Great movie with a few drawbacks

Rating: 8/10 (2 August 2002)

Fight Club is a supreme movie, but you should be forewarned that it does not necessarily retain the same mood throughout the film. It starts out as a fun, sexy movie. You have Edward Norton, playing the quirky narrator we all can sympathize with, paranoid but practical. Then there's Brad Pitt, playing the ultra smooth, yet offbeat Tyler Derden, who keeps us guessing in every scene. And of course, the girl- Helena Bonham Carter excellently portrays Marla Singer, a woman with sincere issues, but a soft side as well. If you came to see Brad Pitt, or if you came to see a flashy typical Hollywood blockbuster, the beginning of the movie is the part you'll like. However, as the plot thickens, the movie takes an entirely different shape. Fight Club and Project Mayhem are surrounded by cleverly written, deeply thought out themes and philosophies. A statement about consumerism, the role of men in a maternal society, and humanity in general is brilliantly made. However, this is not without a large dose of strangeness, and a plethora of disturbing imagery definitely not recommended for those who came just to see Brad Pitt strut his stuff. This is where the true writing genius shines through, and where the movie gets (I believe) it's large fan base. Finally, we get to the infamous twist, and surrounding mayhem leading up to and coming down from it. Both Norton and Pitt do some of their best acting here, and as the narrator's world becomes severely distorted, some of the most poignant observations are made. Both actors are incredibly true to their characters, and Carter makes an excellent final appearance as well. In short, this movie does many things at once. It creates a world beyond the imaginations of most, puts out a compelling social statement, and delves into the lives of very complex characters; while at the same time putting up an excellent cast and wonderful production work. Though not for the feint of heart, and laced with some inherent problems and loose ends, I highly recommend this movie.