Life-changing Fight Club

Simply put, this movie changed my life. Not just on a personal level (on which I will not comment here except to say I'm now a major Palahniuk fan) but also as a movie-watcher. I view movies differently after seeing this movie, because it broke down doors.

This movie is literally the first time I ever came upon something that, at first sight seemed incredibly stylish, sophisticated and entertaining. The plot lured you in before turning you upside down, the acting was nothing short of perfect (has there ever been a more memorable character than Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden?), the music, the screenplay (based on what is now my all-time favorite book), the lighting, the pacing, the everything! Virtually everything about this movie took my by surprise, save for one man.

The first time I saw "Fight Club" I despised it. I found its message stupid and contradictory - it was a hypocritical film that preached against violence yet was more violent than any other recent films including "The Matrix" (which is not quite as realistic as "Fight Club"). I saw it again on television a few years later and thought it was a bit better and not quite as horrible, but still didn't enjoy it much.

However I was convinced into buying the DVD and seeing it again just because it had been rated the 37th best film of all time on IMD.