Almost Famous

[sodascouts]

I've never seen Almost Famous, but I was reading an article where they say the Hammond character is based mostly on Glenn Frey. Anybody who's seen the movie want to tell me what about that character is reminiscent of Glenn?


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[Z]

I saw the movie, but didn't realize that was who it was loosely based on. I'll have to see it again and watch more closely. Where did you see that article, soda?

[sodascouts]

I came across it in a roundabout way. I was reading a review of a show starring Jason Lee, and they mentioned he was in Almost Famous, which featured a character based mostly on Glenn Frey. Of course I perked up and did a Google search. I discovered it was the character of Russell Hammond played by Crudup that was based on Glenn Frey at least in part. Here's what Crowe said in one interview I found:

"There's a lot of Glenn Frey [of the Eagles] in Russell, but there's bits of every person who felt like a role model of cool, hung out with me, made me feel like a part of the circus. I always liked the ones who would say, Hey man, write what you see, I trust you. But implicit in that was, Make us look cool. Which Glenn Frey actually said to me."

- from "The Uncool: Cameron Crowe Discusses the Making of Almost Famous." (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1069/is_5_36/ai_65643706/pg_2)



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[sodascouts]

Ooh, found a better one - an interview of Cameron Crowe by Rolling Stone:


Who is Russell Hammond, really?


I saw Glenn Frey at a dinner party recently, and I realized that so much of Russell is Glenn. He was the coolest guy I had ever met in 1972. I was backstage at a concert interviewing everybody - the Eagles, King Crimson, Ballin' Jack, Chaka Khan. In the Eagles' dressing room, everyone's talking about Glenn - the one guy who isn't there. He's out looking for babes. Everyone's like, "The thing about Glenn," "Oh, one time Glenn and I..." And then, like a one-act play, Glenn appears. He walks in a little buzzed, he's got a long-neck Bud, and he's like, "How ya doing'?" Just classic. That whole thing of "Tonight, friends - tomorrow, the interview" was him. And there's one line he really did say to me: "Look, just make us look cool." He was also the first guy who told me about crafting a buzz long before I could ever enact it.


The recipe, please.


OK. He's like, "If you want to craft a buzz correctly, you walk into a party, you drink two beers quickly. Then you drink a beer every hour and fifteen minutes after that. You'll always have a buzz and you'll never get too embarrassing." I was like, "Uh... yeah, I know that." Meanwhile, I'm furiously writing it down.



- from "A Boy's Life" (http://www.cameroncroweonline.com/press/famous/rollingstone.htm)




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[Molly]

The most obvious thing that will make you think of Glenn is a physical resemblence - similar hair, big mustache (but then again so many rock stars had a similar look).


There are Eagles references throughout the movie. There is a Glyn Johns reference. I've read the manager (played by Jimmy Fallon) is loosely based on Irving.


If you go into the movie looking for similarities (which I did since I had read the articles you referenced, soda, before I saw the movie) you probably can find them.


Russell is certainly a charmer - but he has a lot of character flaws. Not always such a great guy. I confess, I did want to be the Kate Hudson character after I saw the movie, though!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Hi all - First of all, it's great to be back home and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Personally, I love this movie. I think it very much captures the 70's - the good, the bad, and the ugly, as they say. I watched it a couple of times before I ever read those quotes from Cameron Crowe. Of course, after reading what Cameron said about Glenn, I have gone back and studied it very closely numerous times. :) The physical resemblance is definately there. The article also mentions that the "tonight friends" thing was Glenn. Then, there is the scene that simulates the Eagles poker games. Another uncanny resemblance is the management change - the "David Geffen-like" character to the "Irving-like" character.


My guess is that the Russell Hammond character is probably very much a profile of Glenn in the '70's (as well as many other rock stars). Most of the character flaws were just a sign of the times - but deep down, Russell is a good, decent, and caring person.


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I'm just a hired hand working on the dreams I plan to try. The days go by...

[sodascouts]

OK, just finished. Clever movie. And considering that despite all of Russell's flaws, he still seems like the coolest guy in the room... I can definitely see that as Glenn-like! BTW, did you guys see that Peter Frampton is billed as a technical consultant? For some reason that strikes me as funny!


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[glenneaglesfan]

I haven't seen this film but will look out for it now.

This made me chuckle!

OK. He's like, "If you want to craft a buzz correctly, you walk into a party, you drink two beers quickly. Then you drink a beer every hour and fifteen minutes after that. You'll always have a buzz and you'll never get too embarrassing."


Just beer, Glenn? ;)


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This way to happiness...

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Soda - Peter Frampton also has a cameo in the movie - it's the poker game scene. He is the blonde-headed "Humble Pie" guy that wins Penny Lane from Russell.


And Kate - of course - just beer for Glenn! What else did you have in mind???? http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eek.gif


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I'm just a hired hand working on the dreams I plan to try. The days go by...

[Molly]

He's a smart man, that's all that he would admit to "the enemy" (that's how they refer to reporters in the movie).

[The Disco Strangler]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I just found out this bit of trivia finally LOL. I just think that is so cool Cameron based Russell on Glenn. I saw the movie a few years ago. Now I wanna watch again.

[EaglesFanatic]

It's funny you bring this thread up, Disco Strangler... I was planning on watching Almost Famous tonight! I've never actually seen the movie before, so I'll have to keep that bit of trivia in mind as I watch :nod:

[Brooke]

Gosh, I can't believe you haven't seen this! Enjoy!

[Freypower]

I bought it months ago. I still haven't watched it!

[The Disco Strangler]

It's funny you bring this thread up, Disco Strangler... I was planning on watching Almost Famous tonight! I've never actually seen the movie before, so I'll have to keep that bit of trivia in mind as I watch :nod:

I know. Now I'll be seeing Glenn as the star instead of Billy Cruddup LOL.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

It'll be interesting to hear some of the comments from those who are going to watch this movie for the first time. I love the movie - I may even pop it in the DVD player again soon myself when I get a couple of free hours. I loved the movie even before I learned that Russell was based on Glenn, but it was especially interesting to watch it again after reading Cameron Crowe's comments. :wink:

[EaglesFanatic]

I absolutely loved the movie. It had such a captivating story line, and the characters were great. I wish there were more films like Almost Famous, and if there were, I'd watch them in a heartbeat! ...I definitely got the Glenn vibe from Billy Crudup's character.

[Glennhoney]

I also loved this movie..and could definately get the "Glenn vibe"..hope you'll enjoy it as well.

[Topkat]

I saw the movie when it came out, & haven't seen it in a long time. When I saw it I didn't really relate this character to Glenn, but it seemed to be a combination of several famous rockers. I was planning to watch this movie again anyway, so I will look more closely for the Glenn in the character.

[Brooke]

I loved it and definitely got the Glenn vibe. :thumbsup:

[Glennsallnighter]

I haven't seen it. Is it still available to buy does anybody know?

[Topkat]

You can still order it on Amazon.com

[sodascouts]

Yes, it's still readily available.

Here's the normal version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Almost-Famous-DVD/dp/B000C4ETDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325174534&sr=8-1

There also seems to be a director's cut. I might have to look into that!

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks Soda and TK. I'll definitely have a look into it.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Yep GA - you definitely need to check it out. All this talk has made me want to watch it again. I think I'll try to watch it over the weekend!

[GlennLover]

I've never seen it either. I see that Amazon.ca lists a bootleg director's cut, but only used ones from other sellers. They range from $36 to $115! I think I'll try for one around $40.00 that ships from inside Canada.

[tbsfan]

Yes, it's still readily available.

Here's the normal version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Almost-Famous-DVD/dp/B000C4ETDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325174534&sr=8-1

There also seems to be a director's cut. I might have to look into that!

I bought the director's cut several years ago. It also included a disc of the original theatrical version and a Stillwater CD. The director's cut gives you 35 additional minutes, and I highly recommend it for any fan of the movie.

[Topkat]

I ordered the directors cut last week because I wanted to see it again & I thought it would be cool to see the directors cut. I should get it next week!

[GlennLover]

I saw one copy of the regular version in Future Shop on Friday for $12.99 but they were so busy I didn't have time to stand in line to buy it. Harold says he saw it in Bluray in Walmart so I think I'll try those sources before I order it.