By Mairin Hoffman ’25
Picture this: It’s the 70s, you are touring with a band as a fifteen year old, and your life changes instantly in many ways, right in front of you. This describes the critically acclaimed movie, Almost Famous, written by Cameron Crowe, who is also known for Jerry Maguire, starring Tom Cruise and Say Anything. The movie was released in 2000, but brought people right back to the year 1973, when music was thriving and life was colorful. The movie was inspired by Crowe’s life as a child. Almost Famous is a movie with many layers, and the whole point of the movie is to show how music brings everyone together, no matter what age, gender, or race you are.
The movie starts out with William Miller as a young child. He had always had a connection with music, but could not engage in it, because his mother felt that music spread satanic messages about sex and drugs. One day, his sister, Anita Miller, walks in with a Simon & Garfunkel record in her coat, and her mom notices it and takes it away. Anita is outraged, , and once she is eighteen she moves out, telling William to look under his bed, as it will “set him free”. Under his bed are several music vinyls which he begins to play and become obsessed with. Many years later, he is still obsessed with music and begins to write about it William is contacted by famous magazines, including Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone sets him up to go on tour with a blooming rock band, Stillwater. Throughout this journey, William experiences the world of rock and roll; the good and the bad parts. He meets impactful people on the way and learns many life lessons.
This film is a staple for movie lovers, as it has elements of; romance, sadness, tragedy, and more. Almost Famous opens up the lens to young William,makes him a relatable character, and portrays him growing up in an unfamiliar environment. The music also adds to the movie immensely, as artists like Elton John, David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkel, and Led Zeppelin are featured in it. Almost Famous opens up new doors for its viewers, the doorway into 70s music and appreciating everything you have while you have it, and that makes this movie truly unforgettable.
The Highlander 