Almost Famous (2000)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  122 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 162 Minutes)

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama, Adventure, Comedy

Director: Cameron Crowe

Starring: Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Angarano, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jimmy Fallon

IMDB Rank: 7.9/10

Part 1 Time:  70 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 95 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  52 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 67 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? 

Theatrical: William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is again denied an interview with Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and begins to cry outside of Russell’s hotel room.

Director’s Cut: William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is awoken by Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) who convince William to travel with the Stillwater band to Cleveland.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical: William knocks on Russell hotel room door. “Please go the f*** away!” Russell shouts from his hotel room.

Director’s Cut: “I know. I know. It’s all happening.” William responds to Russell and Penny.

First line of dialogue on the second part: 

Theatrical/Director’s Cut: The band arrives at Swingo’s Celebrity Inn in Cleveland. A fan announces “Oh, my God! It’s Stillwater!”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, with his article deadline quickly approaching with Rolling Stone magazine the pressure continues to build as William is still desperately awaiting an interview Russell (the Stillwater’s lead guitar player). Will William get his much needed interview with Russell?

Which part is better? The film shows what life was like touring in the 1970’s US rock circuit. Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll are on full display, showcasing the ups and downs experienced by musicians of the era. Part two is slightly better as William begins to form friendships with Stillwater’s band members and associates making his written account difficult to write. He struggles to balance his overall likeness of the band with their internal flaws.

Academy Awards: Best Writing- Screenplay Directly for the Screen, Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Kate Hudson), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Frances McDormand), Best Film Editing (Nominated)