The chances I’d like this film were not high! For a start, I wasn’t keen on the book by Nick Hornby (first published in 1995) which is narrated by a bitter, sexist, self-pitying music snob. Furthermore, I’m not a fan of John Cusack or Jack Black. However, many people, critics and public, love this movie – which is directed by Stephen Frears – so I watched it! A lot of the dialogue and scenes found their way into the film, but there were not so many (dated) cultural references, less grim discussion about death, and the language was not so explicit. John Cusack got through so many cigarettes in this film that I could smell the smoke. He plays a record store owner, Rob, whose girlfriend has left him and he takes comfort in his records, while obsessing over the women who rejected him. As he is very into ‘top 5’ lists, here are lists of the best and worst things about this film.

Best:

1. Rob’s narration to the camera feels like he is confiding in us and is one of the more engaging aspects of the film.
2. Laura (Iben Hjejle) plays her character well and is really lovely despite her oddly short fringe.
3. I like the opening credits which had the spinning vinyl.
4. There are records in this film, lots of them. I like records and this made me want to buy more.
5. Bruce Springsteen has a cameo, which if you’re a fan (I’m not) is a nice touch.

Worst:

1. The number of torrential downpours which Rob is caught in (without a raincoat or umbrella), to demonstrate his emotional turmoil, is ridiculous.
2. The change of setting, from North London, to Chicago in the US. Rob in the book was anti-American (except for their music!) so this is ironic. The record store, which in the book is cramped and hidden away, is rather spacious and noticeable in the film.
3. Marie LaSalle, an American folk singer whom Rob has a relationship with in the book, becomes a one-night stand in the film. Her role (played by Lisa Bonet) is diminished in favour of Laura.
4. Rob’s character is not more likeable in the film, even if he is relatable. He should either have been a nicer character so we care what happens to him, or be made even more unpleasant so he had a better redemption.
5. The awful ending has been kept. Basically, after Laura’s dad passed away, she was “too tired not to be with” Rob. This is how they get back together, despite Rob’s treatment of her and despite him owing her money. Cringe.

To be fair, the film is a quarter of a century old and I’m sure it was better to watch it in the early 2000s. I think I’d say the book is slightly better than the film, but not by much.

Image: Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8526204