An insomniac is living in an endless cycle of work, consume, and repeat in an effeminate society. So as a way to cope and regain his raw masculinity, him and his newfound friend decide to create an underground boxing ring called “Fight Club,” but it turns out to be much more than that.

The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club.

This is the basic plot of David Fincher’s 1999 film “Fight Club.” The narrator, who is never given a name and is outstandingly played by Edward Norton, struggles to sleep at night. He works a stale day time job as a recall specialist for a major car company, which requires him to travel often, not helping his insomnia one bit. 

The second rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club.

The narrator is also stuck in a chain of consumerism and constantly purchasing useless items in order to help make himself feel more complete. But this all changes when he meets Tyler Durden. 

Third rule of Fight Club: someone yells stop, goes limp, taps out, the fight is over.

Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, is a nihilistic, anti-consumer, and charismatic soap seller who convinces the narrator to give up his possessions before they end up getting a hold of him. Soon after, the two go on to invent “Fight Club” where men are able to box against one another in order to help let out their societal frustration. But the club takes a turn as it slowly devolves into a violent cult. 

Fourth rule: only two guys to a fight.

Performances by both Norton and Pitt are two of the many highlights to this film. The dedication and seriousness that they both bring to the table allow for some amazing moments and dialogue between the pair. The quotations in this film are extremely meaningful and without the delivery from these two actors, would not have the effect that they do. 

Fifth rule: one fight at a time, fellas.

“Fight Club” also has a unique way of storytelling that is not present in a lot of films. Through the use of the nameless narrator, Fincher is able to let the audience into the main character’s mind as he gives his real timed thoughts, even breaking the fourth wall a few times. 

Sixth rule: no shirts, no shoes.

On the outside, “Fight Club” just seems like an action packed thriller with an extremely unpredictable twist, but deep down, it is way more than that and has much to say about societal values. 

Seventh rule: fights will go on as long as they have to.

I highly recommend “Fight Club” for anyone who is looking for a fast paced and engaging thriller that will end up playing with your mind as it unfolds.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first night at Fight Club, you have to fight.