Almost Famous: Features Rock Music Culture During the Early 1970s

"Almost Famous" was a critically-acclaimed film directed by Cameron Crowe and produced in 2000. The film features rock music culture during the early 1970s and actual bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath are mentioned in the film to provide context. The protagonist of the film is William (played by Patrick Fugit), a teenager who aspires to be a rock journalist. He is unusually driven for a boy his age, and follows his dream passionately. When William gets the opportunity to cover a band called Stillwater, he jumps at the opportunity. Although the film is about his budding career as a journalist, "Almost Famous" is also about the way William comes of age. He learns many of life's tough lessons while on the road with Stillwater. William falls in love with Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), who breaks his heart. William also learns how to persevere through obstacles and stick to his principles. William succeeds because of his persistence, courage, and integrity.

Instead of pandering to her fears, William continues to follow his dream. For example, he is nothing but honest with Penny Lane. William's mother, played by Frances McDormand, worries about her son continually throughout the movie because of the heavy partying and drug use that she knows surrounds rock music culture. For instance, he had the guts to stand up for himself in front of what could be an intimidating cast of characters from a rock band. He is an admirable character who is not only persistent and courageous but ethical as well. Also, William demonstrates remarkable courage when he sticks up for Penny Lane towards the end of the movie. Most of all, though, William's willingness to tour with a rock band at his age shows tremendous courage. Instead of walking away in defeat, William sticks around the side doors and sneaks into the backstage area with some groupies. Thus, William's persistence is not based on stubbornness but on courage. He hangs around the local radio station knowing that Lester Bangs will be there. Throughout all the events that transpire during the movie, William maintains his integrity. Yet his ambitions, dreams and desires do not detract from his personal integrity. He only treats Penny Lane with love and respect, showing more maturity than any of the adults he hands around with. Both in his personal life and professional life, William acts with enormous courage.