MovieChat Forums > Almost Famous (2000) Discussion > Why didn't Penny love William?

Why didn't Penny love William?

posted 9 years ago by yajji
17 replies | jump to latest

I mean yeah, he wasn't overtly masculine like Russell, but it's not like he wasn't attractive. He was good looking albeit pretty young and boyish. So why didn't Penny ever settle for William? I've always thought that she often thought about him romantically, but was reluctant to love him or at least pursue him romantically because he wasn't some "mysterious" rocker nor was he famous ("famous people are just more interesting"). I was sure of this in the scene in the field when William breaks the information about the case of beer bet to Penny. He was too sweet, too caring and he treated women with too much respect, to be an object of lust for Penny but she certainly entertained the idea. Also in the airport scene in the end, it's almost like she realised what she was leaving behind.

[–] rockinpink90 9 years ago

Well, I think the main reason is because he was only 15. Penny never disclosed her age but Kate Hudson was 20 years old when the movie was filmed so their age difference was probably the reason why she wasn't interested in him romantically. I think Penny did love him but in a platonic way, like a little brother.

[–] CapitanHowie 9 years ago

As young women we NEVER love the sweet guy who's thoughtful and really loves us. We love the guy who sees other women and treats us badly. It's just the way it goes.

Until we turn 30 and wake up. Then we stop. Well, most of us do. I have a few girlfriends that STILL (in their 40s) chase the *beep* and hope to God they can "fix them". Never happens.

~~~
I've never met a racist person, just a scared and uneducated person.
~~~

[–] lettyatuni 9 years ago

What's all this "we" nonsense?

You sound like a 'Nice Guy.'

[–] Future_Games 8 years ago

We = you and a few of your idiot friends.

No one I know has ever dated someone who's unkind to them. They have far too much self-respect, something you and your ilk are clearly lacking.

You keep on reminding me of a darkness only I can see

[–] PopperTheKungFu-Dragon 9 years ago

Because women never go for the good guys.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

[–] Avatar1974 9 years ago

I knew a girl EXACTLY like Penny... and the memory, the aura, is greater than what the reality would have been had we gotten and stayed together. I know that because I saw what happened to her later in life.. she never truly got her *beep* together. This "women never go for the good guys" thing is something said by guys who keep chasing the wrong girls... This movie... it's about me. I was that kid, the aspiring rock journalist. Now, I never went as far as Cameron Crowe... but I did all right for myself. And my wife? The prize isn't her, man. The prize is the relationship we have... the connection with someone who appreciates art and music and movies and life every bit as much as you do.

The sooner you drop the Reddit "friend zone" b.s. moron goggles, the better off you'll be... That girl? Oh I still love her and fondly think of those rose-colored memories of a very magical time... but sometimes things turn out the way they do for the better, and this is definitely the case. I wouldn't go back and change a damn thing.

Member - DFW Film Critics Association
http://www.cinemalogue.com

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] crypticanomaly73 8 years ago

Because being with William would mean having to be real. Penny was all about avoiding reality and herself. She even hid her real name.

And besides, it would be like going from a Porsche to a VW. A huge step down and she knew she could have anyone she wanted, Russell was a challenge and she liked that.

If they did a sequel 20 years later when Penny is now overweight, a single mother of 3 kids, she would be giving William a call to see if he wants to "catch up".

By this stage William is now wealthy and successful and is dating 18 year olds himself.

Sometimes a movie or tv show plot is so stupid that only the stupid can understand it.

[–] NotASpeckOfCereal 8 years ago

She did. Just not the way you mean.

She was already a few years into what she was doing, so much so she considered herself retired and was doing one last thing, with lots of adult experience behind her.

And it wasn't the masculine she loved in Russell, it was the entire package, rock and roll lifestyle of a semi-successful touring band.

Be sure to proof your posts to see if you any words out

[–] harpon-1 8 years ago

Maybe it just wasn't time for her, a young woman, free and perahaps wanting to experience some life before settling down.

With most of her life in front of her, she's just heading out to somewhere....

[–] mike (327) 7 years ago

Russell was a rock star, she was a groupie. It aint complicated.

[–] SoCrates (876) 7 years ago

I think it definitely is more complicated than that.

Russell had the talent and potential to be a rock star, but let's not forget, at the time the movie takes place, Stillwater isn't a household name like Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin. They have no real money or global fame. And this isn't Penny Lane's first rodeo. From what they implicated during the film, she knows pretty much everyone in the business. She could follow any of the bands she wanted and be welcomed with open arms, but she chooses to follow Stillwater, for Russell.

[–] LetThemEatCake (2717) 7 years ago

you overestimate groupies.