Monday, December 27, 2010

Movie of the Week - High Fidelity

This week’s movie is High Fidelity (2000).

The music comedy/drama is about record store owner Rob Gordon who, in the midst of a breakup, recounts his past failures with previous lovers – his top five breakups. This film is directed by very good British filmmaker Stephen Frears (check out Dirty Pretty Things and The Grifters, also with John Cusack). The crew is fantastic on the film with composer Howard Shore (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), cinematographer Seamus McGarvey (The Hours) and production designer Therese DePrez (Black Swan). The screenplay, based on the novel by awesome author Nick Hornby, is by Cusack, Steve Pink and D.V. DeVincentis – the group that also wrote (one of my favorite comedies) Grosse Pointe Blank. The film stars John Cusack (who is also a co-writer and producer on the film) and features a great supporting cast – Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack, Tim Robbins, Lili Taylor, Joelle Carter, and introducing Jack Black to mainstream audiences. What makes the film great is the dialog. There is so many memorable line and conversations in the film that it will instantly become a classic for those that enjoy the art of dialog over action or other film elements. The characters are also very well drafted for the purpose of the story – it is not just another sappy rom-com, it feels more real while having plenty of humor (and heartbreak). It is a must see for John Cusack and Stephen Frears fans, as well as those looking for a great but unconventional comedy. Check out the trailer.

Available to buy on DVD from Amzon.com and to rent at Netflix.com 

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