High Fidelity (2000)

Best Cusack comedy ever (so far) !
John Cusack is a very funny guy! And, he definitely does not disappoint as the neurotic narcissistic record-store owner with relationship "issues" in High Fidelity. But, what really sets this one apart from the other brilliant work by Cusack is the high-energy supporting performance by Jack Black and Todd Louiso's hip nerdishness. The whole thing just crack's me up!

In the top five date movies.
On watching this for the second time I found myself even more impressed with the nimble way the film weaves themes of love, commitment, and existential angst together using the glue of pop culture. Even though Rob (the Cusak character) characterizes his obsession with music, film, etc. as being "shallow," the film conveys the ways in which music can define and alter the pivotal moments in our lives. Probably I am biased because two of my favorite Dylan songs make their way into the inner circle of crucial moments, but the film persuasively demonstrates the profound symbiosis between music and events. Think about it -- did you ever fall in love with someone who insisted on playing you crappy music? One of my favorite scenes is toward the end, when Rob talks about the methodology to making a good compilation tape for someone special. It may be troubling to think that emotions as important as love and loyalty could be affected by something as arbitrary as a pop song, but neuroscience does support this to a degree. The film also manages to assemble a ridiculous array of talent (even The Boss), and to be frequently hilarious without trivializing its message.

In the top five date movies.
On watching this for the second time I found myself even more impressed with the nimble way the film weaves themes of love, commitment, and existential angst together using the glue of pop culture. Even though Rob (the Cusak character) characterizes his obsession with music, film, etc. as being "shallow," the film conveys the ways in which music can define and alter the pivotal moments in our lives. Probably I am biased because two of my favorite Dylan songs make their way into the inner circle of crucial moments, but the film persuasively demonstrates the profound symbiosis between music and events. Think about it -- did you ever fall in love with someone who insisted on playing you crappy music? One of my favorite scenes is toward the end, when Rob talks about the methodology to making a good compilation tape for someone special. It may be troubling to think that emotions as important as love and loyalty could be affected by something as arbitrary as a pop song, but neuroscience does support this to a degree. The film also manages to assemble a ridiculous array of talent (even The Boss), and to be frequently hilarious without trivializing its message.