Shannon universal city, ca: dreamworks home entertainment,

Shannon KeslerDr. Zoran MaricFilm 2194B-00123 January 2018An Overlooked Film: The Case for Almost Famous            The film, Almost Famous, exemplifies a bildungsromanfor William Miller, as it explores the influence that rock music has on youthculture. As 15-year-old William chases his dream as writer for Rolling Stone magazine, he becomes wiser beyond is years as he is faced with great professional responsibilitiesand heartbreak.

Almost Famous illuminates a bildungsroman through William’s experiences on tour withStillwater, as the band’s desire for success distorts William’s once flawless imageof Rock’N’Roll.            In 2000, Almost Famous, directed by Cameron Crowe wasreleased, presenting a becoming of age story in the United States. Williamexperiences everything stereotypically involved with Rock’n’Roll, as he getsinvited to tour with the 1970’s band Stillwater, to unpack the truth behind theband, and write a story. Groupies, better known as “ Band Aids”, end up “ defloweringthe kid”, while his mother anxiously calls and repeatedly demands him, “ Don’ttake drugs!”.

Additionally, the main Band Aid, Penny Lane, becomes William’slover throughout the course of the film, who is instead in love with the band’slead singer, Russell who trades her in a poker game for “ 50 bucks and a case ofbeer”. As she tries to overdose out of heartbreak over Russell, the bandstruggles to stay together as members, Russell and Jeff, compete for powerwithin the band, as tensions rise for having the perfect interview with Williamare unlikely. William is then faced with pressure to write something that is intheir favor or the truth.            Although William’s experience on tour with Saltwaterbecomes distorted by the reality of the band’s flaws and exposure to Rock’n’Rollculture of drugs and sex, he stays the same genuine character that he wasbefore he left for tour. Although partially corrupted, he stays true to hisself, leading him to success as a journalist.

Word Count: 300              Crowe, Cameron. Almost Famous. Universal City, CA: DreamWorks Home Entertainment, 2001.