Fight Club: disturbing and controversial film
David Fincher’s Fight Club is often referred to as a disturbing and controversial film. Maslin seems to agree with such an assumption (n.p.). The review in question focuses on Fincher’s style and performance of the three actors, Norton, Pitt, and Carter. However, the author mentions the original story by Palahniuk only once. This is a drawback of the review as films based on books should be reviewed in quite a specific way as the original source should also be considered. However, it is necessary to note that this is the only shortcoming of the review.
The author provides a brief analysis of this work by Fincher. She states that the movie is quite disturbing, but it should not be perceived as propaganda of anti-social ideas. The author notes that the story is only a specific presentation of ideas and trends that exist in contemporary society. I agree with the author, as I also think that the movie is a set of ideas and opinions that are still in the air.
I also agree with the author’s ideas concerning the actors’ performance, which is one of the factors that contribute to the film’s popularity. The characters created by Norton, Pitt, and Carter are eccentric, lively, and appealing. It is possible to state that the created characters embody the ideas and trends, and even certain groups of people at the same time. Thus, it is possible to note that the review in question provides a proper analysis of the movie.
Great adaptation of the book
David Fincher managed to make a really great adaptation of one of the most disturbing books of the 1990s. Fincher revealed the atmosphere of the book and managed to properly articulate the ideas mentioned in the original source. Of course, the movie contains quite disturbing scenes (violence, nudity, etc.). However, these scenes are integral parts of the movie. Without these scenes, the movie would be incomplete. The story is all about life and the specific perception of a particular individual. Therefore, the film should contain specific visual sequences that the protagonist might experience.
As for me, the film wins due to these disturbing scenes. Of course, this does not mean that viewers under 18 should watch the film. Importantly, it is not because of the scenes that the film may be inappropriate for the young viewers; it is all about ideas articulated. Thus, the disturbing scenes cannot be regarded as a drawback of the movie as these scenes are important parts of the story.
I would also like to mention the movie’s ending. Fincher changed it quite considerably. This ending can be regarded as a more definite ending of the book and the beginning of the news story. The book ends in the scene with the Narrator, who understands that the organization still exists and his people are ready to act. Fincher could think that the Narrator could not but lead the group (he or Tyler or any other of his selves) someday.
Some may say that Fincher did not have the right to change the ending, which is very important. As for me, the ending provided by Fincher does not contradict the major idea of the book. Moreover, the director also has the right to articulate his own vision. After all, this is his film. Thus, I think the movie is a very precise and evoking adaptation of one of the most disturbing books of the 1990s.
Works Cited
Maslin, Janet. “Fight Club (1999) Film Review; Such a Very Long Way from Duvets to Danger.” The New York Times. Web.