Fight Club hasn't aged well. And that's putting it mildly. It wasn't that David Fincher and company didn't have something to say. Certainly, they did. It's more that the message is muddled and often lost amidst the overpowering stardom of Brad Pitt.
You cast a movie star, you get a virtuoso performance. That's generally not an issue, but when the character is meant to represent the reprehensible, a conundrum ensues. Pitt's Tyler Durden is a false prophet; we're not supposed to think he's cool; and his ramblings—though hovering around actual facts—are not meant to inspire.
Most viewers are aware of this, but for some, that meaning was lost. Thus, the dangerous fanaticism the film is supposed to expose instead becomes a roadmap. Truthfully, it only has its own execution to blame.
For too much of its runtime, Durden's maniacal musings go unchallenged. There is no voice of reason until it's far too late. By then—like the increasing volatility of the titular Fight Club—the narrative damage has already been done. Thus, despite how well acted, shot, and scripted the film is at times, it can't get past its own problematic plot and pacing.
But, that's nothing a few beers can't solve. So sit back, get punchy with a few Hazy Wonder IPAs from Lagunitas Brewing Co., and don't ask about Project Mayhem! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, and Mayor McCheese are fist-fighting our imaginary friends in the parking lot of Lou's!
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