fightclub

David Fincher's " Fight Club " is one of the most visually exciting and narratively ambitious films of the last decade. It is a film that displays the   downside of commercialism and the importance of personality. And it's a damn good film at that.

The basic plot of the film surrounds an insomniac named Jack, who has become yet another insignificant member of the human race, his mind swayed into buying and owning   the best brand names, as opposed to having his own mind. Jack becomes addicted to support groups, as they are the only outlet for his inner depression. He meets a fellow addict, a sleazy woman named Marla Singer who’s philosophy is that " you could die at any time ." He also befriends a mysterious man named Tyler Durden, who seems his exact opposite. Tyler does as he pleases, and is   not affected by the fads of society. Jack   and Tyler form an underground organization called " Fight Club ", where troubled men vent their anger by beating each other up in sparring matches. " Fight Club " grows into a wide arson organization that’s sweeps many major cities and Jack must decide if enough is enough.

Behind it's flashy visuals and clever dialogue, " Fight Club " is a very intelligent film which shows that without personality, the world would be a very boring place, plagued by brand names and company's. As Tyler Durden puts it , " Televison leads us to believe that one day we will all be rock stars and movie gods, …. but we won't …. and we're slowly beginning to realise that. " This is a very clever philosophy, showing the falseness of society in general, and how people are tricked into believing that a wardrobe full of brand names will make them " complete " as people.

The visual effect's in the movie, similar to " Three Kings " are a dazzling mix of fast camera shot's and amazing digital wonders, like the opening credits, showing the interior of Jack's brain. Too many special effects can cripple a film ( Star Wars Episode 1 for example ), but they merely add to the dazed, hypnotic feeling of " Fight Club ".

The screenplay is almost perfect. The characters are very interesting and the dialogue is superb. Norton's voice-over gives the movie some stability among the rip-roaring scenery. The only fault that I had with the screenplay was that when the big " twist " in the story is revealed , the film feels somewhat overloaded. This revelation is difficult to take in at first, and the fact that   a sub plot is taking place simultaneously    means that to fully comprehend what is going on, the movie needs definite second and even third viewings.

The three stars of " Fight Club ", Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter are magnificent in their    respective roles. Norton perfectly plays his role deadpan, which as I previously stated , gives the movie some stability and gives the audience someone to relate to. Pitt's manic turn as Tyler Durden is excellent and at times hilarious, notably when we see him at work, anjoying a particular " hobby " involving the insertion of pornography into family films. Helena Bonham Carter, in an un-typical role to say the least , gives a great performance as the suicidal   slut Marla Singer. She also has   one or two amusing lines, and carries them off immaculately.

David Fincher' s direction is breathtaking throughout, and there seemingly isn't a visual technique in the film that doesn't have a metaphorical context.

There are so many original moments in " Fight Club " that it is hard to pick one to talk about, but my personal favourite scene was the very last one. It perfectly combines high emotions with visual splendour and just when you though that the movie is becoming untypically sentimental, there is a reminder of the film's dark heart.

Overall, " Fight Club " is an amazing, if slightly overloaded, movie that combines a great story and breathtaking visuals with a strong message.

I have broken the first rule of Fight Club. When you see it, you will too.

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