Almost Famous Family

In his acceptance speech for winning Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, Cameron Crowe shared that Almost Famous is not only a love letter to rock and roll but also to his family. Crowe's own mother, like William's mother, Elaine, did not allow rock and roll in the house when her children were growing up. Crowe's mother and sister, just like William's, also had some serious disagreements, and they did not reconcile until much later. But just like Elaine, William's own mother cared deeply about her kids.

Stillwater is kind of a family, too, if you think about it. And like any family, they have their spats. Ultimately, though, they emerge intact and stronger than ever—just like William's family. At the end of the day, our families are our families, and family trumps all.

Questions About Family

1. If Almost Famous is Cameron Crowe's love letter to his family, do you think it's successful?
2. At the end of the day, is Elaine a good mother? Does she help William thrive, or does she hold him back?
3. Will Russell ever leave Stillwater to go solo? Why or why not?

Chew on This

The rock stars and Band Aids have combined to create their own funky family together on the road, creating a community where everyone is accepted, no matter how weird they are.

In some ways, Stillwater is the big, musical family William never had.