Studying Fight Club

by Mark Ramey

Fight Club is, on one level, pop-culture phenomena and on another, a deeply philosophical and satirical exploration of modern life. David Fincher's 1999 film (and Chuck Palahniuk's source novel) has had a huge impact on audiences worldwide leading to spoofs, homage, merchandising and numerous Internet fan sites. On initial release the film was met with wide hostility from critics who either failed to appreciate its satirical intent or believed the film failed to deliver on its satirical promise. Early in its DVD afterlife, however, a wider audience began to appreciate the film's significance and radical message. Although attracted by the film's playfulness and star wattage, however, many students struggle with its theoretical notions such as Capitalism, materialism, anarchy and so on. This is one film, which therefore merits a thoughtful and provocative analysis but also an accessible one, and Mark Ramey has provided just that.

118 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2011

Reviews

[Helen Mears · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid study of the film - nothing that my students and I hadn't already unearthed, though...