High Fidelity

A curious pun on the quality of recordings, this movie is in itself a double entendre - life within the musically elitist recording store and the inability of a middle-aged man (after living vicariously through his music collection) to express his love for his better half. Based on a novel by Nick Hornby, one of the most disappointing factors about this movie is its setting in America. The humour involved in the book and the nuance demanded of the text is largely dependent on its setting in London. Much of the dialogue by the main character (Rob Gordon), could and would have been better delivered by a suitably slovenly British actor. Still, it is a commendable effort in connecting both vastly different countries in their seemingly similar towns (Chicago).

Casting-wise, as Director Stephen Frears puts it, is a consolidation of little bits of common sense, a forage into the social circles of John Cusack and his supporting actors to find the perfect person for each role. Most notably, Jack Black gave a stunning performance in this show, as one of the salespeople in Championship Vinyl, the record store. He careens between bourgeois musical snobbery and his idealistic dreams of performing in a band in a brilliant display of obnoxiousness and utter contempt for musical morons. However, this injection of derogatory humour is completely out of character for the adaptation of this book, given the subtlety of Hornby's writing style.

Worst performance goes to Joan Cusack, for her over-exaggerated responses (which are invariable from film to film). While she does induce a large amount of irritation, as I am convinced the character Liz is meant to evoke, this is not done in a tasteful manner with her rather extreme acting. Jack Black manages to pull extremity off because of the insanity borne from his slothful life, however, Joan Cusack's white-collar job would be more appropriately paired with a degree of suppressed emotion. In contrast, her brother, who plays the main character of the record store owner, has some good moments. Nevertheless, he seems like a fish out of water in this movie, as compared to his roles in America's Sweethearts, Serendipity, and other inherently American movies.

This film also explores the innate contradictions in our relationships and thoughts, but does not seek to correct them. With all of Rob's romantic ideals of relationships and love, he still grapples with very real, very practical problems with Laura (not least of all infidelity). Despite his professed knowledge of music and musical morality (the distinction between what goes on the all time top-five list and what he'd never be caught dead with), he retains a certain narrow-mindedness in experimenting with new bands and new genres. The honesty with which Frears presents relationships in all their complexity and disillusion, coupled with John Cusack's imbroglio of a life strikes a deep chord with many and remains one of the more original portrayals of the theme of love.

It is recommended for the book to be read after watching the movie, as it uses certain charming expressions and has no lack of poignant quotes which were not featured in its adaptation.

Anon.