A review of Fight Club.

Rating: 8/10 (28 September 2017)

Fight Club has many things going for it, when looking deep into the techniques used to relay the emotions and feelings desired. The one that stands out is the dim and sometimes pitch-black scenes that really put an ominous feeling over the scene. Another is the camera views chosen in this film. In many of the scenes there was a new placement for the camera to look at. Although there are many more film making techniques used throughout this film, these are the ones that really stood out when viewing the film.
In order to give this film the right feel it only made sense to use a very dark and creepy lighting style. If this film had a light theme similar to something like a children's movie, it would have had a much different feel. And then the cinematographer would have not been able to relay the message that was intended. However, this film is not all dark. There is a good number of scenes in which a lighter theme is used. This is to give a very graphic and clear view of what is going on in these moments. This is most apparent in the scene in which the narrator is in his boss's office and is beating himself up. The lighting in this scene is such that you can see everything that is going on in vivid detail. Another example of this is the scene in which the members of project mayhem bring back Bob from their "mission" and everyone is arguing over what to do. Unlike most of the other chaotic scenes in this film the lighting of this scene is such that there is no question as to what has happened.
In coordination with the lighting the camera angles and views are another key component to the successful portrayal of the desired theme. The use of the different types camera angles can add a lot of varied subconscious emotions. This allows for the cinematographer to relay these feelings while doing very little work. While this is the ideal scenario, it is not always that easy, which is why other methods exist, such as lighting and sound. Other subconscious notions that all work together. Some examples of scenes in which the camera angle added to the story telling affect include, most of the scenes that took place in the house. These camera movements and angles really make you feel like you are in a claustrophobic building. You also get the feeling of a lot of filth, which is amplified by how small the spaces feel. Another example of interesting angles are the ones used in the fight scenes. The camera was either up around head height, or pretty much on the floor. This was done to get really close up views to the people who were being beaten up on the floor. And to really show the gore and blood that was being flung everywhere in these fights.
Over all these two techniques were both well utilized in order to relay the feeling and emotions desired by the director and the cinematographer. And to add to that they were used in almost a
seamless way where it was just one flowing motion and it was sometimes difficult to be able to tell what techniques were being used over others. This is a testament to the talent of the talent of the director and cinematographer. To be able to envision these ideas before they were ever put onto a screen. As well as the editors and after effects people who can adjust all of these parameters after the whole film has been shot.