# Fight Club (1999)

### reviewed by
Jack Choo

    FIGHT CLUB
    (1999)

    Reviewed by Jack Choo
    Directed by David Fincher
    Starring : Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham-Carter
    Rating : ****1/2 out of *****

FIGHT CLUB is Finchers third movie outing and with every film, he seems to out-do himself in style and technical filming. In SEVEN, his dark shots sets the standard for possibly one of the moodiest Hollywood film ever. In THE GAME (with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn), Fincher continues his penchant for technical mood only this time, blended with action sequences. With FIGHT CLUB, he explores CGI and the impressive Virtual Camera (used to much success in THE MATRIX) interlaced with his trademark stylized dark shots.

The story revolves first-perspective, around Jack (Norton), who has been suffering insomnia for quite some time. In his desperate state to solve this problem which is affecting his career and social life, he enrols into various support-groups. The problem is, the support groups do not support directly his problem; he involves himself in groups supporting testicular-cancer, AIDS and many others. Somehow, the talking and the crying involved in the groups helped him to sleep well at night. Before long, they became his addiction; attending them everyday after work. However, the effect disappeared when he discovers another person, Marla Singer (Carter), who attends all these groups as well, apparently with similar intentions.

He befriends Tyler Durden (Pitt) during one of his business trips and unknowingly makes a friends who will change his life forever. Tyler is into soap making, well at least thats one of his weird forte. Jacks life takes a turn when Tyler asks him to punch him. From then on, they meet up regularly, and well, just simply punch each others guts out. Soon, they develop a following and when they group became too big to just hold a slugfest in the open, they decide to take it underground. Thus FIGHT CLUB is created. The first rule of fight club is : you dont tell anyone about FIGHT CLUB, second rule of fight club is : you dont tell anyone about FIGHT CLUB, third rule of fight club is : you dont tell anyone about FIGHT CLUB

FIGHT CLUB is simply so bizarre, its hard to believe that audience can actually immerse so easily in it. Its pure fun. Brutal..but fun. Superb acting from Norton (fresh from AMERICAN HISTORY X) and Pitt. Norton once again demonstrates his acting versatility, from buff (AMERICAN HISTORY X) to geek in FIGHT CLUB. Pitts neurotic Tyler really scared the shit out of me but still, very adorable. Meat Loafs lactating bodybuilder role is unforgettable. Fincher does it yet again, you just cant imagine another director doing this movie any better. FIGHT CLUB is fresh, funny and brutal. A definite must-see for all!

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