Friday 30 August 2013

Almost Famous (2000 Cameron Crowe & scr)

Also reviewed here

There aren't enough good adjectives to describe this warm, humane, friendly, humorous, sharply scripted, wise, infectious, lively, bouncy film, which is impossible to dislike. Much of the story is inferred just from William's reaction shots - for example, you can tell he falls completely for 'Penny Lane' immediately without a word said.

Patrick Fugit and Kate Hudson


Amongst many many moments to love is William on the phone asking "how do I know if he's coming up?" cutting to the guitarist on the roof of the house! (I assume it was written in the script just like this.) Tellingly, the 161 minute director's cut doesn't feel any longer than a regular film.

Oscar-nominated editing by Joe Hutshing (won Oscars for JFK & Born on the Fourth of July; also cut The Doors, Jerry Maguire) and Saar Klein (The Thin Red Line, The New World). Cameron won the award for writing, and Hudson and Frances McDormand were nominated.

"Look at him. He's taking notes with his eyes."

"Be bold, and and mighty forces will come to your aid" (Goethe).

Penny Lane is partly based on 70s Playboy model and rock chick Bebe Buell, who Cameron met in the seventies.

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