Great Film? Who knows. But it is a valid mirror of society

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2000)

Much has been said of Fight Club. It has been called anything from revolutionary to pornographic to juvenile self-indulgence. Some have called it a modern classic, while others call it a piece of trash. Is it a great film? I am not a film critic and cannot say, but I did enjoy watching the film.
What I think many have missed is the statement the film makes (either intentionally or unintentionally) about the moral and spiritual status of modern society. Depicted in the film is a society without a higher sense of itself, a society without faith. Throughout the film the people depicted are struggling to validate themselves, to discover a purpose in their lives. These people, however, are unable to see beyond the culture of materialism in which they live; a culture that is defined, not by spirituality, but by catalogs, creditors, and corporations. What they are left with is hopelessness, feelings of loss of control, and ultimately despair.
In situations such as these in which despair prevails, people tend to react with violence and destruction, either directed inward to the self or outward to the environment that they believe to have failed them. Fight Club demonstrates both of these. In the actual fights, these poor bastards are so full of despair that they value having someone beat them to a pulp because in that way they have shared their pain and become less isolated. In the acts of juvenile property destruction and outright terrorism we see these same people striking out at the cultural icons they believe to have controlled and deceived them. Either way, we are given a glimpse at the final stages of despair where destruction is viewed as more positive and uplifting than growth.
Ultimately, I believe Fight Club offers a valid picture of our current society, a society that lacks spirituality and provides ample opportunity for people to despair. All it takes is a quick look at the news to see much of what was in the film; purposeless violence, wanton acts of destruction, suicide. Take a close look at Columbine and I think you will see what I mean.