Almost Famous (Screenplays) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The screenplay of the brilliant new film about rock 'n' roll journalism, from the writer/director of Jerry Maguire.

Inspired by his own start in journalism as a teenage reporter for Rolling Stone, Cameron Crowe has created a coming-of-age story that is both funny and moving-and laced with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Set in 1973 and starring Frances McDormand, Billy Crudup, and Noah Taylor, Crowe's new film tells the story of a fifteen-year-old boy whose dream of becoming a rock journalist comes true when Rolling Stone sends him on tour with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater-loosely based on Led Zeppelin-over the objections of his protective mother. Crowe brings the same wry humor he brought to Jerry Maguire as well as the brilliant evocations of teen life that animated his earlier cult film Fast Times at Ridgemont High to chronicle and celebrate a pivotal moment in rock history-and one teenage boy's place in it.

About the Author

Cameron Crowe is among the most successful writer/directors in Hollywood today. In addition to his films, he is also the author of the critically acclaimed portrait of the director Billy Wilder, Conversations with Wilder, that was published last year. He lives in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber; 1st edition (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571205690
• ISBN-13: 978-0571205691
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #741,484 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Famous Words, October 31, 2000

By	Frank J. Meckel - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When a film becomes the darling of the critics and viewers alike, you can be quite certain a good script is at the core of the success. Almost Famous is no exception. The screenplay is remarkably close to the final edit of the film, with only a few scenes that will probably make it into the DVD release of the film. These scenes fill out the characters even more, and in at least one case, anchor a wayward reference in the final cut of the film.

Several characters in the film will become immortalized by their dialogue, and savoring it in the context of the entire screenplay is a real treat. In addition to the screenplay, there is an interview with Cameron Crowe that covers many of the questions you or I would like to ask Crowe about this film. Yes, almost all of it really happened, and Crowe gives his take on a world and lifestyle that albeit passing and circumstantial, became real for the people who lived it. I recommend it highly.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost..., June 18, 2001

By	Nom de Plume "not-so-famous poet" (Nowhere Zen, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

As good as the movie. Well, okay, better. (Isn't the book always better?) This includes details the movie left out and tells the story just as well. Also includes interviews with Cameron Crowe. EXCELLENT Book.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wanna pretend you're in the film and memorize the script?, May 8, 2001

By	Rebecca (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

Then this is the book you have to get! I loved the film, ALMOST FAMOUS (so much, that I went to go see it at the movie theaters towards the end of it's playing by myself - usually, I go to the movies with at least one other person). ALMOST FAMOUS is really the best film I've ever seen in my life. I can't believe it only won one Academy Award and didn't get nominated for Best Picture! Oh well, if you wanna see the exact Oscar-winning script from the film than this is the best thing you can get. I went out to the bookstore recently and bought this and I was not disappointed in the least! I loved every moment of it. In fact, I am trying to memorize the script so when I buy the video, I can repeat every single word they say in the film. This script captures all of the highlight moments from the film and if you missed a line or two while watching the movie, you can probably find it here in this book. Also, the intro written by the author is pretty cool, too. Also, the author has an interview with Cameron Crowe himself, and Crowe explains many parts of the film that were most confusing to you. Plus, there are some great memorable photos directly from the shooting of the movie (though they are all in black and white) to add to this true ALMOST FAMOUS collectors' item. A great read and a must have for all ALMOST FAMOUS fans! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.