In 1996, novelist, Chuck Palahniuk published a book titled, “Fight Club.” Story is about an unnamed man (credited as Narrator) from chronic insomnia and hates his job working on product recall. He spends his spare time going to various group therapy sessions. Ironically, addicted to support groups. Suddenly, he meets a mysterious man named, Tyler Durden. The pair form an unlikely friendship. They form an underground fist fight where people partake in a one-on-one match. As the story progresses, the Narrator learns a shocking truth about his friend.
The book earned huge praise from literary critics and sold enough copies. Chuck’s book gained recognition encouraging 20th Century Fox (pre-Disney purchase) to adapt it into a film. David Fincher signed on to direct after David O. Russell, Danny Boyle & Peter Jackson turned down directing duties because of scheduling conflicts. Brad Pitt and one of my all-time favorite actors, Edward “Ed” Norton portray Narrator & Tyler Durden.
Released in 1999, (same year The Matrix came out) Fight Club earned divisive reactions from critics and recoup expenses at the box office. Overtime, the film gained a cult following on home video earning significant praise. Fight Club’s considered one of the best (if not the best) films of all time. I ranked it as number six as part of my Top 12 Favorite Films.
There are two big reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Fight Club.
- Edward Norton will appear in James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown” with Timothee Chalamet. Release Date, December 25, 2024.
- Brad Pitt’s latest movie, “Wolfs” is now streaming on Apple TV Plus. His next project’s “F1.” It’ll be released in June 27, 2025.
Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving people like my fellow movie critic, BloggedByEric to see this modern classic.
Winner & Loser Aspects
Winner: Brad Pitt & Edward “Ed” Norton both did a magnificent job for their respective performances as Tyler Durden & Narrator.
Other Cast Members such as Helena Bonham Carter, Jared Leto and the late Meat Loaf all did a decent job for their respective performances.
David Fincher (Seven, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Gone Girl) did an excellent job directing.
Fight Scenes are pretty brutal. Not in a beautiful way. This movie’s not for children. It contains a lot of sex and fatalities. To quote the announcer from Adult Swim Action. “Put the kids to bed and get ready to get down!”
Memorable Dialogue became a staple in pop culture. Nearly everybody quotes a specific line on a day-to-day basis. Most of Tyler’s monologues are philosophical. He’s kinda like Heath Ledger’s Joker.
- First rule of Fight Club, you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club, you do not talk about Fight Club!
- The thing you own, ends up owning you.
- You wanna make an omelet, you gotta break some eggs.
- I felt like destroying something beautiful.
- This is your life, and it’s ending one minute at a time.
- We are a by-product of a lifestyle obsession.
- His name was Robert Paulsen! (my personal favorite)
Cinematography’s shot perfectly in Super 35mm.
Fun Fact: After Tyler asked Narrator to hit him, Ed really punched Brad. They’re both method actors not afraid of to pull any punches. No pun intended. Heck, even Ed lost weight and suffered insomnia to get into character. I’m bummed out he didn’t never won an Oscar.
Chemistry between Narrator & Tyler serves as the main highlight.
Character Development involving Narrator. As the film progresses, he has a sudden realization.
Pacing wasn’t boring at all. I was immediately hooked since the Opening Credits.
Mr. Fincher stated “The Graduate” as a primary influence.
Opening Credits predates the first X-Men movie. Also produced by Fox.
Primary Themes are Identity, Loneliness, Mentality, Consumerism, Control, White-Collar Work, Rebellion & Freedom. Each one’s handled maturely.
The film also satirizes things in a pessimistic view. Business in the White-Collar Field, Marketing and rich people living a Luxurious Lifestyle.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I refuse to spill the beans. You’ll have to see for yourself. I consider this as the crowning jewel of Plot Twists in cinematic history.
Upon first viewing, it’s worth a rewatch for subtle clues before the Plot Twist. Gotta love a rewatch bonus.
The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” plays during the End Credits. I think it’s the best usage of a song during the End Credits. It deserves Bonus Points for giving me goosebumps.
Loser: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Fincher and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Fight Club remains as a modern classic and one of my all-time favorite films. Positive stuff mentioned above, indicates why this film is without a doubt, a masterpiece. If you haven’t seen Fight Club, it’s definitely worth your spare time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 