FM4 Fight Club critical response - postmodernism

Postmodernism in Fight Cub.

Fourth wall breaks.

• Tyler flash into frame, cigarette burns, reel being exosed in "all singing, all dancing" scene, parts of the dictionary being shown when Jacks hand is burnt (suggesting that Jack is willing to let others define his life) and narration to the audience. all are fourth wall breaks. All deliberately used by Fincher to remind the audience that they are watching a film and not to passively accept the messages presented. This is simulation.

Consumerism.

• Ikea scene -  intetextuality between Jacks apartment and an Ikea catologue. apartment made to look like a catalogue. 

"which kind of dining set defines me as a person"

"ikea nesting instinct"

"If i see something clever like a little coffee table in the shape of a Ying Yang, i had to have it"

•  The Mise-en-scene in Fight Club also shows the theme of consumerism throughout. Brands such as Starbucks and dunkin' donuts are placed in many of the shots throughout the film, especially in Jack's office. Almost every employee can be seen holding a starbucks cup. the focus on brands in a majority of shots emphasises the strong presence they have in our lives. 

"When deep space exploration ramps up it will be the corporations that name everything. the IBM stellosphere, the Microsoft galaxy, planet Starbucks"

• Bar scene - This is where Tyler speaks his views on how consumerism has impacted society.

"The things you own, end up owning you"

"I was close to being complete"

"i say never be complete, i say stop being perfect. i say lets evolve, let the chips fall where they may"

• Tylers speech - Tyler makes a speech at Fight Club and talks about cosumerism.

"working jobs we hate to buy **** we dont need"

Masculinity.

• Remaining men together - our introduction to Bob is what first presents the theme of masculinity. Ironically Bob lost his testicles through testicular cancer caused by taking steroids in a bid to bulk up and become more masculine. Bob has now…