HIGH FIDELITY *** (out of four stars) A review by Jamey Hughton
Starring-John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Joan Cusack, Lisa Bonet, Tim Robbins and Catherine Zeta-Jones Director-Stephen Frears Canadian Rating-PG Released by Touchstone Pictures - 03/00
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There's just something about John Cusack, isn't there? His offbeat sense of humor and quirky idiosyncrasies have been meticulously evident throughout the actor's career. From `Say Anything' to `Grosse Point Blank', everything is intact, and to such an extent that I'm sure certain individuals believe he's always played the same character. `High Fidelity' does little else but continue the curious trend, with Cusack doing strict Cusack, but progression is attained nonetheless. How does he manage it? It always helps to have a fresh and limber screenplay in which the comedic whimsy is worthy of Cusack's eccentric charm. `High Fidelity' is, in turn, more than worthy.
Ever since a brief liaison under the football bleachers in grade 7, Rob Gordon (Cusack) has been cursed with a romantic hex. All of his relationships seem to hinge on some essential bond of devotion or love, and every time, Rob blows it. Now, he owns a record store called Championship Vinyl, and toils over his current possible break-up with Laura (Iben Hjejle), who -- *gasp* -- may be the one he's been searching for all along. The early structure of `High Fidelity' is built around presenting Rob's ‘Top Five Break-ups', which we see in amusing chronological flashbacks. The casting in these scenarios ensures some fun and potential surprise for audience members. Catherine Zeta-Jones appears, sporting a deck of snobbish qualities, as a controlling romantic interest who spews dialogue in rapid-fire bursts. And then there's Lili Taylor, returning to comfortable ground after `The Haunting', playing a timid partner who seems like a perfect match for Rob.
`High Fidelity' spins a surprisingly affectionate romantic yarn that simmers quietly under the surface without ever boiling over. This eventually generates a sense of observant charm, which is so slight and unanticipated that it may catch you off-guard. In addition, the cast is populated with well-realized characters whom every actor seems perfectly tailored for. Some of the most seasoned comedy is derived from Rob's two employees: Barry (Jack Black), a rash and egotistical jerk who grills any customer who wishes to buy a crummy record, and Dick (Todd Louiso), a bashful but friendly music fanatic who seems hesitant to do anything. Both actors are perfect in their respective roles, but Black goes directly to town as Barry, lighting up the silver screen in a bombastic showcase of astonishing energy that jacks up the entertainment level a good two or three notches. John's sister, Joan Cusack, appears welcomely as a mutual friend of Rob and Laura's. Rounding out the supporting cast is the ceaselessly wonderful Tim Robbins, hilarious as an aging spiritual hipster who becomes romantically entangled with Laura. A confrontation with he and Rob, in which three alternate `Scooby Doo' situations are presented, is manic and inspired.
`High Fidelity', based on the novel by Nick Hornby, only stumbles over a few thematic elements. In the screen translation, Rob's character seems to be confined at times, and lacking the edge and prickly cynicism that his romantically-challenged character would probably envelop. Director Stephen Frears (`The Grifters') uses the continual device of Rob talking directly into the camera to explain his various predicaments. Thanks to Cusack's spontaneity and distinguished range, this usually works, but Rob's chats with the audience occasionally grow tiresome because they lack a certain dimension of character. But no bother. Cusack, even with the sporadic instance of jarred emotions, manages to excel in presenting an offbeat character.... as he always does. It is pretty standard terrain, but Frears hits the nail of relationships on the head, and everyone seems to evolve to the liking of the viewer. Take Cusack's effortless chemistry with `Cosby' girl Lisa Bonet, playing a beautiful young singing talent, and you get the basic gist of the balmy approach that `High Fidelity' is gunning for.
I was surprised at how efficiently `High Fidelity' achieved some decisive romantic truth. It's a sweet, enjoyable motion picture, peppered with observant chuckles and immensely likable performances. It's familiar turf for Cusack, but `High Fidelity' sheds some gentle light on the awkward state of dating and relationships, and gets inside the head of your average single male. Yes, that's one small step for John Cusack, one giant leap for mankind.
(C) 2000, Jamey Hughton
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