Almost Famous Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Almost Famous.

Quote #1

ELAINE: Follow your dream. You'll still be the youngest lawyer in the country.

This seems more like Elaine's dream for William than William's own dream for himself. Elaine wants her children to maximize their potential, but she's hesitant to acknowledge their actual dreams and passions. For William, this passion turns out not to be law but rock writing.

Quote #2

ANITA: This song explains why I'm leaving home to become a stewardess.

For Anita, and later for William, your identity and the music you listen to are permanently intertwined. Rock music speaks to Anita so deeply that she actually uses "America" by Simon and Garfunkel to explain her decision to leave home.

Quote #3

ANITA: One day you'll be cool.

Anita leaves William with two things when she departs: her record collection and this prophecy. Those albums would soon solidify William's identity as a lover of rock and roll and spark a lifelong exploration of what it truly means to be cool—or uncool.