It's more like can I build a group of characters and can I tell some universal truths that feel real and aren't formulaic in the spirit of filmmakers gone by who've told American stories that were personal and universal as well.

Before the book was even released Fast Times at Ridgemont High was optioned for a film. Though it could have easily ended up a formulaic teen love story Say Anything. Also before they got big Crowe signed members of Pearl Jam to portray Dillon's fictional band Citizen Dick.

Crowe has made his mark with character-driven personal films that have been generally hailed as refreshingly original and devoid of cynicism. Later he wrote and directed one more high school saga Say Anything and then Singles a story of Seattle twentysomethings that was woven together by a soundtrack centering on that city's burgeoning grunge music scene. Centering on a teenage music journalist on tour with an up-and-coming band it gave insight to his life as a 15-year-old writer for Rolling Stone.