Absolutely brilliant - Fincher's work is incredible

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2002)

Let me say straight away: See this movie. It's absolutely fantastic. It's one of only a handful (and by that I mean under five) movies where, after seeing it, I just sat in my seat in the cinema for a few moments because I was so stunned: It's that good.
First of all the story-line. It's obviously counter-culture but it's doing it with it's tongue firmly lodged in it's cheek (after all it's commenting on consumerism through a Hollywood movie). It's a well paced storyline. The only detraction is that the "twist" is sometimes unbelievable in retrospect and can make the movie seem somewhat silly at times but I can let that slide.
The acting... It's got Edward Norton. He's my favourite actor. I'm left in awe of him. He's incredibly good. He is the ultimate cynic in this movie. Brad Pitt perfectly counter-points him and once again shows he is far from being a pretty boy actor. And Mrs. Carter is just great as Marla - I'll forever see her as some bizarre Bohemian freak...
And now the directing. Wow. A film like "Lord of the Rings" is beautiful in an epic kind of way. "Fight Club" is creative. There's so many creative touches that add to this movie. I knew David Fincher was one to watch after the fantastic "Se7en". His ability to direct also showed through on "The Game". Here however he surpasses himself. It's a visual treat. He keeps the story moving brilliantly. A scene that could have been rendered somewhat tiresome by another director has my jaw open here. Whether it's a bizarre montage of images, an extremely quick cinematic cut or a misaligned frame Fincher employs an array of skills to make this movie one of the most memorable looking movies that I have ever seen.
In conclusion I say that I can't say enough nice things about "Fight Club". It's one of the best movies I've ever seen (and I've seen a fair few). I recommend that if you haven't seen it that you watch it immediately. And watch it multiple times. One of the very very few movies I'd give 10/10.