What is the main theme in Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk?

jenny1114 · Newbie Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Gender:

I have watched the movie several times in the past and just recently read the book. After reading the book I watched the movie again. What I am trying to do is distinguish between the major theme in the movie vs the major theme in the book. I think the movie is more about consumerism while the book is more about masculitity and the absense of a father figure. Can anyone help me with this?

Stewart · Guest Gender:

The main theme is about doing things for yourself and not expecting others to help out. An example would be something like homework. But you've been told that elsewhere, haven't you?

charliespeaks · Eligible to vote! Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 11 Gender:

if they attend a school that teaches fight club as a work of literature, I want to go Smile

Chris OConnor · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:28 am Post subject:

I never understood the appeal of this movie. Maybe the book is better.

hegel1066 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:40 am Post subject:

I thought I was the only one, Chris. I'm not sure what gratuitous violence does for anyone.

-John (hegel1066)

Indigo · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:30 am Post subject:

Well... I definitely understand how Fight Club (book and movie) can be controversial. My own opinions on it aren't even as strong as they usually are, but here's my take....

I think that it's a mistake to dismiss Fight Club as gratuitous violence. I don't always agree with the views or message of Fight Club, but I am fascinated by it, have read the book, and usually consider the movie one of my favorites.

I tend to think of Fight Club as being primarily about consumerism, class, masculinity, and "modernity"--to varying degrees, depending on if we're talking about the book or the film. The narrator is dealing with a meaningless existence, cut off from everyone and everything. Life is generic, driven by consumerism. Our identity is in what we own, what we buy. He's not in control of himself, his life, his destiny. He's totally estranged from his feelings and has no outlet. So at first, he relies on dying people to help him cry. Ultimately, that's not enough, and rage steps in, in the form of Tyler Durden. It's about estrangement from ourselves and our emotions, which gets tied up in the masculinity theme, which I feel less qualified to comment on and understand much less haha. Class also plays into it--the members of Project Mayhem are service workers, chauffeurs, waiters, etc. The unappreciated people who keep civilization going.

Sorry, that's kind of disorganized and incomplete. It's been a while since I've read the book or even watched the movie, although I've seen it several times now. Just bought it, so I'll probably rewatch it again soon and then maybe I'll have more to say. Throwing some ideas out there at least.

tarav · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

I love this movie! It is one of my favorite movies. I own it and have watched it several times. I have not read the book. I agree with the other posters who said that consumerism is one of the major themes of the movie. I would add that being a nonconformist is a theme. Tyler is almost a complete release from the expectations of anyone.

Mr. Pessimistic · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject:

I also agree with the consumerism as the main focus...and the plasticity of our society. The violence is used as the release mecahnism and is not gratuitous, IMO. Some people just look at the surface of a thing and dismiss it. Sad. The violence is necessary in that work, not gratuitous.

Mr. P.

geo · Almost a regular Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 26 Gender:

One of Fight Club's (the movie, at least) main themes is existentialism, finding meaning in an absurd world. I hadn't thought about the consumerism angle, but that's obviously true too. Overall I liked it. It's an excellent movie, though you can't help but be ultimately let down . . .

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