When "Alien 3" came out, I thought that on its own, it was a pretty good movie, but as part of the "Alien" saga, it was the worst of the three. "Alien 3" ended up being a box office flop and the movie's director, David Fincher, went back to doing what he did before, directing commercials and music videos (he directed some very well-known music videos, including Paula Abdul's "Cold Hearted," Aerosmith's "Janie's Got a Gun," George Michael's "Freedom," and Madonna's "Vogue," to name just a few). Eventually, he fought through his discouragement and bitterness and directed another movie. That movie was the masterpiece "Seven," which is one of my favorite movies of all-time. "Seven" was a big, unexpected success, and David Fincher was suddenly a heavily sought-after director. After that, he directed "The Game," and though it wasn't as huge as "Seven," it was still a moderate success. I liked "The Game," but after being blown away by "Seven," I guess I expected more. Now David Fincher brings us "Fight Club," which has him reuniting with his "Seven" star, Brad Pitt. With "Fight Club," David Fincher proves to be one of Hollywood's best directors. That's a big statement,but it's true.
"Fight Club" is not a movie for everyone. The violence is brutal, and the third act will leave many people shaking their heads wondering what the hell they just watched. Still, it's entertaining from beginning to end. It's never boring.
I know this may seem to totally come outta left field, but I'm really starting to dislike Rosie O'Donnell and her lame ass TV show. First there was that silly and unnecessary ambush of Tom Selleck on her show, and now there's her "Fight Club" rant. In case you don't know, Rosie O' Donnell used her show as a platform to rip on "Fight Club." That in and of itself is fine. It's a free country, and it IS her show. But she didn't stop there. She decided to give away the ending of the movie, the "secret," if you will. BITCH!!!
Anyway...
Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter are the big three in this movie. They're three great actors and their performances in "Fight Club" are outstanding. Brad Pitt goes all out, giving a career performance. This may be the role he'll be most remembered for. Brad Pitt IS "Tyler Durden." Ed Norton is an incredible actor, and though his role is less in-your-face than the other two, he kicks serious ass. Then there's Helena Bonham Carter. I think she stands out the most. Her American accent is flawless, and even though this role is a tremendous departure for her, she plays it effortlessly. She musta had a great time playing this role rather than the stuffy Oscar-ready characters she usually plays.
As I'd mentioned before, "Fight Club" was directed by David Fincher. It was based on a novel by Chuck Palahniuk with a screenplay by Jim Uhls. This is the debut screenplay by Jim Uhls, and I think it's safe to say that it's a noteworthy debut. I read somewhere that the screenplay for "Fight Club" got an uncredited rewrite by Andrew Kevin Walker, the guy who wrote "Seven." That guy is a great writer, and it wouldn't surprise me if he did.
"Fight Club" is a fast-paced, fascinating, beautifully filmed movie that has some of the most amazing shots I've ever seen, but no, it's not as good as "Seven." That's not to say that it's not a great movie, it just wasn't a masterpiece. If you see it, you may love it or you may hate it, but you'll DEFINITELY come out of it with an opinion. Just please don't be an asshole and tell everyone the ending. DID YOU HEAR ME, ROSIE??????
Scale of 1-10: 9