High Fidelity
Director: | Stephen Frears |
Writers: | D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack, Scott Rosenberg |
Touchstone Pictures; R; 107 minutes | |
Release: | 3/00 |
Cast: | John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black |
In High Fidelity John Cusack hits a cultural note right-on as Rob, the vinyl junkie who runs a record store, balks at commitment, and encapsulates his life into hilarious Top-Five lists. He's surrounded by two slacker coworkers, Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black) and a stunning array of ex-girlfriends. Laura (Iben Hjejle) is the one Rob reconsiders the most. High Fidelity follows his slumpy humor to the end.
Cusack is a comic natural—much of the movie is like a lighter, less sentimental Say Anything. He transitions from direct camera address to character interactions with considerable skill.
Lisa Bonet and Catherine Zeta-Jones provide steamy cameos as women in Rob's past. While High Fidelity won't change the way anyone thinks about anything (except maybe record collectors), the film nails the characters head-on with a knowing blend of quirks, self-deprecating humor, and full-bellied laughs.