28. High Fidelity

Rob: "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?"

The year is 2000. That number alone signifies a new beginning for many across the globe, as well as fears of the world coming to an end (sorry Y2k). So what does a film about a music obsessed, moody, apathetic, and (most importantly) nostalgic shop owner have to do with any of this? Quite a bit actually.

Although it was most likely not the intention of the director of the film, much less its stars, High Fidelity is the perfect film to be released in the year 2000, as it is a visual presentation of several of humankind's basic feelings: longing for the past, depression, and love. You see, it is the first of those that make this film so perfect, as it goes against the prevailing thought of society (unless you count those that are far too into "vintage"), yet still succeeds at presenting humans. No matter the person, we are all Rob. Everyone on this planet carries their doubts, regrets, and past pains with them, which is what Rob embodies. It is these things, as well as our hopes and dreams, that make a person complete. As simple a character as Rob is, he is the embodiment of what it is to be human.

Now, I admit that I may be taking it a bit far for this film, as most would describe it as a clever comedy with a tale that all could relate to. Or.....maybe it was the fact that the director, Stephen Frears, did an amazing job adapting a British novel for the united States, thus proving the universal quality of music.

I guess the simple reason for my love for this film....comes in my ability to connect to Rob. It could stem from his constant over-thinking or his love of music (some really great music humor throughout the film). Overall tis a fantastic film that all music lovers can enjoy.