Almost Perfect

I had never seen Almost Famous up until a few months ago.  I had heard of the film, and of course heard how outstanding it is.  I also was aware of Cameron Crowe's reputation as a director, so I was very excited to watch it.

What I was unaware of was that the film was somewhat autobiographical.  Cameron Crowe wrote a cover story for Rolling Stone Magazine when he was 15 years old.  He traveled with The Allman Brothers, which is represented in the film by the fictional band Stillwater.

One of the things I like I about the movie is that, at it's core, it really is a coming-of-age story.  When William Miller returns home from the tour, he is very much a different man.  It really captures how it feels when you find what you're passionate about.  Your world is completely altered at that moment, and that is what the film represents.

I also like that the film takes place at time when classic rock is dying.  That makes William Miller's cover story about Stillwater so much more meaningful.  This is going to be the cover story to end all cover stories, and people are going to celebrate classic rock until its last breath!

I still miss Philip Seymour Hoffman to this day.  The "uncool" monologue is so heartwarming to hear.  Only an actor of his caliber can make someone feel cool about being uncool.

I've always loved Frances McDormand.  She's a fantastic actress, and she nails it perfectly as Elaine, the overprotective mother of William.  I cannot picture anyone else in that role.

Personally, I never thought I would a like a Kate Hudson movie, let alone own one.  However, what I found with Almost Famous is that if you put her in the right role with the right director she can be great.  I absolutely love her in this film.

The genius of Cameron Crowe is that his movies do not fit into any one particular genre.  The dialogue that he gives his characters is so real and pure that just when you think it is going to get overly dramatic....it doesn't.  I don't know how he does it.

I don't think Patrick Fugit is very good in the film, however there is an innocence that he brings to his character that is necessary to his role and to the story.

I have always been a fan of Jason Lee as an actor, and I think he has gotten considerably better over the years.  Billy Crudup has grown on me in recent years.  I thought he was quite good in Big Fish and Mission:Impossible III, and he is great in this film.

This is a wonderful movie to experience, with a story that sucks you right in straight from the beginning.  The music is as much a character in the film as the actors are, and it immediately transports you to a time when music really meant something, in my opinion.  This movie is a wonderful product of its time, and one that will last for many generations of music lovers.

A Tribute To Robin Williams

When I got the news that Robin Williams had died, I felt like I had lost one of my closest friends.  Even though I never met him, he played a very big part in my life.  Robin Williams was there for me at a time in my life when I needed inspiration, and he helped me get through my own depression.  For that, I am incredibly indebted to him.  Thank you, Robin Williams.

Good Will Hunting is, to this day, the most inspirational film I have ever seen.  For the better part of ten years, I was in the same position as Matt Damon's character, Will.  All I ever did was talk about how I was going to go back to school and pursue my dream.  However, it was this film that gave me the metaphorical boot up the ass and said, "Stop talking about doing it.  Just do it."  I did not want to be 75 years old, lying on my death bed and saying to myself, "I wish I had given it a shot."  Good Will Hunting gave me that inspiration.

I have always thought that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are decent actors.  I think Ben Affleck becoming a director has made him a better actor, and ironically enough, it was the movie Interstellar that really made me a big fan of Damon.  Matt Damon is perfect in his role as the cocky and confident Will Hunting.  I also really enjoy the dialogue that he and Williams have together, because it shows that Will is struggling with some inner demons, and ultimately Williams gets it out of him in the classic "It's not your fault" scene.

Ben Affleck plays his role very well as Will's best friend, Chuck.  He is supportive, protective, and everything else you would want in a best friend.  He also does not have any reservations about telling Will what he really thinks of him.  Near the end of the film, Chuck gives Will his thoughts on his potential, even risking their own friendship in doing so.  To me, that's what a best friend is:  supportive and protective as I said before, but also someone who doesn't bullshit you, and Ben Affleck is great in that role.

The gift of Robin Williams was his greatness.  I personally think that term is overused, but Robin Williams was truly great in everything that he did.  His Oscar is certainly deserved for his performance in this film for his portrayal of Sean Maguire.  As someone who struggled with my own bout of depression, I began to have an utter disdain for therapists.  Robin Williams made me like therapists.  I wish more therapists were like him.  His role in the film is to get through to Will Hunting, and get him to talk about his issues, and he does so by doing exactly what therapists are not supposed to do: he doesn't talk.  He lets Will initiate the dialogue.  It's a very emotion-fueled performance by Williams, one that moves me to tears almost every time.

Gus Van Sant directed this film, and he does so by getting excellent performances from his actors, and by using beautiful Boston images.  The cinematography in the film is absolutely gorgeous.  I could watch the transitional images alone for hours.

The gift of Robin Williams was exactly that:  it was a gift.  When someone you have never met becomes such a big part of your life, and then they are suddenly ripped away, it is very hard to come to terms with that.  I still shed tears over his death.  Allowing Robin Williams to come into my home via television screen is one of the greatest priveleges that I will ever know.  The world will miss you, Mr. Williams, and I thank you.