Monday, July 11, 2011

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club is a brilliant, classic film and has an outstandingly well-written script and exceptional execution by director David Fincher. The film adaptation stays true to the novel with a few exceptions including the conclusion and flows smoothly as the story progresses along with constant narration by the main character. You may think that this film is all about violence, but you must delve deeper.

Throughout the duration of the film, the insomniac protagonist’s name is never mentioned; thus, he’s known as The Narrator. There are several theories such as Jack but that is based on figurative statements. On a flight home from his monotonous job, he meets Tyler Durden, a “soap salesman”, who leads to the spread of Fight Clubs in numerous basements around the country and later resulting in Project: Mayhem.
There is only one part that drags but, overall, this is a very fast-paced film that keeps you entertained and the intensity rises as The Narrator ventures deeper into crime and oblivion. During one of the action scenes, The Narrator is thrown down the stairs. The stunt man had to fall down the stairs eleven times and they ended up using the first take! I love that part!



In addition to Helena Bonham Carter as Marla Singer, Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are perfectly casted as the two friends who start the Fight Club in order to channel anger and aggression as a unique therapy. In addition to Primal Fear, this is Edward Norton’s second movie where he portrays a character with multiple personalities. Only The Narrator is more complex.



If you have not seen Fight Club, don’t read any further. Sorry, but I must continue, I love this film! In truth, Tyler is the manipulative alter ego of The Narrator. The Narrator may appear as only a member of Project: Mayhem under the leadership of Tyler, but he is actually the boss who leads numerous acts of vandalism.





After watching it a second time, you discover the countless clues throughout the film that leads to the cryptic twist at the conclusion. These meticulous details are proof of the non-existence of Tyler. Here are a few examples. Approximately 5 single frames of Tyler Durden randomly flash in the background of several different scenes before his character actually appears on screen. It’s as if The Narrator has already developed Tyler in his mind but just hasn’t released him yet. Also, Marla is never in the same frame with The Narrator and Tyler. There are many more clues; you just have to keep your eyes open.




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