Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) on July 31, 2002 at 22:43:10

In Reply to: "High Fidelity" posted by mikenyc on July 31, 2002 at 01:02:34:

John Cusack a "new" movie star? The Sure Thing came out in what, 1984-85? I've been a Cusack fan since that movie. He takes his characters places you don't necessarily expect them to go, he's got an intelligence behind the eyes and a joy in performing. Always interesting, always surprising.

OK, I admit it, I love High Fidelity. I was a vinyl junkie when I lived in Chicago and I used to re-sort/re-file my albums in times of stress, lol. The supporting cast is great in this film - Catherine Zeta Jones and Lili Taylor are a hoot. Jack Black - his best role so far.

Say Anything is one of my favorite comedies, and I still think it's Cameron Crowe's best film. A most unusual love story. I think it's way beyond cute. Sis Joan has an uncredited role as John's sister in this movie, their scenes together are lovely.

I agree The Grifters is a great movie and Cusack is excellent in it...he was overlooked and underrated when his costars received Oscar noms...but again, Cusack does the unexpected, playing a person who hides behind masks, a subtle, seething performance. The Grifters is one of my favorite films and favorite neo noirs. BTW, Steven Frears, who helmed High Fidelity, also directed The Grifters (another Academy Award nomination for Frears for Director).

I also like the offbeat anarchy of Gross Pointe Blank. Not a perfect movie, but it has its moments. (Cusack and real life bud Jeremy Piven play wonderfully off each other, and Cusack and Minnie Driver generate real romantc sparks.) Cusacks theater group, New Crime productions, produced this movie - I was fortunate enough to see several of their stage productions in Chicago...hope New Crime is still planning a sequel.

Cusack's very good in John Sayles' Eight Men Out. (If you look very hard, you can see me as an extra in this film, way way way up in the bleachers.)

Better Off Dead, Hot Pusrsuit and One Crazy Summer are teen comedies that helped secure Cusack a rep as a quirky, funny, offbeat leading man.

Fat Man and Little Boy was a good role for Cusack, but it sags rather badly. True Colors is better missed. Con-Air is silly, but worth a rent to see Cusack play a G-man who wears sandals. Serendipity and America's Sweethearts are less than they might have been, but John looks good in 'em, and they do minimally satisfy fangirl lusts.