Brilliant...

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 2002)

Having watched this film, I am reassured that Brad Pitt can continue to sneak out some excellent performances as in Twelve Monkeys, and Se7en.
One or two parts reminded me of Brazil, If..., and Falling Down, with the statements about the working dead and how quickly someone can break. There are many messages within the film, some better portrayed than others but to find a film this deep is so rare.
I found the narration ok, though there seems to be a forced monotony in Nortons voice. The film maintains the look of Finchers previous work keeping a definite distance from that of Hollywood blockbusters.
Things that many people seen to find annoying, like the voice-over, I find make the film, preventing it from attaining the slick look of many Hollywood productions. The film metamorphoses through several stages before resolving itself in a maybe disappointing ending, which leaves the viewer thinking the film should have been either shorter or longer. I found the plot twist well incorporated with enough clues to let the observant viewer see it coming but without making it obvious.
A powerful film with several strong messages, delivered excellently by a great cast. Most people that don't like this film, either don't understand the messages, refuse to accept the messages, or are expecting something more mainstream. The violence, while strong, is never gratuitous and always strengthens the film.
Maybe a slightly confused film, but most definitely worth viewing. Now a personal favourite of mine along with Twelve Monkeys.