So much more than Cyclical Vibrations....

"Almost Famous" (Directed by Cameron Crowe, 2000)
"Almost Famous" takes a time machine approach to the world of Rock in the early 70's. The story is told through the lens of 15 year-old academic prodigy William Miller. The story takes off when William is given the dream opportunity to shadow the band, Still water, and write a one thousand word article for them in Rolling Stone. The advice he receives from his Mentor Lester Bangs resonates throughout the movie: "Don't make friends with the Rock stars!" This came in addition to William's mother's stern advice: "Don't take drugs!"
The film entertains key music industry concepts; one of the side themes of this movie is the struggle for commercial acceptance while staying true to one's art. Also prevalent was the depiction of the volatile nature of relationships between band mates created by the encroaching conditions of touring. This film is an engrossing and contagious glorification of Rock and Roll not just as musical expression, but as a way of life.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this movie was Director Cameron Crowe's ability to harness the feel of time travel. This movie will transport its audience to the 70's; It's not the hair or the bell bottoms, It is the unsaited hunger of animal aggression, It is the imposed sanguine disposition of flower power, the unkempt flow of anarchy surging just beneath the foreskins of the masses pledging a new authority. The concert portions of this film are delightfully encapsulating. The audience feels included in the mosh, half expecting to be the next to volley a beach ball. A debilitating, deliberate orgasm delivered with alacrity leaving the victim slobbering for more.
Lester Bangs enjoys a brief roll in the film played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. We don't get to see the sort of Morose Lester Bangs depicted in Jim DeRogoatis' "Let it Blurt." However, actor Seymour Hoffman does seem to channel the cerebral fanaticism lurking behind the late great critic's eyes.
All in all this is a fantastic Rock movie. It grabs you by the balls and takes you on a magic carpet ride. A legitimate stab at the something for everyone approach. Even when the story hints at the darker side of metal, it does so triumphantly with raised chin and an exuberant half smirk. A thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience both for journeyman Rock fans and the budding.