Narcissism in High Fidelity

About the Book

The following study of narcissism in the leading character in a recent film, High Fidelity, nonetheless attempts without apology such a psychological analysis of a popular work of fiction. It is the argument of this study that, although High Fidelity is not necessarily high art or even a profoundly serious film, it does present, like much of the best popular art, an insightful and honest examination of a real modern dilemma: the difficulty of intimate relationships in a world where every emotion and every remark seems to have a pop culture reference or origin. This film presents, we will show, a complex and detailed portrait of a particular modern personality type, the narcissistic youth who turns into an overage Peter Pan incapable of commitment; more significantly, however, the film (and the book from which it was adapted) suggests a way out of this dilemma for the protagonist, who ultimately succeeds in overcoming his self-absorption.

About the Author

Dr. Kristina Nelson is an expert in the field of novel to film adaptation. She earned her doctorate from Warnborough University in literature, and holds an MA and BA in literature from California State University. She teaches literature and writing online, as well as writing for various online journals.

She lives with her husband, Chris Nelson, her dog Rascal, and her cat Slinky in Southern California.