Broken rules #1 and #2 already… 

Based on the novel, by Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club is told in first person narrative by an insomniac, (Edward Norton), who attends support groups in attempt to subdue his emotional state and relieve his insomniac state. Another fake attendee of the support groups is Marla (Helen Boham Carter), who seems to make his life a little more tolerable. However, he begins to spiral out of control after associating himself with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). From there, they set up an underground fight club and soap making scheme. The issue being, Tyler may not be who he says he is…

This film is a bit like Marmite – you either love it, or you hate it. Its whole premise is compelling. At first glance, you may assume it’s your simple action film, but once you’ve watched and analysed it, it punches a lot deeper than that. Thought-provoking ideas are present throughout, as well as a few philosophical concepts dropped in through unpredictable ways. The concept of violence leading to personal fulfilment is perhaps unconventional, but interesting. The fighting between these men tears away their fear of pain and increases their self-worth. As for the acting, Edward Norton does a terrific job, definitely my favourite role of his to date. Brad Pitt is highly convincing, and as is the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter. The mental dilemma of each of the characters is clearly defined. Their performances certainly stay with you – everything is so honest and in-your-face, that it is almost impossible to ignore. As an alternative of having a narrator constantly gazing at his ‘femme fatale’ (Hitchcock’s Vertigo, for example), Fight Club has him focused on his own hyper-masculine alter ego. Tyler Durden is an interesting character, but also the type of maniac whom you would dread to cross paths with in real life.

Magnificently directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is a true classic, consisting of stellar performances and twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s quotable, but more than anything, it’s brutal. If you’re not one for blood and gore, I’d give this one a miss. But if you’re up for giving this thrilling film a go, remember…no shirts, no shoes.