High Fidelity
© 2000 Touchstone Pictures

High Fidelity is based on a book of the same name by Nick Hornby about a record shop owner who looks back at the most influential girlfriends of his life and wonders where his relationship with each went wrong, the dilemma being whether his most recent relationship is now also over. The original setting is Finsbury Park, North London, a place close to my lobster heart having daily clawed my way to and from it's tube station for a number of years now. My journey takes me past a record shop on Stroud Green Road (Topic Records Ltd), opposite the well known World's End pub and music venue, which looks like it could be the type of independent store portrayed in Hornby's novel. Could this have been the inspiration for his imagination? Could it have been the real life expression of the tale? The film isn't based in Finsbury Park, but in Chicago USA, which is home to the leading actor, co-screenwriter and co-producer.

The lead role is played by John Cusack who has recently come to prominence having also starred in films such as Pushing Tin and Being John Malkovich. In fact he so dominates the film that it's difficult to remember some of his co-stars without pausing for thought. Difficult that is except for Catherine Zeta Jones who, to my inexperienced lobster mind, is blatantly cast in a peripheral role solely in order to boost the film's ratings. No harm done I might add, although I was hovering on the edge of my seat at times waiting for Antonio Banderas to swoop in and carve a 'Z' on anything that moved. Tim Robbins also makes an appearance but, for me at least, is less recognisable than Zeta Jones. The film doesn't need action or special effects. If you're looking for a Schwarzneggar movie this one's not for you. If you want a relaxing night in watching a video with a believable story, officially delivered as a comedy, and interesting characters then this one could surely be on your list. And of course if you're a fan of music the record store sub-plot, and Cusack's attempts to determine it's relevance to his personal life, provides further interest. High Fidelity - starring, co-screenwritten by and co-produced by John Cusack, directed by Stephen Frears, and co-starring Iben Hjejle and Jack Black among others. I enjoyed it, I hope you do too.

For more information on the film High Fidelity go to the official website High Fidelity

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High Fidelity - Movie with John Cusack, review ©2001 Lobby The Lobster & Virtually Acoustic
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