Review of Fight Club (1999) by Shane M — 25 Feb 2014

"Welcome to Fight Club. First rule of Fight Club: you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is: you DO NOT talk about Fight Club! Third rule of Fight Club: someone yells, "stop!", goes limp, taps out, the fight is over.

Fourth rule: only two guys in a fight. Fifth rule: one fight at a time. Sixth rule: No shirt, no shoes. Seventh rule: fights will go on as long as they have to. And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

" The quote was taken from the "Fight Club" quote page on IMDb. A true masterpiece that became one of the most controversial and talked-about films of 1999, for the right reasons (not trying to glorify anything illegal, but there are reasons why it became a controversial classic).

Based off Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name, Fight Club follows the narrator, an unnamed, insomniac office worker going to certain support groups to help himself, later meeting a woman who's doing the same thing he is, but leaves her out.

While on a flight, he meets a man named Tyler Durden, a homemade soap salesman who helps him after a tragic event occurs, and Tyler starts an underground club called "Fight Club". This film is perfection, and one of the best films and crime films I've ever seen, and that's because of everything.

The film has the classic crime film style by using tons of brutal, graphic violence, tons of language, horrific crimes, interesting characters, and a perfect storyline. Fight Club also has a unique blend of crime, drama, and dark comedy, as well as the perfect transition between each genre.

The dark comedy always hits it mark at the right time, giving us all the worthwhile laughs a film like this deserves. Director David Fincher is able to find the right moments and setting for each scene, and he captures the distinct visual look to a fault.

Writer Jim Uhls follows the source material very well, with the traditional minor and/or major changes, including the ending (although I thought it symbolizes crime and was impressive, though I don't approve of this kind of action), and also puts intelligence into the script, showcasing stellar writing.

The storyline is very well executed, and the narrative stays consistent and makes sense throughout, including the twist ending, which is never expected thanks to Uhls and Fincher, but once it's revealed, you'll be shocked.

The film also has a creepy and intense atmosphere aided by creepy cinematography from Jeff Cronenweth, and stellar production design. The acting is incredible, and there's no doubt denying that Edward Norton and Brad Pitt nail their roles as the Narrator and Tyler Durden, and have pitch-perfect chemistry.

Helena Bonham Carter also has a perfect performance as Marla Singer. A must-see for anyone who loves the book, Ed Norton, Pitt, Fincher, or the crime genre.