HIGH FIDELITY (2000)

Directed by: Stephen Frears
Written by: D.V. Devincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack, Scott Rosenberg
Studio: Touchstone Pictures
Starring: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Tim Robbins
Rated: R

About the film:
A thirty-something record store owner (and consummate list-maker) is told by his girlfriend that she’s leaving him due to his inability to grow and develop as a person. He makes a list of the worst five break-ups in his dating history and then decides to revisit these women to see if he can learn something about himself in the process.

Movie Quote:
“I guess it made more sense to commit to nothing, keep my options open. And that’s suicide... by tiny, tiny increments.”
Rob Gordon (John Cusack) in High Fidelity (2000)

Bible Quote:
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Commentary:
Rob Gordon has reached an age that most of us eventually get to; an age where we begin to reflect upon the choices that we’ve made in the past with the realization that it was those choices that determined our present state of being. Rob’s biggest error was in putting off making any choice that would give his life meaningful direction. That is, in and of itself, a choice... and not a good one.

An uncommitted man lives as a mere shadow. His life is shallow and unrewarding. It is through the commitments made during our lifetimes that we define who we are as individuals and what impact our lives shall have upon others.

While there is nothing wrong with keeping one’s options open or staying flexible so we might respond to new opportunities, that shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that we should never choose a course of action. We choose and as circumstances change, we have the God-given ability to adjust our heading accordingly.

God did not give us free will in order to watch us to atrophy in a continual state of indecision. He want us to set our hearts on the goals we have chosen and pursue them with vigor, energy and a fully persuaded mind. Only then will we receive the success we desire.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Do you know anyone like the employees of Rob’s store? What motivates or drives them? How is Rob different?
2. What scriptures has God given us that speak to the issue of maturing and developing as we grow? How do they relate to this film?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com