Rewatching "High Fidelity" and STILL feeling Rob's pain

Okay, so I revisited "High Fidelity" last night. Man, John Cusack just gets it, doesn't he? I know some people find Rob (his character) whiny and self-absorbed, but honestly, I think that's kind of the point. He's a guy in his 30s who's completely stunted emotionally, and Cusack plays that vulnerability and insecurity so well. It's not like he's deliberately trying to be a jerk (okay, sometimes maybe he is!), it's more like he just doesn't know how else to be. Also, I always forget how stacked that supporting cast is. Jack Black is, well, Jack Black, but Lisa Bonet is amazing as Marie DeSalle. The scene in the record store when she's singing, and you can see Rob is genuinely moved? So good! I think what I love most about "High Fidelity" is how honest it is about relationships. Not just romantic ones, but friendships too. Barry and Dick are such weirdos, but they're Rob's weirdos, you know? They challenge him, they annoy him, but they're always there. And ugh, I know I should hate Laura (Iben Hjejle), because she dumps him at the beginning, but she's also got a point! Rob IS a mess, and she deserves someone who can actually commit. The phonecall scene between Rob and Laura where he's finally being vulnerable? Gets me every time. There's also the music, obvs. The soundtrack is incredible (duh!), but it's not just about the songs themselves, it's how Rob uses music to process his feelings. It's his language, his way of understanding the world. I relate to that SO much. I've def made similar playlists to cope with breakups and heartbreak. Honestly, the whole vibe of the movie is just so relatable. And how natural the dialogue flows! It isn't trying to be anything its not, down to the imperfections. I think what makes "High Fidelity" so good is that it manages to be both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. It doesn't shy away from the messy, complicated parts of being human, and it doesn't pretend that love is always easy. Plus, Cusack's fourth wall breaks are just perfect. It’s a solid movie. What do you guys think? Any other Cusack performances you really dig?