High Fidelity

Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack, Tim Robbins, Lili Taylor, Drake Bell, Joelle Carter, Bruce Springsteen (cameo)
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: Record-store owner Rob Gordon (John Cusack) bases his life around music. After his girlfriend (Iben Hjejle) breaks up with him, he reexamines his life, trying to discover why he's been dumped so many times. He does this by examining his Top 5 worst break-ups.

Review:

Tim: Like I've said before and I will say again, I am a huge John Cusack fan. His brand of acting is just so real- he doesn't have all the hype and glimmer that accompany so many of today's biggest stars. He makes smaller films, but no less decent for that matter. I have to admit, the first time I saw this movie, I didn't really like it. However, a year or two later, when I watched it again, I saw exactly what I was missing.

High Fidelity features the usual great performance by Cusack. He speaks directly to the camera (and to us) throughout much of the film, which really connects the audience to his character. Cusack plays the injured relationshipee incredibly well, and as worse and worse things happen to him, you can see his own descent into his personal hell. Also, when things get better, Cusack switches gears, and it's just a great sight to see.

Jack Black gives a decent performance as a worker in the record shop. At times he's really, really funny; other times he is downright annoying. More often than not, however, he adds to the quality of the film. High Fidelityalso benefits from good performances by newcomer Iben Hjejle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Todd Louiso. The small role by Tim Robbins is great, and he ends up being in some of the film's funniest scenes.

High Fidelity is far from a perfect film, but for anyone that's experienced difficult break-ups in their life (and that includes almost everyone), this film will make you realize you're not alone. And, as Cusack goes on his own journey of self-discovery, you may find yourself contemplating your own situation, and maybe coming to some important conclusions as well.

*Update- two decades after I last saw High Fidelity, I finally returned to the movie. This was a special occasion for it- I went to a showing of the film at the Emerson Theater in Boston, and John Cusack was going to speak after the movie. I practically leapt at the chance to see one of my all-time favorite actors in person. I was also extremely interested in revisiting this movie. It's interesting that I said in my original review that I didn't like the movie at first- I have no memory of that. I only remember loving this movie and considering it a great film. I did feel that usual nervousness that comes when revisiting an old movie- would it hold up? After all, it's been decades.

I can say that it more than held up. I arguably loved this movie even more during my third viewing- it is exceptional. As a now 42 year-old, I likely do have a new appreciation for the human complexity that is on display here. Rob Gordon is a flawed, messed up character. In the Q&A after the film, Cusack admitted that he's "an asshole". This is a movie about young people in complicated relationships, but it examines them through a more mature lens. You aren't supposed to be in favor of everything Rob does- you can love the character, while still despising some of his actions. I loved how the movie explored all this.

With additional time, I was even more blown away by Cusack's performance here. His career hasn't been much the last decade (can't remember the last new movie of his I've seen), but was he ever as good as he was in this film? He's complicated, aggravating, charismatic. He pours so much energy into his performance. The way he speaks directly to the camera, to give us his inner monologue, it's an absolutely stunning performance. I loved it even more this viewing. I'm surprised by the fact that I said Jack Black was "decent" and occasionally "downright annoying". When I read my old reviews, I'm often devastated by the poor writing, but I nearly always agree with my earlier sentiments. I was wrong here. Black is amazing in this film. He leverages this supporting role into something more- nearly everything he does on screen is humorous. He makes the audience laugh constantly. His comedic timing is perfect and he delivers his funny lines with aplomb and ease. He is a continuous scene-stealer and absolutely one of the best parts of the film. I was much less impressed with Iben Hjejle. My earlier review didn't complain at all, but I think I missed this. She's one of the weakest aspects of the film. I never really believed her performance and I didn't see much chemistry between her and Cusack. I couldn't remember precisely how the film ended, and I was rooting for them not to get back together. This seems like a glaring issue with the film, but somehow, it didn't bother me originally. Tim Robbins is indeed great (I only wish he had more screen time). Catherine Zeta-Jones has some nice moments. Lili Taylor didn't get mentioned in my first review, probably because her performance feels average and easy to overlook. Todd Louiso is incredible in an awkward but endearing role. And, Joan Cusack is a constant scene-stealer, delivering some of the best lines in the entire film. How I didn't mention her originally is beyond me.

On my third viewing of this film, I picked up on many subtle things that I missed the first time. One of the funniest is when Cusack confronts the girlfriend who's second on his list. She delivers a heartbreaking speech filled with angst and regret and it's a showstopping moment. And, Cusack's Gordon immediately ignores all that and leans into how her problems actually benefit him. It's a shockingly callous and self-centered moment and is one of the funniest of the entire film. I never previously recognized the lack of awareness and care for others that Gordon had- I was in my 20s when I watched this film and his biggest flaws were likely invisible to me, because I had them, too.

Stephen Frears directs one of the great romantic comedies of all time here. The music is so unbelievably good- I know Cusack selected nearly all the songs and the music is such an incredibly presence here. You can tell that Cusack brings such love of music to this film. That's really what this is- as much as a character study of relationships, it's also a love letter to great music. That is a fantastic combination.

I know I'm running on here, but in case you wondered about Cusack as a speaker. It was an odd experience. He still remains a likeable guy and I adored getting to see him in person. His answers to the questions were oftentimes odd- he didn't really answer the questions, or took them in an unexpected direction, or he kind of petered out, mumbling at the end. However, contrast this with moments where he was incredibly charismatic, or he told a fascinating story, revealing behind-the-scenes info that made you sit up. It was an odd experience, but I do appreciate how passionate Cusack is about waging war against the oligarchy, fascism, and the rise of Nazis that we're seeing in America in 2025. I feel so incredibly fortunate that I got to see him and hear him speak.

As for High Fidelity, wow. This is indeed a truly great movie. I loved it. It's heartfelt, humorous, silly, powerful. 25 years later, yes, there are some moments that haven't aged well. But, as a whole, the movie holds up exceptionally well and I arguably loved it even more. That doesn't always happen and it speaks to the timelessness of this beautiful film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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