published online: March 20, 2000 "High Fidelity" dredges up memories of pop youth By Henry Y. Chung Courtesy of Daily Orange.com

I'm not in the habit of writing film reviews, since such a task is usually reserved for The Daily Orange's beloved Lifestyle staff. But after watching the film "High Fidelity" on Friday, I am compelled to share my shallow insights on this well-crafted piece. Unfortunately, this quirky film is destined to box-office mediocrity. But this movie takes me back to pop, the music that first caught my ear and helped me express my deepest sentiments.

"High Fidelity," adapted from Nick Hornsby's1995 novel, is directed by Stephen Frears, a British director whose films credits include "Dangerous Liaisons" and "The Grifters." This is a film that reminds us why we listen to pop music and how it affects out lonely lives. As protagonist John Cusack asks himself, "Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable. Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?" We all have our own answers.

Cusack is believable in his role as Rob, a used record storeowner and a part-time DJ at a neighborhood nightclub. His trouble begins as the audience learns that he has just broken up with his girlfriend, Laura (played by the talented Danish actress, Iben Hjejle). Of course, Rob then brags about how Laura doesn't make his top five breakup list and later amends that she barely makes No. 5.

The movie's comic relief is provided by Rob's employees at the record store, Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black). They are music encyclopedias who engage in ridiculous debates about pop music. Barry argues that "Leaders of the Pack" is the ultimate funeral song and exclaims that people who don't own Bob Dylan's original "Blonde on Blonde" vinyl are pathetic. Dick insists that Green Day commits major plagiarism from Stiff Little Fingers. Evidently, the movie's biggest celebration occurs when Rob and his employees fantasize about beating up Laura's new boyfriend - the long-haired, Zen-like cell-phone hippie Ian, played masterfully by Tim Robbins.

Without giving too much plot away, I shall explain what impact the film has on me. First, I know the Cusack's Rob character too well. I used to DJ and host several radio shows in high school. I feel that music and love are inseparable, since music defines different stages of a relationship. That's why I understand perfectly when Rob says to Laura, "Of course Marvin Gaye is responsible for our relationship."

Also, when Rob is down, he starts arranging his records alphabetically, chronologically or "autobiographically." I have over 500 CDs and I still remember where I got them. Each disc I own reveals a unique history and background about me, as I am not generous in lending my CDs to reputedly irresponsible individuals. One of my friends says, "You have more CDs than God." My music is a summation of my suffering, happiness and pride. Later Rob discovers that Laura that is his true love.

Overlooking the Chicago River, he makes a list of the top fives reasons that he misses her. One of them states, "I miss her smell. I miss the way she tastes." When asked about the couple chance of getting back together, Laura quotes an arbitrary "nine percent." I guess the dialogue in this film is so real that at some point in our lives we have already had it. And yet, the complexity of the human race allows us to reprise these priceless conversations without ever becoming tired of them.

So "High Fidelity" left me with two main thoughts. First, as Rob wanders around Chicago and searches in the phone book for his past love, I must admit I have had the same urge on several occasions. However, under the pretense of preventing unnecessary shock and embarrassment, I cowardly gave up those reunion plans.

For consolation purposes, I hereby deliver my ode to all the girls whom I have loved or secretly loved before - Thanks for making me who I am. Sometimes I wonder how I even made it get this far. The simple answer is that I wouldn't be here today without going through all our good and the bad times. I dedicate Al Green's "Tired of Being Alone" to every one of you for old time reminiscences.

Second, "High Fidelity" is a more realized version of John Cusack's 1989 "Say Anything." We loved him then; we still love him now. I dedicate "High Fidelity" to a special friend of mine whose favorite film is "Say Anything." I hope that next time when I watch either of these movies, I'll be watching it with her.

Later that night after returning home from the theater, I put on Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On" album and went to sleep soundly.

High Fidelity Official Homepage

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