Reviews
Almost Famous (2000)
Empty Fun
From beginning to end of this film, or narrator, a mirror of Crowe himself from childhood asks the sundry rockers rallied around him, "What do you love about Rock & Roll?" At the end of the film, I am still waiting for the answer to this question.
The film winds its way across America, as an intrepid, if underaged, reporter from 'Rolling Stone' follows the 70s rock band Stillwater from venue to venue. During the trip, take that as a pun if you will, we witness William Miller's first kiss, loss of virginity, and trials as he attempts to pass into manhood by writing his first full length piece. However, following a rock reporter as he tours with a rock band, you would think this movie is about music, right? Wrong. There is no music in the film. While there are the requisite concert shots, the only song that really connects with any member of the cast or audience is the Elton John song that plays on the tour bus. Ultimately, the question of what lies beneath the music is never answered. Not by a long shot. Instead, I am left with the sense that music in and of itself is nothing but a mnemonic device that brings us back to a specific time and place. Of course, Crowe is correct. However, if you don't think there is more to it than that, then you aren't much of a music afficianado to begin with, are you?
Final verdict: if you want to see a film that simply recalls a time long past, this is a good bet. If you want to see a film that does more with music than put it on the soundtrack, see 'High Fidelity.'
Macbeth (1948)
Dark and Deep
No one will claim that Welles' adaptation is the most accurate or best (see Roman Polansky's for a truer Macbeth) and at some points the bombast of Welles and his supporting cast, especially Lady Macbeth, can be a little overwhelming. However, for sheer mood and feel, I prefer this Macbeth over all the others out there. The darkness and dampness that close in on Welles as the movie progresses is claustrophobic and really gives a gritty appeal to this film. A great example of b&w film used to its fullest potential.