Two outsiders form an underground fight club that
​evolves into a dangerous terrorist organization.

CRIME/DRAMA

Fight Club (1999)

Directed by David Fincher

Written by Jim Uhls

Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham ​Carter,
​Meat Loaf, Jared Leto, Zach Grenier

Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk

Oscar Nominations - Best Sound Editing

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Connor Eyzaguirre

September 17, 2018

9/10

Fight Club is a film that has absolutely earned the right to be called a cult classic. It's arguably the defining role of both Brad Pitt and Edward Norton's careers and has since become a cinematic battle cry for anyone who's ever felt like they've lost their lust for life. It's aged considerably well, with its anti-establishment message resonating better than ever in a modern world that has almost aggressively rejected the "f**k the world" lifestyle suggested by Tyler Durden.

Edward Norton is a nameless insomniac who feels like his life has no purpose, until he meets enigmatic soapmaker Tyler Durden (Pitt). Durden shows him how the world can be anything he wants it to be, and the only way standing in the way of having it all is him. Durden is like the charismatic love child of Tony Robbins and Charles Manson, complete with devout followers. What starts a harmless way to blow off steam transforms into a full-fledged terrorist group bent on destroying the status quo for the good of humanity. Add in a bit of legendary third act twist and you've got one of the most iconic films of the 90's, maybe all time.

Fight Club is more than just a 90's crime drama. It's a call to arms for anyone who's ever felt betrayed by society. The message of the film, underneath all the vandalism and threats of castration, is to live your life by your own terms, no one else's. It's something we should all strive towards because it's the only way worth living. As Tyler Durden puts it, "We work jobs we hate so we can buy s**t we don't need." It's rather poetic in the chaotic sense, but it's a start. Fight Club has a lasting impact because it's one of the few films that is truly unique in its message and delivery.