John Cusack

John Cusack is an actor that I have never been particularly fond of.

 

I had always correlated Cusack with films like “Say Anything” where he portrayed that shy, yet so-called deep, young heartthrob searching for love in the chaotic 80s and early 90s.  All the women in my life associate Cusack with these roles, and they absolutely love him for it.  I, on the other hand, didn’t ever like Cusack, and could never really understand why people liked  Cusack.  The guy to me was a more serious version of Michael Cera, without the humor, good comedic timing and youthfulness.

 

However, my opinion about Cusack changed when I discovered the film “Being John Malkovich.”  I was a little late to the Spike Jonze party, and it took me about three years after Jonze started becoming popular to see his first film, “Being John Malkovich.”  The film is smart, funny, clever and has an all-star cast.  But what I remember most about BJM is how surprised I was with the role Cusack played.  In this film he was not a young, insecure, shy, yet deep, heartthrob.  His role in BJM was completely different, and I loved it.  

After viewing "Being John Malkovich" I decided to overlook my initial negative attitude towards Cusack and give the guy another chance.  I mean, come on, I was being a little hard on him and everyone deserves a second chance.

Soon thereafter, I ran across the Steven Frears' film “The Grifters.”  Watching “The Grifters” served me two purposes: first, it gave me the opportunity to watch Cusack again in a role unlike his previous earlier roles, and second, it allowed me to indulge in my new film noir fetish, a film genre that I think is so underappreciated that it is almost criminal.  Ultimately, I loved “The Grifters” and I once again loved Cusack in this film.  His character is a smart con-artist, and like BJM, Cusack plays the role perfectly.

I later found another Steven Frears’ film starring John Cusack entitled “High Fidelity.”  I think most people have heard of this film.  However, due to the film's horrible advertising and marketing campaign, everyone thinks this film is a romantic comedy, which fortunately it is not.  Sure it has some romance to it, but it is definitely not a rom com.

As an initial point, "High Fidelity" is FANTASTIC!  The screenplay is based on the cult novel by Nick Hornby and it was adapted to the screen beautifully.  The supporting cast is also fantastic.  I am usually pretty impartial about Jack Black, but I liked him in this film.  Black’s quirky personality matches his character very well.  And how can you not love Tim Robbins playing a supporting role as a conflict-management specialist with a hippie-like disposition.  Such a nice touch.

But the real star of this film is Cusack.  If I had to guess, Frears made this film with Cusack in mind.  Cusack talks a lot in this film, yet you never get sick of his voice.  You see his face in every scene, yet you never tire of it.  He argues, yells and complains 85% of the film and yet you enjoy every second of it.  To me, this is Cusack's finest role and an all-star of a movie.   

AND THE MUSIC, my god, the music in the film is PHENOMENAL.  And not just the soundtrack, but the references to music, the display of album covers, everything relating to music is awesome.  I mean seriously, how many times do you see references to Brian Eno or The Beta Band in mainstream films.  It blew my mind!

So looking back now, I feel a bit foolish about criticizing John Cusack and his abilities as an actor.  I am sorry, John, and I hope we can be friends some day.

Sincerely,

Prepstarr