I recently rewatched an old favorite, Almost Famous. Its one I go back to pretty frequently and I take something different away every time. If you notice a theme to my movie watching, I rewatch things a lot and I love movies that somehow deal with music.
I remember when I first watched it, I was in awe of the lifestyle presented. I was in love with Penny's style and loved her character. While I still appreciate some of those aspects, I see some things that I didn't see watching it through the eyes of a teenager or young adult.
One thing I see in a new light is the mom: her love and some of the things she instills in her son, William. Yes, she's a little overbearing, but I feel like she tries to learn from any mistakes she made with her daughter, Anita, to do better with William. Frances McDormand gives such an amazing, layered performace; she gives the role so much love and comedy in parts. You understand that she is how she is because of her circumstances in life and her love for her kids, wanting to set them up for a good future. A particular favorite scene is when she lectures Russell. She's harsh, but still loving with a man she doesn't know, she sees him for what he is: a human, not just a rock star (or Golden God, as he'd say).
William is a great kid, because of her and because of his sister. Anita is pretty much opposite of her mother. She's rebellious and instills William's love of rock and roll. She wants to get out and be part of the crowd and experience a life different than her own. I think William finds more of a balance. He learns to take his love of music, writing, and trying to experience what life has to offer, while not losing himself. His mother always instills being himself, even if it's different and he gets teased (we'll ignore the fact that she lies to him about his age. not something I agree with, but I think she did it for somewhat selfless reasons).
The movie does a great job at showing how the world of rock and roll can take advantage of people. Everyone is running on pure emotion and trying to find what they want and not what they need. They're also trying to suppress any emotions they don't want with drugs and alcohol. Boys like William are taken advantage of trying to pass off as more of an adult, same will girls like Penny. Friends take advantage of each other because they don't express their real feelings. I love when William sticks up for Penny when the band refers to her as a "groupie." He tells them exactly what he saw, that they used her.
The story is really well written and well told. All the the characters feel real, even the "rock stars." You see Russell's vulnerability at times ("Just make us look cool." and his willingness to go to a high school party are some of bigger moments). The acting is also really strong. Patrick Fugit is sweet and incredibly intelligent and Kate Hudson brings a lot of youthful naivety. Russell's vulnerability is so apparent because of Billy Crudup's performance. He says a lot with his eyes and his body language. As I mentioned before, Frances McDormand is incredible and brings so many layers to her performance. And in a smaller, but impactful role is Philip Seymour Hoffman as the rock critic Lester Bangs, who takes William under his wing.
And, of course, there's the music. I do enjoy Stillwater's "Fever Dog," it is reminiscent of the 70s rock and roll era. The use of other big 70s rock bands is great too. The "Tiny Dancer" scene is one of the best scenes in any movie.
Staff Picks
Here are some other picks from staff members; I've also included some non-movie picks. Items available in the library can be placed on hold for pick up. No Contact Pick Up is still available in our Madison Street vestibule or you can pick up inside the library. When the hold is made available, a staff member will call to let you know and find out your pick up preference.
Book pick from Library Clerk, Susan:
The Lager Queen of Minnesota, by J. Ryan Stradal: available in book or e-book format from Ida Rupp. I think this one was a book club choice, but I just found it, and loved it. Strong female characters, and an ending that seemed just right to me. I'm not a beer drinker, but this book almost made me want to try some craft beers. I never thought about how complex the brewing process was.
Book pick from Adult Services Librarian, Martha:
Love letters from Montmartre - For fans of Nina George, Elena Ferrante, and Valentina Cebeni, a charming, uplifting novel about a man who sets out to fulfil his dead wife’s last wish.
"An ode to love, Paris, and joie de vivre, Love Letters from Montmartre brings the reader down narrow streets, past the cozy red bistro on Rue Gabrielle, and all the way to Montmartre cemetery with its beautiful stone angels, where we will discover the truth we all hope to find: that love is real, that miracles can happen and that—most of all—it’s never too late to rediscover your dreams. Empathetic and wise, this is the deeply profound yet very human story of a man who finds love just when he thinks all is lost."
Available to place on hold at the library or as an ebook on Hoopla.
TV pick from Director, Lindsay:
Sherlock, Series 1. If you enjoy a good mystery, I recommend watching Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson. This modern take on the classic stories is fast paced and also pretty funny. Series 1 has three ninety minute episodes making it an easy choice for a weekend binge. Series 1 is available on DVD at Ida Rupp.
To Place a title on hold, just click on the cover
Movie and Television Recommendations
Ida Rupp Public Library
281 Concord Ave. 310 Madison St. 710 W. Main St.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio Port Clinton, Ohio Marblehead, Ohio