Hey folks... Harry here with a film that had one hell of a script, IMHO, and I've been hoping to hear good things about shoot wise... but has stayed pretty much beneath the radar till our own spy armed with industrial strength fog machines clouded the film vault and had a bit of an improved screening all his own.... Damn them super-villains... always doing the unexpected.... And here with some spoilers is his look at the actual film...
Hi Harry, It's good 'ole Mysterio here again. This time out, were gonna take a short break from script reviewing and review a little new film not due out until some time next year.
It stars John Cusack as record-store owner Rob Gordon in the big-screen adaptation of "HIGH FIDELITY", based upon the novel of the same name by Nick Hornby.
Rob's not very lucky in love. In fact he hasn't been in quite some time, maybe not his entire life. We're introduced to Rob on the eve of being dumped by his girlfriend Laura. She walks out on him, leaving him with but his thoughts and fears that threaten to keep him from ever finding true love.
So, with that, Rob recounts to us (through the camera), his experiences and confusion surrounding his past lovers, and why he always ends up feeling rejected by them.
He reflects back to his junior high school years to where it all started with his first girlfriend. Then we gradually follow him through his college years, which then leads him through to his present years. We meet his past and present girlfriends, and through his perspectives we learn a little bit about what brought them together, and eventually what torn them apart as we follow Rob through a personal journey of self-reflection and maturity in his quest to win Laura back.
This kind of subject matter is the kind the Cusack knows best. I can think of no better man for the job. Whether it's playing such characters as Walter Gibson, Lane Myer, Lloyd Dobbler or Martin Blank, Cusack's got a natural charm and sincerity for making these characters likable, admirable and most importantly, believable.
Even through his facial expressions, he's able to display the right kind of emotion just for the scene. Whether it's of shock, disbelief, pain or happiness, Cusack's performance delivers, and he shines throughout. It's just no wonder to me that he's not a huge start right now, but that may have to with the quirky projects he takes, only occasionally flirting with the mainstream.
Although the film firmly rests upon Cusack's performance, he is backed up by a respectable supporting cast which also features Catherine Zeta-Jones, Natasha Wagner, Lisa Bonet. And re-uniting with Cusack, Lili Taylor ("SAY ANYTHING…"), Joan Cusack ("GROSSE POINTE BLANK") and a hilarious performance by Tim Robbins ("TAPEHEADS" - a cult fav of mine) as a rival suitor. All giving fine performances for their allotted screen time.
It's so cool to see John and Tim back on-screen together. They have great chemistry and fun on camera and it shows. And when they're on they're hilarious.
"Grosse Pointe Blank" writers D.V. deVincentis, Steve Pink, & Cusack adapted the film. (Speaking of which, when are we going to see that supposed rumored sequel guys? I adore this flick!) There are several characters and individual stories to juggle around and it seems they've covered them quite well for it's lean 2 hour running time. Although I feel for some, it may have been a little too long, and some trimming of the fat may be necessary.
Stephen Frears who last directed Cusack in "THE GRIFTERS" also capably directs the film.
The music is also made apparent throughout, as it's just as much a character as anyone else in the film, helping to convey Rob's moods, feelings and thoughts. The soundtrack feels right for this film, and anyone with any background or music appreciation, should appeal to all the references made throughout the film.
