First I would like to say that it takes a lot for a movie to affect me. But that is exactly what Almost Famous did, it connected with me, it moved me, it inspired me. In short it was a truly great film. It was masterfully made, Fine acting all around especially Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I have seen this movie countless times! Crowe's direction was excellent, the lighting, sets, and costumes were perfect. More important than that was Crowe's selection of music for the film, it was brilliant! Whether it was old 70's rock songs or the score by Nancy Wilson it fit beautifully and helped the movie capture an indescrible authenticity. But what seperates this film from others is the writing. Everything from the over-the-top shouting matches to the quiet, intimate conversations were absolutely wonderful. And while the film was almost perfectly made, it was the underlying themes and stories that made it great. It was a love story: between Penny and Russell, William and Penny, within William's Family, within Stillwater, but most importantly between all the characters and the mysterious power that is, rock and roll.