Nicole Spector

Character Name : Hippie Girl at Airport

Original Name : Nicole Spector

Gender : Male

Patrick Irmen

Character Name : Wanna Get High Guy

Original Name : Patrick Irmen

Gender : Male

Nick Swardson

Character Name : Insane Bowie Fan

Original Name : Nick Swardson

Gender : Male

Cindy Weber

Character Name : Shocked Elevator Family

Original Name : Cindy Weber

Gender : Male

Kris Weber

Character Name : Shocked Elevator Family

Original Name : Kris Weber

Gender : Male

Kimberly Weber

Character Name : Shocked Elevator Family

Original Name : Kimberly Weber

Gender : Male

Kristin Weber

Character Name : Shocked Elevator Family

Original Name : Kristin Weber

Gender : Male

Samer Sourakli

Character Name : Mustache Boy

Original Name : Samer Sourakli

Gender : Male

Michelle Moretti

Character Name : Swingo's Desk Clerk

Original Name : Michelle Moretti

Gender : Female

Ana Maria Quintana

Character Name : Arizona Housekeeper

Original Name : Ana Maria Quintana

Gender : Female

Lisa Buchignani

Character Name : Arizona Housekeeper

Original Name : Lisa Buchignani

Gender : Female

Andrew Briedis

Character Name : Boy with Bike (uncredited)

Original Name : Andrew Briedis

Gender : Male

Greg Bronson

Character Name : Upscale Pedestrian (uncredited)

Original Name : Greg Bronson

Gender : Male

Mark Cirillo

Character Name : Bowie Groupie (uncredited)

Original Name : Mark Cirillo

Gender : Male

Cindy Crowe

Character Name : Anita - Startled Family Member (uncredited)

Original Name : Cindy Crowe

Gender : Male

Wayne Doba

Character Name : Leonard Barr (uncredited)

Original Name : Wayne Doba

Gender : Male

Bodhi Elfman

Character Name : Alice's Manager (uncredited)

Original Name : Bodhi Elfman

Gender : Male

Elizabeth Friedman

Character Name : Groupie (uncredited)

Original Name : Elizabeth Friedman

Gender : Female

Kyle Gass

Character Name : Quince Allen (uncredited)

Original Name : Kyle Gass

Gender : Male

Eric Rosenberg

Character Name : David Bowie's Manager (uncredited)

Original Name : Eric Rosenberg

Gender : Male

Casey Slade

Character Name : Hardened Roadie (uncredited)

Original Name : Casey Slade

Gender : Male

Marc Antonio Pritchett

Character Name : Superfly Pimp (uncredited)

Original Name : Marc Antonio Pritchett

Gender : Male

Jimmy Star

Character Name : Rocker (uncredited)

Original Name : Jimmy Star

Gender : Male

Christine Vienna

Character Name : Groupie (uncredited)

Original Name : Christine Vienna

Gender : Male

Larry Weisberg

Character Name : Frampton Concertgoer (uncredited)

Original Name : Larry Weisberg

Gender : Male

Jann Wenner

Character Name : Legend in Cab (uncredited)

Original Name : Jann Wenner

Gender : Male

Patrick Williams

Character Name : Roadie (uncredited)

Original Name : Patrick Williams

Gender : Male

Evis Xheneti

Character Name : Hippie Girl (uncredited)

Original Name : Evis Xheneti

Gender : Female

Reviews

J

John Chard

@John Chard

2024-05-16

Hopes, Dreams & Nightmares. Almost Famous is Cameron Crowe's paean to rock music, of bands and songs, of journalism and promotion, of sex & drugs. Drawing from experience and stories passed on, Crowe tells the tale of a young teenage boy aspiring to be a music journalist in the 1970s. Finding himself backstage with the rock group Stillwater, William Miller (Patrick Fugit) embarks on a road journey with the band that's awash with egos, groupies, perils and pleasures, all of which change his life forever. Lets go find something real! The most striking thing about it is that it's not overtly funny or sensationalistic, it's a production that's full of love, real love, for the subject matters to hand, and it's very often a moving experience to be part of. Narratively speaking, Crowe takes his time, steadily building characters and backdrop essentials, it works a treat as we become immersed in all the major players within the music circle, while also feeling the concerns of those on the outside of the rock group circle. Which of course gives us the great rewards come the final third of film when all matters come to a head. Crowe and his design team also work some magic for period flavours, capturing the early 70s vibe with awareness of clothing, food and drink and transport. Nothing ever seems false, which is remarkable in this era of product placements and shameless plugging. 50 bucks and a case of beer! Another one of Crowe's strengths is how he garners great performances from his actors. There's no big stars here, no Tom or Renée, but Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Kate Hudson and Fugit, who respond to their director with sincere and believable performances, no caricatures or ham sarnies here, no way. While outskirt performances from Frances McDormand (brilliant as William's fretful mother), Anna Paquin, Philip Seymour Hoffman (as the legendary Lester Bangs) and Fairuza Balk, consistently hit the hi-hat. The music of course rocks, from metal and progers, to folkers and bubblegum, to some punk godfathery, these sounds feature on the soundtrack and kick the decade into orbit - while the Stillwater scenes are effective and the use of Elton John's Tiny Dancer will land in your heart and stay there. Cameron Crowe has created a smashingly memorable film that will stand the tests of time. Two cuts are available, where both the theatrical and director's cuts are sure fire things (the latter Bootleg Cut my personal favourite). This is a music based film to sit with the best of them, God Bless Rock N Roll and God Bless Cameron Crowe, for he could have easily embellished and over egged his rock pudding, instead he kept it real. 9/10

J

JPV852

@JPV852

2021-07-09

With the new 4K release, decided to watch the Director's Cut (Untitled) version for the first time having seen the theatrical version a couple of times over the years (last time was several years ago, however). Anyway, still a great movie even for someone who isn't exactly steeped into rock and roll music. Features a wonderful ensemble cast with solid performances all around (Hudson and Crudup were standouts) and the original music, alongside the classics, were great. **4.5/5**

W

Wuchak

@Wuchak

2022-04-04

_**Misadventures while touring America with an up-and-coming band in the early 70s**_ A 15 year-old aspiring rock journalist (Patrick Fugit) gets a gig by Rolling Stone to tour America with the rising group Stillwater in 1973. He develops a relationship with a winsome groupie of the band (Kate Hudson) while learning the group dynamics behind the music, such as the rivalry between the guitarist and lead singer (Billy Crudup and Jason Lee). "Almost Famous" (2000) was written/directed by Cameron Crowe, known for movies like “Jerry McGuire” (1996) and “Say Anything” (1989). It’s a behind-the-scenes rock-oriented flick in the mold of “The Rose” (1979), “Oh, God! You Devil” (1984), “Rock Star” (2001) and “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll” (2009). The story is semi-biographical, inspired by Crowe’s experiences writing for Rolling Stone at 15 and touring with the Allman Brothers at 16. The amusing plane sequence was drawn from a real-life situation with The Who; and the guitarist of the band, Russell, is based on Glenn Frey of Eagles. I had heard the critical gushing, but wasn’t sure if I was going to like it for much of the first half, yet it won me over with the second half. The aforementioned plane sequence is a highlight. For a more serious, darker take on similar material see the obscure “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which I favor over this one. The notable cast also includes Frances McDormand as the boy’s conservative mother, Zooey Deschanel as his sis and Philip Seymour Hoffman as a wise rock journalist. Fairuza Balk, Anna Paquin and Bijou Phillips are also on hand as groupies. While Anna’s role is small, she stands out on the feminine front, along with star Kate. The movie runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot in California, Arizona and Manhattan (Gramercy Park Hotel and Central Park). GRADE: B

G

GenerationofSwine

@GenerationofSwine

2023-01-12

You see a lot of people here calling this one of their favorite movies. It's certainly one of mine. But, twenty years after I've found myself wondering if it's the movie that I like or if it's the music. I mean, it references Lester bangs, and he is played by Hoffman. And it is a Crowe film. But it's about Rolling Stone when Rolling Stone was important and not the hallow shadow of it's former self. And with that tale about Rolling Stone's former glory it tells the story about Rock and Roll before it caved into New Wave, Disco, and was finally washed away with the auto-tune and drum machine bubblegum pop that needs a mass burning in Soldier Field in the near future. But look at the sound track, Simon and Garfunkle, The Who, Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart, The Allman Brothers, The Seeds, Fleetwood Mac, everyone's favorite Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cat Stevens, and my favorite Elton John song. And those are just the highlights. But, that is a playlist, that is an record collection. Most everyone has an album by one of those bands. And, of course, Still Water is a place savor for the Allman Brothers and in some cases it's so obvious it hurts. So, is it one of my favorite films? Twenty years on do I really love this film or do I love the soundtrack? Do I love the era it portrays when Rock was still relevant and the Rolling Stone still meant something? Honestly I don't know... because, at the end of the day, I do really love this movie. I mean, Frances McDormand is in it... but honestly, I think I just love the music a little more. Fortunately, I am Gen-X, I grew up with Pearl Jam and Nirvana and Green Day. I grew up with grunge and punk and I thank God every day that I turn on the radio that I had worthy bands to follow and record stores were still a part of my life. I'd hate to be my wife's age. I'd hate to be a Millennial. I'd hate to be Gen-Z... but a big part of me would have loved to be a Boomer, would have loved to be my father's age, even with all the problems, just because they got experience all that music when it was still new, still fresh, and the musicians were still in their prime and preforming at the top of their games. So, yeah, I love the movie but I like the music a heck of a lot more.

A

Ahmetaslan27

@Ahmetaslan27

2023-08-19

It was a tough day, but after watching the movie, it was exhilarating. It's fun when looking at the surrounding atmosphere of the movie. I felt like I was inside this world full of adventures.

C

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

2024-04-21

Desparate to become a music journalist, "William" (Patrick Fugit) is offered the chance to write by local critic "Bangs" (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and that sees him at the stage door trying to blag his way in. Luckily for him, he befriends "Penny Lane" (Kate Hudson) and support act "Stillwater" and is soon inside, immersed in a world that plays out for us over the next two hours. He's a young and impressionable lad who's taken under the wing of the band's "Russell" (Bill Crudup) who keeps promising him an exclusive interview for "Rolling Stone", but that means he has to travel with the band across the USA whilst mother "Elaine" (Frances McDormand) panics a little at home. The lad is only 15! It's through his eyes that we get a glimpse of how the itinerant music industry might work. Coaches, planes, hotels, drugs, booze, hookers - it's real yet it isn't. They live out of suitcases with the promise of fame and fortune always just around the (next) corner. Maybe a new manager will change all that, maybe they don't really want to change at all? Fugit delivers well as the conduit for the story and as he experiences more he becomes less gullible and star-struck. He begins to see things for what they really are - and so do we. A fly on the wall rockumentary that is occasionally funny because that's how they lived, loved and performed and though I didn't really like the ending so much, it's still a powerfully poignant look at backstage behaviour amongst some of the most selfish and introspective who have lost sight of why they bothered in the first place. Any of them. Big screen is best, not least because the audio for the great 1970s soundtrack is worth hearing too.