A Great Film

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 2006)

If there was ever an award for the "coolest" film ever made, it is fairly certain that 'Fight Club' would emerge with the honours. With its slick production design, its rebellious attitudes towards consumerism and authority, and an evident parallel with classic Nietzschian philosophy, the film received the admiration of a large proportion of its younger audience. Additionally, a cast of talented and instantly likable actors, and an excellent electronic score from The Dust Brothers, excels this film above others of its kind.
Edward Norton ('Red Dragon,' 2002) plays the unnamed Narrator, an emotionally-unsatisfied car-company employee, who is suffering from debilitating insomnia and feels as if his life is going to waste. He discovers momentary relief from his troubles through attending regular medical support groups for diseases that he doesn't have. However, his dissatisfaction returns with the arrival of another "faker" named Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter, 'Big Fish,' 2003).
It is then that Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt, 'Ocean's 11,' 2001) enters his life. After introducing themselves on a plane, the Narrator finds his high-rise apartment engulfed in an explosion of unknown cause and, having nobody else to call, he seeks temporary lodging at Durden's crumbling and isolated residence.
'Fight Club' is a superb film, and it's almost impossible not to like it. Edward Norton delivers a stand-out performance as the vulnerable and very confused Narrator, as he struggles to explore the notion of his own identity. This is a must-see film, and a second viewing to uncover the finer points of the story is highly recommended.