Piven and Black need to hug it out

I just can't figure out if I love or hate the show. Hope it's okay to link to my thoughts here:

http://intimationsofubiquity.blogspot.com/2006/12/television-to-be-or-not-to-be-in.html

The surprising thing is that people like Jack Black, not that they don't.

/oh no he dittent

i didn't hear the howard stern thing, but from the sound of the article, i get the idea that the whole story was just jack black goofin' around.

I read somewhere that they wrote the script with Black in mind, but he initially didn't want to do it. Piven was then cast for the role, but had a conflict (the series Cupid, perhaps?) and instead of delaying High Fidelity's start, they convinced Jack Black to do it.

I see now that Cusack actually co-produced High Fidelity. There is a difference, however, between "suggesting people" for roles and actually casting them. Suggesting Piven for Jack Black's role would have been a mistake, and Cusack doesn't seem to make any (unless you count "Con Air.")

In interviews, John Cusack said the Jack Black was always the choice for Barry.

Well Jim, your point is flawed.

Cusack has never directed ANY films yet Piven has been in many of his films. As has his sister.
Cusack does have some pull as the star and can suggest people for roles (and some fit perfectly)

However I agree, that role would not have been good for Piven.

Cusack didn't direct the movie. He couldn't have cast Piven even if he wanted to.

Besides, Jack Black was perfect in the role. I can't imagine Piven doing half as good a job with it.

I heard the interview. Actually, Jack Black said it happened a long time ago and that there was a moment of awkwardness that disappeared after a moment.