High Fidelity (film, 2000) & High Fidelity (novel, 1995)

For the first reviews, I'm going to focus on both the book and the film of the same story - this being High Fidelity.

The story is about a record-shop owner who breaks up with his girlfriend for a number of reasons. Five, in fact. A lot of the book is in fives - top five singles, top five all-time breakups. The story is told by the man himself, Rob. In the film, this is by a lot of talking to the camera. He tries to get his girlfriend back while assessing himself and his life in general.

High Fidelity (film, 2000)

High Fidelity (2000) on IMDb

My dad didn't like the film at all, but I thought it was OK. The story is really longer than a 100-minute film, but the writers do a decentish job of cutting it down, although the plot moves rather quickly in the first thirty minutes. There's a lot of focus on Rob's monologues, which are well delivered if a little uninspiring when spoken.

Jack Black, as Barry who works at the record shop, gave a good performance. He filled the role perfectly, although he generally does fit any role of ageing rocker well. The rest of the cast give solid performances, and aren't particularly put into the shade.

The film will mostly appeal to people who like a light-hearted, amusing film about a semi-serious story. The jokes are fairly fresh, although lifted from the book, and Rob's personal story is something relatable.

Overall: Carried somewhat by a decent novel base, solid film. Worth seeing if interested.

High Fidelity (novel, 1995)

Author: Nick Hornby

Unlike the film, the novel is British, set in London. Hornby's narrative style is good, I find, and the constant insights given are probably the best part of the book. His uncanny ability to make characters who are completely realistic and exactly like people you know is unnerving at times - passages of the book make perfect sense and you find that you've thought the same thing before. This is Hornby's genius.

The break-up with his girlfriend is illustrated by various bits and pieces of Rob's life, including some hilariously cynical and sarcastic parts. For men especially, his insecurities and problems are terribly familiar, and women will recognise a man like Rob in their lives. The plot is nice, not too demanding and not too simple.

The strength is in the characters, and Hornby creates an excellent selection. Laura, Rob's ex-girlfriend, is weak in my opinion, but his workmates Barry and Dick are especially good. The dialogue is strong too, which is probably why it eventually became a film. Musical references, ladled on with relish, are amusing and insightful, although I doubt if many readers can keep up, I certainly couldn't.

Everyone will recognise a little bit of the under-achieving, insecure Rob in themselves.

Overall: excellent fun, worth reading. Music a bonus.