Review of Fight Club

Introduction

David Fincher. Brad Pitt. The tag-team behind the acclaimed serial killer chiller Se7en. So, what do you get when you mix these two guys with mischief, mayhem and soap? A bone-crunching, anti-capitalism genius of a movie, that`s what. This is based on a novel that was converted (excellently) into a screenplay by Jim Uhls, and it is one of the most visceral and downright enjoyable scripts Hollywood has picked up in the last few years. Sure, the movie (even the title) revolves around violence, but the magic about Fight Club is that it is subtle violence, not the kind of balls-out fake stuff that `horror` films contain. To make this work, a good director and good actors were needed. And they were found. Fincher is the master of his genre, the things he does with the camera add stacks to the movie. And as for Brad Pitt and Ed Norton, let`s just say you can`t really imagine anyone else in their roles.

Video

A great 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen transfer, with an excellent use of the palette and deep, dark visuals. The print is crisp throughout, and there are no compression signs. Every punch, every ounce of muscle, and every subtle camera trick is brought out excellently, and Fight Club really is an engaging movie.

Audio

A bone-crunching DD 5.1 track, which delivers every punch and line of dialogue well. A DTS track would have been even better mind you. The surrounds are always crisp and the music is played well. The main audio stream is always clear and at just the right level - 20th Century Fox really have put some good work into the creation of this disc.

Features

The extras include: commentary with David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham-Carter & Edward Norton, Music, Deleted/Alternate Scenes, Behind the scenes with Multiple Angles, Cast & Crew Bios, Ed Norton Interview, Trailers & TV Spots, Internet Spots, Art Gallery, Original Artwork, 18-page colour booklet. The extras are comprehensive and enjoyable, but a bit more substance is needed. Sure, they offer a great insight, but perhaps some outtakes or an interview with Jim Uhls would have been better. The commentary is top-notch though, and the behind the scenes is worth a watch. As for the packaging, it sums up the movie perfectly (it was designed by Fincher), and this is one of the best 2-disc sets around.

Conclusion

Provocative. Bold. Ingenious. Three words that spring to mind when describing this movie. The screenplay is the main treat, as Jim Uhls has done a great job of adapting the novel, and although that twist isn`t as `twisty` as it should be (there are numerous clues throughout the movie), it is one of the most original scripts that Hollywood has churned out for years. People say this is a violent movie, but to be honest it is not gratuitous in any department, and the movie needs the tension which comes from the exhilirating fight sequences. The acting is great, Ed Norton and Brad Pitt deliver some great character banter between them, and Helena Bonham Carter backs them up nicely. Fincher regular Jared Leto has a good minor role as Angel Face, and even Meatloaf gives a good performance. The camerawork is typical Fincher, and the movie reaps it all in. The directing is good throughout, and you always get the feeling something bad is going to happen...The ending is pretty inconsiderate post September 11, but since this was made back in 1999, they can hardly be held to blame. Overall, this is a good, enjoyable slice of popcorn fodder, but it is slightly over-hyped and the ending is predictable. But, it is worth some notes nonetheless.