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John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Lisa Bonet ... see more see more... , Joan Cusack , Sara Gilbert , Joelle Carter , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Chris Rehmann , Tim Robbins , Bruce Springsteen , Lili Taylor , Natasha Gregson Wagner , Ben Carr , Drake Bell , Dick Cusack

A man discovers that there's more to love than a good mixed tape in this dramatic comedy about music and relationships. Rob (John Cusack), an obsessive record collector in his mid-thirties, is struggl... read more read more...ing to reconcile his adolescent enthusiasm for pop music with adult responsibilities and a more mature outlook. He runs a record shop with his friends Barry (Jack Black) and Dick (Todd Louiso), who are known to drive away customers whose taste in music doesn't match their exacting standards -- which may have something to do with why the shop is losing money. But Rob's biggest problem is his failing relationship with Laura (Iben Hjejle), a lawyer who needs more out of the relationship than Rob is capable of giving. To Rob's horror, Laura starts dating Ian (Tim Robbins), his upstairs neighbor, known throughout the building for his long and noisy sex sessions. Rob, on the other hand, finds himself catching the attention of singer/songwriter Marie DeSalle (Lisa Bonet), as he tries to deal with his breakup by tracking down his previous ex-girlfriends and taking a fresh look at what he's been doing wrong. Based on the acclaimed novel by Nick Hornby, High Fidelity also features Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lili Taylor, and Joelle Carter as three of Rob's ex-lovers, and Sara Gilbert as Dick's new girlfriend, who gets a crash course in U.K. punk bands that influenced Green Day. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

88% liked it

188,264 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

147 critics

R, 1 hr. 53 min.

Directed by: Stephen Frears

Release Date: March 31, 2000

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DVD Release Date: September 19, 2000

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Stats: 12,644 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (12,644)

  • aquateen2
    March 8, 2012
    aquateen2
    According to John Cusack's character in the movie; books, records and films matter. That sounds about right. The story of High Fidelity is fairly simple but nevertheless highly entertaining. The performance by Cusack is excellent and the direction is powerful, the script is full ... read moreof laughs and the result is a very heartwarming comedy drama.
  • garyX
    November 17, 2011
    garyX
    An under achieving record store owner decides to contact a list of old girlfriends when he is dumped yet again to find out why he is doomed to be alone. Being EXACTLY the kind of anally retentive taste Nazi you see working in Championship Vinyl, I feel I have to point out that Am... read moreerican remakes of British stories are almost without exception, a TERRIBLE idea. But somehow, the relocation of Nick Hornby's celebrated novel to Chicago actually works quite well. It's partly because the characters are so well observed that it transcends any cultural differences there might be and of course, a screwed up relationship is a screwed up relationship wherever you happen to be on the globe. It also helps that John Cusack was pretty much born to play the role of Rob and his exasperated rants and hilarious music snobbery will be familiar to any male of a particular demographic as will his sidekicks, played to perfection by Jack Black and Todd Louiso. Inevitably, as the story is written by a man there is a lot less insight into the female characters and the plot in general is little more than the usual rom-com fodder with a Generation X spin so when the story concerns itself with his current relationship issues, it's a lot less interesting...but that just may be the Rob Gordon in me talking. The very funny observational comedy works a treat even if the plot isn't quite there, but it's good fun spotting all the people you recognise from your own life in it!
  • CreedsDelight
    August 20, 2011
    CreedsDelight
    'High Fidelity' is an interesting early 2000s relic. During my weekly library shopping (in which I pick out ten movies I've never seen, have a few friends over, and watch as many as we can until we fall asleep), I stumbled upon a movie called 'High Fidelity', which wasn't that in... read moreteresting to me until I saw that John Cusack was in it. I can proudly say that I am very pleased that I watched it because it is a very charming piece of work. Director Stephen Frears ('Prick Up Your Ears') chose a unique style of story telling, much like Woody Allen's 'Whatever Works', the main character takes moments in the film to directly talk to the camera to basically branch out his problems. I find that to be an interesting technique that is really enjoyable and relatable. The fact that it takes place in an old record store makes the film great simply because we are brought back to all of the old music that we had growing up with, but still including modern humor to please the newer filmgoers. As a lifelong fan of John Cusack, he is at the top of his game as usual. I believe Cusack is the sole being that can perfectly play a slacker (multiple times), and aside from looking exactly like Alan Rickman in 'Dogma', he gives a magnificent performance. The funniest thing about it is the film revolving around Cusack's "top 5" ex-girlfriends, and I hope I'm not the only one being slightly uncomfortable that his sister Joan Cusack plays one of them. Aside from that creepy aspect, we have a hell of a cast playing these women. Even though it is a pretty great film, I was disappointed at some moments, primarily that some scenes have the tendency to be prolonged as they attempt to entertain us with unnecessary ad-lib. Although that does have quite a bit of a big effect on the overall outcome of the film (and my rating), I still found this to be an extremely charming and effective film. Even though the laughs aren't too memorable, that is made up from a witty script, stylish direction, as well as a top-notch performance from John Cusack, making 'High Fidelity' a solid film, that I'll definitely revisit in the future.
  • jennifxu
    April 28, 2011
    jennifxu
    The more times I see High Fidelity, the more I grow to love it. I think that's because John Cusack, for all his pretentious douchebag moves, really emotes a sensitivity and authenticity in the midst of his messy, messy breakup. This film isn't afraid to go for the jugular, for th... read moree emotional punches in the chest - having sex in the front seat of a car in the wake of a funereal, Iben Hjejle's little remark about being tired which was so not romantic but somehow really was. The ending was not what I expected but it seemed like the most right thing in the world.
  • shawnewing92
    March 14, 2011
    shawnewing92
    A very unique film that balances great music and a man's past relationships. The non-linear plot style and great use of asides make this film a lot of fun to watch, and John Cusak plays his character perfectly.
  • theunknownhobo
    January 20, 2011
    theunknownhobo
    I will be honest and say the only reason I saw this movie is because I am a vinyl junkie. Someone gave me a copy of Hornby's book and told me that the character Rob Gordon, reminded them of me and I can see it in as much as we like the same music and wear the same jumpers, but I ... read moream nowhere near as analytical or as love starved as poor Rob is. John Cusack (Rob) delivers wonderfully fitting snuggly in this role and making it his own. This movie unfortunatly would not my top five, but if I were to make a list Rob, John Cusacks performance in this movie is definately in my top five Cusack roles of all time.
  • Gx7
    September 19, 2010
    Gx7
    Oh, back in the days when record stores werent obsolete. -- Review to follow
  • MizturY0da
    September 8, 2010
    MizturY0da
    3 stars
  • fb619846742
    July 24, 2010
    fb619846742
    A likeable enough film concerning a vinyl record salesman's (John Cusack) past relationships and how he's desperate to get the last one he had (Iben Hjejle) back so he won't further explore his paranoid thoughts of dying alone. You can either look at Cusack's character as a compl... read moreete jerk and someone you can't root for, or completely human and someone you end up liking. I'm in the latter department. Cusack's performance goes yards here, as he creates a very flawed and sometimes self-deprecating individual, who, despite his short-comings, comes across as lovable as well as a real person. Jack Black is also delightfully hilarious as a slacker worker at the store Cusack runs in downtown Chicago. If you're a music geek, you should really like this movie, director Frears has no problem breaking down the fourth wall (a risky move that pays off) and having Cusack talk directly to the audience, so you learn more about his character as well as the rabid music scene.
  • FrizzDrop
    July 15, 2010
    FrizzDrop
    Cusack named this film as one of his favorites. I can't agree more. Great story, with a savory music background, and real intimate feeling. A winner.

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Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum
February 5, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

If you can put up with all the archness and self-consciousness--there's quite a bit of both--this is an enjoyable romantic comedy. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
April 27, 2007
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

Mr. Frears has managed for the most part to retain the velocity of the narrative without sacrificing the psychological coherence of the characters. Full Review

Liam Lacey
March 19, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

A funny, perceptive movie about pop music, a man's confused passions for records and women, and the lure of perpetual teenagehood. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 10, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

You're still smiling when the film is over.

Kevin Maynard
March 6, 2001
Kevin Maynard, Mr. Showbiz

Created a doggedly faithful adaptation of Nick Hornby's cult-fave novel.

David Ansen
March 6, 2001
David Ansen, Newsweek

Cusack is a master at playing smart, frazzled, self-flagellating hipsters, and the movie, propelled by his arias of angst, lets him strut his best stuff. Full Review

Rita Kempley
March 6, 2001
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

Why not give it a spin? Full Review

Jay Carr
March 6, 2001
Jay Carr, Boston Globe

It's hard to remember the last time guys were nailed so perceptively and dragged into adulthood so warmly and entertainingly.

Terry Lawson
March 6, 2001
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

The cast has been put together like a good band.

Louis B. Parks
March 6, 2001
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle

[The script] is constantly scathing and comically cynical without ever turning really ugly or bitter. Full Review

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    • Rob Gordon: ...I agreed that what really matters is what you like, not what you are like... Books, records, films - these things matter. Call me shallow but it's the fuckin' truth, and by this measure I was having one of the best dates of my life.
    • Barry: Oh, that's not obvious enough Rob. How about the Beatles? Or fucking... fucking Beethoven? Side one, Track one of the Fifth Symphony... How can someone with no interest in music own a record store?
    • Rob Gordon: I'm tired of the fantasy, because it doesn't really exist. And there are never really any surprises, and it never really...
    • Laura: Delivers?
    • Rob Gordon: Delivers. And I'm tired of it. And I'm tired of everything else for that matter. But I don't ever seem to get tired of you, so...
    • Rob Gordon: Now, the making of a good compilation tape is a very subtle art. Many do's and don'ts. First of all you're using someone else's poetry to express how you feel. This is a delicate thing.
    • Barry: Well, it's sentimental tacky crap. Do we look like the kind of store that sells I Just Called to Say I Love You? Go to the mall.
    • Rob Gordon: What came first, the music or the misery? People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?
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High Fidelity Trivia

  • These movies were based on which author's books?: High Fidelity, Fever Pitch, About a Boy  Answer »
  • Which family members star together in "High Fidelity"?  Answer »
  • Connect the movies. Sixteen Candles Being John Malkovich Anastasia The Road to Wellville High Fidelity  Answer »
  • The book and the film High Fidelity (2000) both take place in Chicago.  Answer »
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