The Ultimate Irony...

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2006)

First let me say that I love this movie. I love the message it sends; however, I wonder if the message I got is the same as everyone else got. It seems to me a lot of people got caught up in the whole egalitarian, anarchist aspect of Tyler. But I think the message (or at least the main message) of the film was that this is ultimately destructive to oneself. Self destruction is good insofar as you destroy what is non-essential (clothes, excessive pride, money, etc.). When you begin destroying the fabric of who you are (as many of the goons of Project Mayhem did) it becomes pointless. Instead of seeking enlightenment or truth through aggression, pain, or conflict... they seek nothing. In fact, it teaches nihilistic self abandonment; remember, "The first rule of Project Mayhem is 'You do not ask Questions'." At least in religion that self-denial is met with at least the promise of reward. What does Tyler promise? He speaks of giving up "the condo life, the s**t job, watching sitcoms" but what does he offer as the alternative? Mindless destruction? They attack corporations and what they perceive as order or the establishment, but there seems to be little reason behind it. If it was true equality as Tyler claims, they why do his followers obey him like some god-like guru instead of in a more democratic method? My take is this... the film does endorse much of what Tyler has to say. But obviously, there are limits to anything. The film shows you to come to the truth and accept responsibility as the Narrator does in the end. Don't be a mindless follower of the system or of someone who seems to have all the answers. Think for yourself. Don't be follower, a goose-stepper, a fool.
Just my 2 cents... what do you think?