Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

Home | All Reviews | Festival Courses | Film and Media Studies | SBCC | | Log in

1. Lauren Peikert 10.23.12 / 1pm

   I have seen this movie twice and really enjoyed it both times. I agree that Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter all did an amazing job acting in this film. But that, and the thought-provoking themes aren’t the only things that make it a great movie. The sickly green lighting and run-down set used in the mise-en-scene created it’s own unique atmosphere and mood. That, along with the way the truth is initially hidden the audience, help us enter the mind of the main character as he experiences a journey of insanity. I like how we, right along with him, believe that Tyler is a real man for most of the film, rather than a figment of his crazy mind. It helps us understand the way he perceived the events that occurred.
2. Nick Zelinka 10.16.20 / 9pm

   The design of this film creates quite a few different moods and spaces at different times throughout the film and i thought you did a great job of explaining that in an overall easier way. In the beginning of the film the mood is overall negative as you see inside the main character’s life and creates a space of sympathy for him as he is clearly lost and struggling in life. I really enjoyed how you clearly distinguish these two differences. Throughout the movie as the story unravels we get to see the mood change into happiness for the character and then the cycle repeats.
3. Ferdaouss Elmoussaid 06.05.21 / 8pm

   Nice review! I agree with the fact the mise-en-scene was particularly strong with this movie. I felt like not a single piece of dialogue, camera angle, or action wasn’t done deliberately. I like how you mentioned the beginning of the film and the way it began so dramatically. You are right in that the way the camera came out of the Narrator’s head and then finding him with a gun in his mouth was intimate and shocking and did create a feeling of suspense and wonder for the rest of the movie. A smart move on the director’s behalf. You also mention the contrast we see in Tyler and the Narrator themselves. There was not only an obvious contrast in the way they behaved, looked, and dressed, but also how they were portrayed in lighting as well. The Narrator was almost living a double-life while Tyler completely rejected society and was fully comfortable living the way he liked–even if it was unconventional by normal standards.

   Again, thanks for the review. Fight Club is definitely a movie that at least requires some attention for addressing important themes of consumerism, mental health, and fighting the system.
4. Mayah Fenten 03.11.22 / 1pm

   I have seen this movie multiple times, as it is one of my favorite movies. The mise-en-scene in this movie strongly connects to the narrative as it connects to the darkness that goes on within Jack’s head and the mental health issues he struggles with. The effort that went into the production of this film does not go unnoticed, from the makeup, costumes, lighting, and camera angles. Lighting plays a huge role in completing this movie, as it sets the mood and creates a depressing vibe. This movie causes the audience to feel strong emotions. As the audience, I am constantly feeling bad for Jack and worried about him. This movie offers us the perspective of Jack struggling with two identities, along with the struggles of living under capitalism. Nice job on your review.
5. Tyler Cotton 06.23.23 / 10pm

   I appreciate your analysis of this film and perspective. That quote resonated with me as well and is something repeated in our household. I agree that the same scene both at the beginning and end of the film where there is a gun in Jacks mouth ties together and reiterated that this film about mental health struggles. The shots of nerve synapses at the beginning of the film support this and I now believe that the fight club is actually maybe the internal fight within us all. Agree that the lighting in this film plays a huge role and the closed frames that contrast the illustrate the split personalities.Strong emotion is evoked and mise en scene is about as dark, dingy, and raw as it gets and open frame pulls those effects into the narrative. Contrasts in costumes, demeanor, physique, attitude all supports the inner struggle. Enjoyed this film and appreciate it so much more after this class and reading your review. Great job.

Home | SBCC | Class Schedule | Film and Media Studies

Contact: Prof. Nico MaestuCopyright 2007-23 Log in