High Fidelity: 8 Ways The Film Still Holds Up

2000’s film High Fidelity addresses heartache in the new millennium. Starring John Cusack, the film paints a picture of an everyman struggling after his girlfriend leaves him. Cusack was famous for being from Chicago and for his music appreciation, which is effectively utilized in the film.

High Fidelity could have easily faded into obscurity or fallen prey to problematic tropes twenty-one years after it was released. Not only does it hold up, but it was resurrected in a short-lived series for Hulu. Among its many endearing qualities is the film’s depiction of the hard reality of relationships, which rings just as true today as it did in 2000.

8 The Great Soundtrack

From the first frames of the film, High Fidelity acknowledges that it is a love letter to pop music. Adapted from Nick Hornby’s novel of the same name, John Cusack co-wrote the screenplay and infused his passion for music in the film. The film is a musical ultimately and choices such as “Dry the Rain” by The Beta Band were written into the script.

More than the song choices, High Fidelity is entirely unpretentious about music. It rewards knowledge about music but doesn’t pass judgment on musical preferences. While characters such as Barry judge customers at the record store for certain purchases, the main characters celebrate their love of music and want to share it with one another. Modern audiences can appreciate a good soundtrack that has diverse acts as Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, and Steve Wonder. These songs help make High Fidelity not only one of the best films with a killer soundtrack but also a timeless work as these artists have never gone out of style.

7 The Reality Of Breaking Up

High Fidelity is primarily about romance but some moments are uncomfortable because they are so true to life. Breakups are hard and often not explosive or sudden. Rob and Laura’s relationship deteriorated because of miscommunication and not meeting each other’s needs.

The film opens with Laura packing up her things. Neither of them is angry or bitter. They continue the film talking over their issues and resolving them in the end. High Fidelity shows how hard and mundane heartbreak can be. Rob and Laura’s relationship isn’t defined by unbelievable romantic gestures or silly rom-com tropes. Instead, the film honestly depicts their union and subsequent break-up with a minimal amount of melodrama.

6 It Celebrates Chicago

Of the cities that are generally represented in film and television, Chicago does not always make the cut. Even films that take place in New York were often filmed in Los Angeles. One of the great uses of Chicago was in one of the best 1990s thrillers The Fugitive, which showcased recognizable landmarks and Chicago-specific plot points.

High Fidelity uses Chicago in a different way as it celebrates the city’s underground music scene. It name-checks music venues likes Lounge Ax and the Double Door and references the Chicago newspaper, The Reader. Rob can be seen taking the L on multiple occasions. High Fidelity doesn’t just use Chicago, it loves a city that is not always appreciated in film. The city is a separate character and still draws in viewers today with its unique urban landscape.

5 Rob Is Not A Hero

While Rob may be the protagonist of the film, he is not a hero. Many romantic comedies and dramas require the main character to be sympathetic. High Fidelity does not require this of Rob. The film goes above and beyond to show the mistakes that people make in relationships. Neither Laura nor Rob are perfect. Rob shouldn’t be idolized because he is a human being just like the viewers.

Rob cheats and blames other people for the issues in his own life. But when he is confronted with these truths, he understands them. Rob realizes the mistakes he has made and does his best to correct them. Rob is respectful of his exes and realizes what he has done to hurt these women. He does his best to correct these mistakes and make things right with Laura. Modern audiences are more used to unlikable protagonists like Rob more than ever with television shows like Breaking Bad and other acclaimed TV dramas about antiheroes popularizing this archetype.

4 Breaking The 4th Wall

Recent films have come to appreciate the trope of breaking the 4^th wall. Films like Deadpool use characters speaking to the audience as humor. At the time that High Fidelity was made, however, breaking the 4^th wall was not seen regularly in mainstream cinema. Rob breaks the 4^th wall within in the first scene, immediately introducing the concept of the film.

Rob spends the film telling the audience about his top five breakups. But this device is a way for him to cope with the fact that his heart is broken. He realizes that Laura does make the top five heartbreak list and only then are they able to resolve their issues. This method of directly talking to the screen immediately establishes a rapport between the character and the audience. Both in 2000 and in the present, viewers can relate to the pain and frustration Rob is going through because of his direct and often brutal confessionals to the camera.

3 It Acknowledges The Female Perspective

In one of John Cusack’s best movies, High Fidelity naturally adopts Rob’s perspective. He is the one being broken up with and the character who has a desire that needs to be fulfilled. It is easy for Rob to cast judgment on Laura and his exes. However, the film still acknowledges that the women in his life have their own experiences and gives them the same amount of respect as Rob.

After Rob breaks up with Penny for not sleeping with him, she is traumatized. She can’t have a functioning sexual relationship for a long time and makes sure that Rob is aware of what he’s done. Laura leaves Rob and moves in with another man. She doesn’t apologize for this because it is what she needed at the time. Women in the film are treated as fully formed characters, even if they aren’t the protagonist.

2 It Shows Relatable Relationship Anxieties

The fodder for most romantic films is the highs and lows. Meeting for the first time and the eventual separation between the lovers. High Fidelity shows the elements of relationships that are less dramatic, but more realistic.

Rob’s relationships all had their issues and his anxiety that is seen with Charlie and Laura is relatable to the audience. For instance, Rob correctly feels that Charlie is out of his league. He lets this possess him and it eventually tarnishes the relationship. Even with Laura, the film makes it clear that she is not Rob’s soulmate but they love each other and want to make it work. That’s what matters in a relationship.

1  It Has A Satisfying Ending

The realism demonstrated in High Fidelity is an important aspect. The film earns Rob and Laura’s reconciliation by dealing with their decision to get back together with seriousness. Although not everything is solved, the viewer understands that they will continue to work on their problems.

The ending sequence at the record release party is full of joy for the first time in the movie. Not only do Rob and Laura get back together and support each other’s endeavors, but they finally get to see Barry’s band. Jack Black performs an entertaining rendition of “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. The characters are surprised at how good it is and is a perfect cap on the story. All audiences love a satisfying ending, and High Fidelity delivers that successfully. Rob’s romantic problems persist, but he has grown from his experience and is able to be happy and content with his flaws.

About The Author

Carolyn Jenkins
(109 Articles Published)

Carolyn Jenkins is a voracious consumer of film and television. She graduated from Long Island University with an MFA in Screenwriting and Producing where she learned the art of character, plot, and structure. The best teacher is absorbing media and she spends her time reading about different worlds from teen angst to the universe of Stephen King.

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