Contrary to popular belief

Rating: Null/10 (11 January 2001)

You know, a lot of friends have talked to me about how brilliant this movie was. I've seen it twice now, and for the life of me I can't see what they're talking about. Yes, it is incredibly well-made, and yes, the acting is superb, but what kind of message is it sending? I understand the intention(s) of the film. I understand how Fincher has tried to make Fight Club seem like the only place where these men can feel accepted, or have a purpose. In fact, the ideas constantly intrigued me throughout the film--there are no wars or conflicts in today's society, the wars are inside of the individual. But why the juvenile terrorism? Why the "go back to zero" at the credit card company? It seems like a good premise somewhere along the way got bogged down by uneccessary "extra messages" that range from irrelevant to just plain wrong. A good example: A common theme in the movie seems to be "be an individual and discover who you are"...then shave your head, put on a black cloak and assume a generic identity? The entire message of the film was muddled, and in the end, I don't really know if there was an actual point. I admire Fincher as a director, certainly his cast is excellent, and the entire movie is beautiful in it's own dark way. But every time I reach that climactic ending scene, I feel this emptiness--"Fight Club" is a movie that started strong and beat itself into an unrecognizable pulp.