Fight Club DVD Review:


The Movie

Edward Norton plays an insomniac who is addicted to Swedish furniture and infomercials. Then one day, while searching for a way to get some sleep, he discovers self-help groups. While attending these sessions of woe and self-pity, people start to really listen to him, and he is able to feel much better about his single, work-controlled life (and allowing him to get some sleep).

Enter Marla Singer (Carter), another "tourist" of the self help group chain. He becomes obsessed with Marla and the calm and collected manner she exudes while puffing on a cigarette and ruining his life-affirming experiences at the meetings.

Then, he meets the other important person in his life: Tyler Durden (Pitt). Soon, the lead character's life is spinning out of control in a spiral of blood, sweat, and anarchy, and he has to find a way to stop himself (in more ways than one).

David Fincher grows better and better in his incredible directing style with every film he makes. Se7en was a haunting look into the brutal acts of a serial killer; The Game was a haunting look into the mind of a rich business tycoon's life who doesn't enjoy life (as he very well should) because he can't get over the suicide of his father; and Fight Club is a look into the mind of a man who is one of the self-proclaimed "middle children of history," those who work at the same mediocre suit-and-tie job every day just so that the big suits at the top can make more money, the men who are ready to revolt against society and find purpose in their life, the men who would rather be God's worst enemy than nothing.

Throughout these films, and hopefully his next, due early next year, Fincher has proved to be a revolutionary in the way of film (yeah, I'm gonna ignore Alien 3). Fight Club "teaches the philosophy that we should live and die by: "ahhh, fuck it."

10 out of 10

The Video

Simply put, incredible. The slight green glossed over the whole film just helps add the perfect viewpoint of the entire film, and it's as clear as you could ever dream of.

10 out of 10

The Audio

Eardrum bursting sound effects, heart thumping Dust Brothers electronic score. Another beauty.

10 out of 10

The Extras

Commentary with David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and (sort of) Helena Bonham Carter

This is a guy track, with Carter sounding like her bits were taken from previous interviews (as she probably was, as it is quite obvious she is not in the same room).

Brad Pitt is a bad ass mofo (anybody who still thinks he's gay after seeing this film and hearing the commentary should be shot), and Edward Norton talks just like you would expect one of the only talented modern actors to talk.

Commentary with author Chuck Palahniuk and screenwriter Jim Uhls

If you have read the original novel, Fight Club, then you know that a lot of the awesome things in the film came from the mind of the screenwriter, Jim Uhls. Uhls is very cool and so is Palahniuk; great minds think alike. As these are both writers, don't be expecting too much talking, but neither one is self-centered, and they each give each other equal praise. There are periods of silence in which you can just picture Chuck P.'s eyes glazing over in delight as he watches his first published novel on the screen (this guy was a construction worker making shit pay less than ten years ago).

Commentary with David Fincher

Like the first, but much more informative. Goddammit, this guy rules.

Technical Commentary

Just a bunch of different guys involved in various aspects of the film. The most informative track, but still surprisingly enjoyable to listen to.

DISC 2: Supplemental Features

17 Behind the Scenes Vignettes with Multiple Angles and Commentary

Whoa! Very in-depth look at the process of making this film. You actually see tape of people (including Fincher) scouting locations to shoot at. Again, you couldn't ask for very much more.

Outtakes and Deleted Scenes

See some great, downright hilarious scenes taken out of the film (including Marla's original line used before the "grade school" one).

Storyboards

Hot damn!

Publicity Gallery

Jesus!

Hidden Fight Club merchandise catalog

My brain is on fire!

...and a lot more!

10 out of 10

Overall

If you are one of the eight people who don't own this great DVD, get 'yer ass out to the store right now and buy it!!!

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