Review of High Fidelity (2000) by Alasdair B — 20 Aug 2015

High Fidelity is a novel by British author Nick Hornby, first published in 1995. It has sold over a million copies and was later adapted into a feature film in 2000 and a Broadway musical in 2006. In 2003, the novel was listed on the BBC's survey The Big Read. "High Fidelity" is directed by English film director, Stephen Frears. The cast includes John Cusack, Jack Black, and Lisa Bonet.

Rob Gordon (Cusack) is an intense music-lover. As a school dropout, Rob doesn't have many career choices, so he owns his own record store. Dick (Louiso) and Barry (Black), are Rob's co-workers. Dick is a calm, awkward, and boring sort of character, while Barry is a crazy hot head. All three guys love music, and consider themselves experts on all things musical. During his life, Rob has struggled to keep a girlfriend. Admittedly, it's easily to understand why. Basically, Rob's an extreme asshole, and he doesn't understand women at all. After his most recent breakup with Laura (Iben Hjejle), Rob sets out to find out why he can't seem to keep a solid relationship.

High Fidelity is quite possibly one of the best films I've ever seen. First off, the films lead played by Cusack is a brilliant character. He's your average guy with female problems. He's a high school dropout and music and film enthusiast. He's one of those guys you can really relate to, either because you are one of those guys, or you definitely know a guy like Rob. Cusack's performance is utterly brilliant. He often turns to the camera to narrate his life and give commentary on a particular situation, It's a wonderful technique that works really well. Aside from Cusack, Jack Black really stands out. He shines in his small role, bringing some great comedy into the film.

The film mostly centers around Rob's relationship issues. He examines each relationship he's ever been in, trying to figure out what went wrong so he can correct his current predicament. This is one of those films that makes you think about life and relationships. It reminds me very much of the Coen's cult classic, The Big Lebowski. It's about a lowlife guy with allot of baggage. When Rob finally understands he's been chasing a fantasy, he realizes what a real relationship is actually supposed to be like.

The screenplay for the film is written by D. V. DeVincentis, Scott Rosenberg, Steve Pink, and the star of the film, John Cusack. It's a brilliant script with great characters, edgy dialogue, and fantastic comedy. Director Stephen Frears does a wonderful job directing the film and the actors. He's known for his direction of other popular films, including; My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, The Queen, and most recently, the brilliant British drama and comedy, Philomena. Finally, the wonderful cinematography. The film is shot by Seamus McGarvey, who has received a few Academy Award nominations for his work on Joe Wright's 2007 WWI drama, Atonement. He's shot several notable films including; We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Avengers, Godzilla (2014), and Fifty Shades of Grey. Admittedly, his cinematography on Fifty Shades of Grey was impressive, even if the film was shit.

"High Fidelity" is one of those films that just rocks in every way. It's just a hair away from being a cult classic-in my opinion. Cusack gives a memorable performance, the script is superb, and the soundtrack is great. It's one of those films that actually has substance at it's heart. Amidst the great comedy, classic music, and vinyl records is a film about life.