As stated in the title, I truly believe that the novel (yes, NOVEL) Fight Club is one of the most misunderstood, beautiful creations in existence. Most people reading this will have only seen the movie as it is much more known than the novel (written by Chuck Polahniuk) but do not worry, the novel and the movie are similar enough that it should make no difference.
The thing is, the general population view Fight Club as a violent work. A product designed to disect an infected mind and to infect those of readers and viewers everywhere...
WRONG!
Fight Club is in no way a violent work, I would argue that it is, instead, a work of art and supports many of my ideals. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that no members of "Fight Club" or of "Project Mayhem" inflict any true pain on people. All those involved in the underground fight clubs do so at their own will and enjoy it just as much as the man they're fighting, they see it as a way to express themselves in a world where emotional drives are so negatively viewed. I do agree that society does not accept emotional guidance, but instead expects rationalisation at all times. This is simply not logical or human. "Project Mayhem" on the other hand inflicts pain upon corporations, but never upon the individuals within a corporation (directly). They blow up large corporate buildings and icons but never harm a human while doing so. I'd argue that this is almost noble in a world that is now run by corporatism and capitalism. I would say that the extent to which Chuck Polahniuk describes the necessary destruction of corporatism is a bit extreme, but the world we live in paints and extreme picture.
Even when Tyler Durden held a gun to a convenient store workers head, it was without the intention of death. Instead it encouraged the worker to pursue his dream of being a veteranarean (mispelled). Potential bad created great outcomes for one individual, with possible great effects.
There are only three true inflictions of pain:
1. The brutalization of a judge's manhood due to the fact that he was trying to shut down various fight clubs. Although the result was pain, those involved in the infliction saw it as necessary in order to cleanse the world.
2. Big Bob was shot in the back of the head... by the police. The establishment inflicted more death than those they considered criminals!
3. Tyler Durden... driven insane by the effects of a world gone to Hell.
I do not advocate such extreme action as that in the novel/ movie Fight Club but, as it is one of my favorites, I ask for a bit of understanding. Look past the initial violence that might be "clear" to the untamed eye, and look instead at the indications that corporations and capitalism will continue to take over our world unless we decide to take action against such a monstrosity.
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5 comments:
I loathe when people only see the movie and don't acknowledge the brilliance of the book. When I went to buy the book in the first place, it was after the movie had come out already, and I remember the guy at Chapters saying 'This was such an awesome movie, I didn't know there was a book!'
Blasphemy, I say. Fight club is genius.
Lil Slut, you are correct - Fight Club IS Genius.
You know Ben, a funny thing happened today when I was playing Golf - I was thinking what a great post I could write regarding Fight Club! Then I come on here and see you've beaten me to the punch. DAMN YOU MR PROULX! haha
I agree with everything you say, despite that you spelt Palahniuk's name wrong.
You were in Film Studies, correct? If not you missed a fantastic discussion we had about this after we watched the film. And yes I've read the book.
I still think I may blog about the two, I'll just delve a little deeper into your points.
Keep up the great work!
Hey Chris...
It may have seemed like I was in film studies... but I wasn't. I had spare that block and came when you guys watched good movies and I had nothing else to do. I did watch Fight Club with you however, and I think I know the discussion which you are talking about.
What I love about Palahniuk's acknowledgement of the movie is that in the new versions of the novel, it begins by saying:
"Before this... before this...",
basically stating every consequence of the movie's release.
Genius.
THATS why I thought you were in Film Studies! You weasil! Well played.
You know his book "Choke" comes out as a movie in September. Seems... interesting... I have it. But havent read it.
Google the Red-Banned Trailer. Oh joy!
Oh man! I will be going to see it!
But seriously, you should read Choke... it's a ridiculous book that survives with reliance upon the shock factor. But it is very interesting, I must admit.
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