Brilliant statement of American Culture

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2000)

Aside from the what has already been said regarding Fight Club, there are some exceptionally brilliant moments in this movie. The first 40 minutes are the most intriguing for me. I especially liked Edward Norton's character and his narration concerning the support groups, insomnia, material posessions, his condo, and his work. I particularly enjoyed his negotiating with Marla on how to split up the support groups. When he and Tyler have their first fight there is a pause, and he says, "Let me tell you something about Tyler Durden." Then he goes into this whole thing about the part time jobs which Tyler holds. That little digression is perhaps one the most brilliant five minutes in film I have seen. Although this movie really is a "Dark Comedy" of sorts, there are many socially true statements made. For instance, Tyler saying, "The things you own end up owning you." Exactly! The imagry throughout the film is fantastic. Apart from the fight sequences, which are well crafted, we have the cave sequences with the power animal...great stuff! And of course that old abandoned house. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt have some of the best on-screen chemistry I have seen. They blend perfectly. This is the best chemistry Norton has had with another actor since his work with Matt Damon in Rounders. Overall, Fight Club approaches a rare perfection. The dialog and narration are its greatest strengths. Easily one of the top 5 movies of 1999.