Review of High Fidelity (2000) by Gregory G — 05 Jun 2010

John Cusack is the owner of a vintage vinyl record store in Chicago who confronts the past failed relationships of his life after the most recent break-up with his live-in girlfriend (Iben Hjejle). Based on the Nick Hornby novel transposed from England, eclectic director Stephen Frears brings style and expert pacing to the material.

This is a self-conscious romantic comedy that incorporates direct-to-camera addresses by Cusack with sly humor. In terms of its insight into relationships, the movie is mostly superficial and it takes too much time detailing masculine commitment phobias.

What makes the picture original is the energy and passion conveyed for music - specifically rock and roll - in how it affects us emotionally and what it means. The soundtrack contains seventy songs interspersed within the record store as the characters critique what they hear.

Its hip towards the sensibility and pulse of pop culture. Cusack's self-awareness can be grating but he has an earnestness that is beguiling. Jack Black shows a talent for verbal wit in a breakthrough performance.

Joan Cusack is a terrific comedienne as a friend of the couple. Written by Cusack, D.V. DiVincentis, Steve Pink, Scott Rosenberg. With Todd Luiso, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lisa Bonet, Sara Gilbert, Lili Taylor, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Tim Robbins, and Bruce Springsteen.