One of the best films of the 90's

Rating: Null/10 (6 August 2009)

I did not know what to expect from Fight Club, but I gave it a try since I am a fan of Fincher's films Se7en, Zodiac, and the more recent The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This film surprised me in it's style and tone. It has a very inventive narration and surreal images that only help make us go deeper into Edward Norton's character and his mind. I can safely say there are not too many films like this. The main premise seems simple, two men create a combat group that soon turn into a large cult or society. Although it is simple, the film's choices and execution are not simple. I was confused by a lot on this film, and I am sure this is a film I will have to watch more than once, but I was deeply invested in these characters. I felt the reason for the main characters' choices and the struggle with their lives that they felt they needed to overcome, and the only way to do that was by fighting, not for winning or losing, but to feel important and feel more absorbed in the practice of it all. Very original idea. I thought the writing was sensational, a lot of very thought-provoking ideas and dialogue in the film. I did not know what to expect, but the twist actually shocked me. I have seen a lot of films with twists similar to this, but the film executed it in a unique way and thought it fitted well. David Fincher's direction seemed more confident and mature here than in any other of his films. I cannot believe the screenplay writer from this also wrote Jumper(WOW). The performances here were brilliant. Norton was great, but the ones who truly shined were Pitt and Carter. I always feel both these actors, especially Helena, create some truly fantastic characters, and this is no exception. I did not always think Pitt was a capable actor, but with films like The Assassination of Jesse James, Benjamin Button and Burn After Reading from 2008, he has proved he is great. I am surprised neither Carter or Pitt got many awards or nominations.
I thought Fight Club was fantastic, and in a truly weird sublime way, it was entertaining. Like I said, there were some tricky parts, but I thought it was a film that could be a disaster but had so many elements to it. Probably Fincher's best, along with Benjamin Button (I'll see which stands stronger as time goes by). Along with his other film, Se7en, one of the best of the 90's.