Do Not Go Gently Into This Good Fight

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2009)

According to the official studio synopsis, David Fincher's film is described: "A ticking-time-bomb insomniac (Edward Norton) and a slippery soap salesman (Brad Pitt) channel primal male aggression into a shocking new form of therapy. Their concept catches on, with underground "fight clubs" forming in every town - until a sensuous and mysterious woman (Helena Bonham Carter) comes between the two men and ignites an out-of-control spiral toward oblivion." Meatloaf again.
As you'll discover, the film's official synopsis isn't even remotely correct; but, it's a good way to "sell" "Fight Club". This film is violent and *pornographic* - this is a WARNING - but, except for Jared Leto's silly putty face make-up, the cast cleans up well. The beatings are brutal, but help make the film's point, and are a part of the protagonist's madness. "Fight Club" is a comedy about the lead character's rejection of society's domestication of his life. Or, it could be about something else...
To Be a Man.
The film received an "Academy Award" nomination for the "Sound Effects" by Richard Hymns and Ren Klyce (beaten by the first "Matrix" and the latest "Star Wars"). "Fight Club" is excellent in many ways, but isn't (and shouldn't be) as polished a "production" as 1999's big winner, "American Beauty" - a film which opened simultaneously, and presented critics with more palpable male angst. "Supporting Actress" Carter deserved some consideration for her memorable "Marla"; she even sings gets in a few lines from the "(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls".
********** Fight Club (9/10/99) David Fincher ~ Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf