Review: Fight Club

The movie Fight Club, based upon the book of the same name, was released on October 15^th, 1999. Almost nine years later, this classic is still being enjoyed by first time viewers and Fight Club-veteran watchers alike. Personally, I have seen this movie close to 30 times after watching it for the first time nearly eight months ago. In my opinion, this movie is one of the greatest ever created, if not the best.

“This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time.”
-- Narrator / Edward Norton

From the homoerotic scenes in the beginning to the twist ending at the end to the intense sexual encounters with Marla Singer (played by Helena Bonham Carter) the movie keeps you watching. The nameless narrator, played by Edward Norton, keeps you enthralled of his story of Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt) and somewhat of their “Fight Clubs” (which were, ironically, some of the smallest parts of movie). The movie plays out in a “flashback” sense, with the movie beginning at the end of the plot; the narrator telling you his story from the beginning. The direction of the movie is top notch as were the beautiful graphics and special effects. The soundtrack (available for purchase by The Dust Brothers) fits perfectly with the dark futuristic feel that Fight Club has. The camera views of the narrator and of Tyler Durden are very well done, but you will only understand why after watching the movie more than once (I am trying not to give any spoilers away).

“On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero.”
--Narrator / Edward Norton

This movie has very little problems with it. The plotline is very complex and may be confusing to some people. The story is also very disturbing and intended for mature audiences only. That's what the “R” rating is for. The dialogue is filled with excessive cursing (too many four-lettered words to count), the speech is often very dark, depressing, and somewhat apocalyptic (intricate discussions about life threatening diseases, suicide, wishing to die, and an overall apathetic approach to God), and overall disturbing content (stealing removed fat from liposuction clinics, taking advantage of support groups, and poking fun at car crash victims). There is a lot of violence and blood in the movie, so much so that several friends of mine would look away at every fighting scene. The sexuality of the movie is also very gratuitous (several bare breasts, a “nice big cock”, and a suspected vibrating dildo owner, to name a few). If you are able to stomach the disturbing content, then I believe that you will enjoy the movie as a whole.

“...like the first monkey shot into space; without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.”
-- Tyler Durden

The movie also calls upon us all to take a look at each of our own lives and size everything up. It calls for us to look at our own materialism and ask, “Do we really need all this?” It is difficult to not see at least one aspect of Edward Norton's nameless character in oneself. If you are like myself, you will find yourself quoting it nonstop.

Overall, Fight Club is a win. I cannot suggest seeing this movie highly enough. It truly does have something for everyone – but leave the kids at home; this movie is not for them, not that this detracts from the overall feature in the least bit. It is rare that a critic gives anything a perfect score, but this movie has earned it.

I'd give it...10 out of 10

“The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.
The second rule of Fight Club is...YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB.”
-- Tyler Durden