Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

A while ago I made a top ten list of my favorite movies; Fight Club came in at number two. Interestingly enough it was also the only film on the list that I have not reviewed yet. That is probably because it is such a multidimensional film that is thickly layered upon messages of society it seemed like a difficult task, I guess I’m finally up for it now. I first watched Fight club last summer I immediately fell in love with it and had been dying to do a review on it ever since. Anyways Fight Club is an immensely popular film that is a nineties classic that will be remembered for years to come. It conveys thick messages throughout the use of violence in a masterful social commentary on consumerism and materialism. The ideas the film shows are quite amazing and although t might not always ring true to you it is always interesting and intriguing.

Fight Club has basically revolves on the lives of three people. The main characters has no name and is known as the narrator because he represents your everyday person. He has a standard job and lives in a condominium where he buys from IKEA to enhance his house. His life changes when he meets Tyler Durden; a minimalist whose philosophy on life greatly differs from the narrator. The two live together and start up a fight club where men can fight each other to vent their anger at their lives. And then there is Marla Singer who the narrator first meets through his support groups. After Tyler saves her, the two get together but remains mysterious to the narrator. He sees her as annoying and can’t figure out how to balance out his life with her.

Fight Club is an incredibly well done film. It starts so simple but becomes much more complex all while still revolving around three characters. It is also easy to understand plot wise, the messages will take more time catching on to but as far first viewings go this film is not too hard to understand. This film could be seen as Clockwork Orange for the new age. Both films are somewhat similar. Both contain violence to illustrate a point and both have messages relating to society, except that Fight Club doesn’t quite attack government. Fight Club has been described as a very violent film, and while that statement may be true the violence is justified most of the time. It is never done out of hate and they just fight to release their anger. There is only one instance in which violence is done out of hate. For people who call this film a glorification on violence or promotes it, obviously haven’t thought about the film enough. This film is much more than just fighting it is about our lives and how we depend on consumerism to survive, kind of like Dawn of the Dead.

Since the film focuses on three primary characters the cast is small but very talented. Edward Norton is excellent as the narrator and his portray is just great. He is neurotic in the beginning but becomes something more than he could have ever imagined. Brad Pitt is electrifying as Tyler Durden; a person some would find crazy where others would worship him. He is not as energized as in Twelve Monkeys but doesn’t exactly down play his role either. In fact the role of Tyler Durden and Jeffrey Goines are actually pretty similar. Both are extremist who would do crazy things for what they believe in. Brad Pitt really is a great actor and this film improves his record. Finally we have Helen Bonham Carter who can play mysterious/crazy roles like no other. She is intriguing and we are never exactly clear on what her motives are in her decisions. She is a good character and Helen Bonham Carter really brings the character to life. The acting and chemistry between the leads are nicely established and they all work together nicely. Also making an appearance is Meat Loaf who fits in nicely.

The screenplay is terrific and is filled with many good quirks with an underlying sense of humor. How this did not get nominated for best adapted screenplay is beyond me. Actually Fight Club got cheated at the Oscars. Only one nomination for best effects it should have easily won for many technical awards. The cinematography is also wonderful. With much blatant product placement for the films point it works well. The star bucks cups and krispy cream doughnuts and the IKEA all fit into the movie one way or another. It is darkly lit but the mood is dark like Se7en, but unlike Se7en this film has a lot of fun to it and a good sense of humor. Most of the humor comes from the brilliant narration. With the screenplay and acting the film never lets you down for a second. You are always wondering what will happen next and by the time of the plot twist you are blown away.

For me I love a film that I can watch over and over and it will remain interesting and I will want to know what happens next. I’ve felt this way about Goodfellas, Sin City, and Donnie Darko as well as many others and I can certainly say this film never gets old and it remains an intriguing story. At 138 minutes it is not exactly short but long enough to tell a complete story with a resolution. With brisk pacing it allows the film to switch from one different angle to the next with ease. One minute we are watching Edward Norton in a support group the next were watching project mayhem blow up a building.

Overall Fight Club is an amazing film, it conveys a message about materialism and how we are dependent on possessions. Although this is not the first time this has been done (Dawn of the Dead) it is very intriguing and interesting. Society is also satirized in a fun and interesting way. This film makes some excellent points and succeeds in its morals and messages. It also has great music to back up the film. Like the movie the music is mysterious and ominous giving it an ambient feel. If you have not yet seen Fight Club I highly recommend it, it is very entertaining and it should make you think and laugh. It is a smart satire and sends across interesting messages. David Fincher is an excellent director who has proven himself to be one of the most talented directors time after time (Se7en, the game) and this film really showcases his talents. 1999 was a great year for films with such films as Being John Malkovich, American beauty, the Matrix, and The Insider and this film is easily one of the best of the year, it’s a shame it was ignored by the academy. Brilliantly shot and scripted this film ranks among the nineties best and one of my favorite films.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older