Tuesday, August 22, 2006

John Cusack



in my eyes, john cusack is the archetypal romantic-comedy leading actor, basically because he's human, and I'm talking about the characters he plays in his movies. yes, he's done very dramatic films, and of course, he was in being john malcovich, but still, for me it's movies like say anything, better off dead, serendipity, one crazy summer and high fidelity that really stick to my heart.

the romantic-comedy genre has been dead for some time, and it's possible that it's always been dead, basically because they're not real. hugh jackman can't be in a romantic-comedy film, he's just not human, i can't buy his emotions. adam sandler - or anyone out of the cast of saturday night live - aren't human, they're too goofy and can't be taken seriously (although adam sandler was in punch-drunk love, a beautiful bizarre romantic-comedy, but that's another story). so, how can we really feel this should-be-easy-to-create combination of romance and comedy?

enter john cusack.

john cusack feels. he falls. he has his peaks. he's funny. he's cute (that helps, of course, but he's no hunk, no no). john cusack definitely expresses his desire to fulfill the "romantic" part of his role, without overusing the sexual forces of nature, and he doesn't rely on saccharine melancholy to try to seem like the ordinary man in this world.

life is not like in the movies. we've heard that a thousand times, and we know it, and everyday we which life would be like in films, but there's nothing we can do... except of course, if you're talking about a john cusack romantic-comedy. why can't it be like real life?... why can't real life be like his movies?

what i'm trying to say is that sometimes in my life, i've had to do the old zach-morris-breaking-the-fourth-wall routine... stop time, turn to the imaginary camera of my life, and say: "i've just had a john cusack moment." and that, my friends, is a simple thing that brings happiness to your life. because that's what life is about, a collection of little moments that, if done well, can be replayed in your mind like your favorite movies.

yes, i've had those moments. i've had my own little movie magic... and i was john cusack.

5 comments:

Edilma said...

I didn't like High Fidelity....although Jack Black was really funny in that one.

But i must say he's cute and i liked him in Must Love Dogs and some other movies...

Dear Nilz, does this mean you have held a radio in your arms, playing a sappy song on someone's window?...and of course, wearing a big coat?

(K)

Nilz said...

yes edilma, i've done that one too many times, but i always forget to buy batteries. but it's the intention that counts, right? no? ok, let me sob.

(K)

Anonymous said...

Nilz,

Such a lovely post! I'm thinking about those little moments that have made me happy lately...and replaying them in my mind.

I like what you said about John Cusak. I also enjoy his sister, Joan Cusak, and wish she was in more movies. The Cusaks are one talented family.

Nilz said...

hi minnie. yes, joan is also very talented. i always crack up when i watch ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES.

moments, little moments indeed.

take care.

Anonymous said...

Life's full of magic.