High Fidelity

-Story-

I first saw High Fidelity when it came out in theatres in 2000. At the time I hated it. John Cusack had just come off of Gross Pointe Blank and I had a fairly high opinion of him. But when this film came out I distinctly remember thinking that it was boring, and didn’t really signify or explore anything of importance. Now however, possibly due to the recent events in my personal life I can see High Fidelity in a different light. I won’t say it’s absolutely fantastic or anything, but I’ve definitely really turned around on the film.

High Fidelity tells the story of Rob Gordon, a normal enough guy, record store owner, obsessive music man, and all around unlucky at love type. His relationship with his current girlfriend Laura has just ended and he spends most of the film talking to us (the viewer) directly about how and why his love affairs never seem to work out. Rob goes on a journey through all of his past relationships trying to figure out just why he is so bad at them. Along the way we get a pop culture insight into his tangled, but surprisingly familiar emotions.

Rob is a really great character; he’s funny, and nice; a little obsessive and self involved, but then again who isn’t at the end of a relationship? I liked the way he mugged to the camera every chance he got, and maybe that’s what I didn’t like about this film the first time I saw it. But now, I feel like I can really relate to Rob. His emotions are raw, he has a roller coaster lifestyle, and he’s really pretty witty. It’s refreshing to see what I at least perceive to be a fresh take on relationships. The author of the book on which this is based, Nick Hornby, must have a pretty strange stream of consciousness, because everything feels very natural about the film. The people react realistically, and the situations, although extreme, are really very recognisable. I enjoy this story immensely.

This film looks pretty normal for a romantic comedy, or an ironic comedy, or whatever kind of comedy this thing actually is. The shots are simple, the locations chosen good, but nothing really stands out. I did quite like the clothing everyone wore in the film, it was pretty hip, and appropriate for this thirtyish guy to worry about how he looks. Very cool. Anyhow, it was decent, the music was quite good, very cool new, and underground alternative stuff that doesn’t pop up in films very often. So really, a good job all around.

This film works well because of its actors and the sharp script. Cusack is perfect for the role of Rob; even in his other films he’s playing a role pretty similar to this one. He is self-depricating, and witty, and charming, all roled together and it somehow just fits perfectly here. The other actors all did good work too, especially Jack Black, who plays one of Cusack’s insane employees. It’s funny stuff, and they pull it off well.

The direction by Stephen Frears, is quite adequate too. Nothing fancy, but still quality work. The picture works well as a whole and nothing feel omitted. It always is a bit of a risk having your protagonist break that 4th wall and talk with the audience, but here it works very well. Frears has brought together a good cast and a good script to produce a really very good film.

A very sharp script, this film gives a fresh look at old themes. I’d recommend it to anyone as a fun light film, especially if they happen to have just broken up with someone.