much more than a punch-up

Rating: Null/10 (11 December 1999)

When I first saw the trailers I thought it was just another shallow boys' punch-up glorifying violence and destruction. When I read the interviews with Brad Pitt, I was intrigued. Firstly because they were the first interviews that showed Pitt's depth and secondly since they made it clear that Fight Club is a clever and incisive critique of violence and so much that's wrong with consumerism. I loved every second of the film right up to the last 15 minutes or so. While the ending may work for some viewers, for me, it just seemed lazy and lame, after the precision, chutzpah and self-knowledge of the rest of the film. It's one of the most original stories I've come across in a long time. I'll read the book and then see the film again. The acting is superb and the three leads seem to be really enjoying themselves too. Meatloaf is also a revelation and quite endearing. The film is gripping and I had a sense of holding on while it stormed ahead, trying to pay attention, not wanting to miss anything. There are so many little treats and rewards for viewers who pick up on detail. I'll obviously pick up more the second time around. In case anyone is thinking the film is just an excuse to watch brawling, I can say without spoiling anything that the plot raises lots of issues I think really need to be faced right now - the numbness and emptiness of being seduced by consumerism, gender identity and loads more. I think it delivers its critique of these points to exactly the people who need to seem them, sitting in a multiplex wearing their Nikes and Calvins etc. A very challenging, harsh, funny film that's weirdly interactive somehow.