Explore how far the application of a particular critical approach has either reinforced or challenged your first impression of your close study film?
After watching Fight Club for the first time, my initial interpretation of the film was that Fight Club is a mainstream action thriller. Fincher uses dark toned lighting, typical action thriller actors and a plot with a premise of violence. The addition of a critical approach to Fight Club does change the tone of the film and highlights the underlying themes that Fincher brings to light within the film.
Ebert's view of Fight Club is supporting of my first impression of the film. Ebert review that Fight Club is a "thrill ride masquerading as philosophy". My initial impression of Fight Club did not look deeper than it proves to be upon a second watching. Despite this, the micro elements support both mine and Ebert's impression of the film as these enhance the"thrill-ride" aspect of the film. One main feature that does this is the sound that Fincher uses. It is extremely emphasised and prominent, typical of an action thriller film. This element is also consistent throughout Fincher's other films. For example, Seven, released earlier than Fight Club in 1995. Even though seven is more thriller than action, the sound is one way in which the film becomes high intensity for the audience therefore creating an impression of an action film, the sounds causes the audience to be immersed into the film. In the opening scene, the high intensity rock music accompanied by travelling fast through a brain, set up the rest of the film as an action film.
Upon adding auteur theory to my initial impression, changed my initial perception of Fight Club. Fincher typically looks into deeper issues within his films. Within Fight Club, deeper issues such as masculinity and the consequences of a consumerist culture are explored, furthermore, this is portrayed through the narrators and Tyler's intent. Jack's depressing living style that is portrayed is the clear result of the effect of a consumerist culture and the modern day society that is still relevant to today. We also see this exploration within Seven, Mills and his wife Tracy, are suffering under the pressure of moving upstate and it's clear to see this from Tracy, she "hates this place". Despite not knowing the location of Fight Club, it is obvious that is in a central location. This supports the auteur theory that Fincher explores deeper issues within his films. Another deeper issue that appears in Seven and more so in Fight Club is Freud's id, ego and superego theory. Tyler and Jack are a personification of this theory due to the nature of their relationship. Jack is the pragmatic id and Tyler is the irrational ego.
Upon adding auteur theory to my initial impression, changed my initial perception of Fight Club. Fincher typically looks into deeper issues within his films. Within Fight Club, deeper issues such as masculinity and the consequences of a consumerist culture are explored, furthermore, this is portrayed through the narrators and Tyler's intent. Jack's depressing living style that is portrayed is the clear result of the effect of a consumerist culture and the modern day society that is still relevant to today. We also see this exploration within Seven, Mills and his wife Tracy, are suffering under the pressure of moving upstate and it's clear to see this from Tracy, she "hates this place". Despite not knowing the location of Fight Club, it is obvious that is in a central location. This supports the auteur theory that Fincher explores deeper issues within his films. Another deeper issue that appears in Seven and more so in Fight Club is Freud's id, ego and superego theory. Tyler and Jack are a personification of this theory due to the nature of their relationship. Jack is the pragmatic id and Tyler is the irrational ego.
