FIGHT CLUB David Fincher 1999 Fight Club Section

FIGHT CLUB David Fincher 1999

Fight Club Section C: Single Film - Critical Study The ability of candidates to engage in critical study of a single film is examined in this section. The synoptic dimension is clear – as there is the expectation that the candidate's cumulative learning will be brought to bear in this study. Critical approaches that may be applied include those arising from the frameworks for the FM 3 research project while contextual study will consolidate work completed for FM 2 and FM 4 Sections A and B. The role of macro and micro elements of film in the construction of meaning and the creation of emotion informs the specification as a whole. Each of the films available for study has given rise to much debate in its critical reception and each lends itself to study within one or more of the critical frameworks listed for FM 3. A consideration of some of these debates and the application of critical frameworks will provide the basis for the candidate's own engagement with the film.

Assessment Section C: Single Film – Critical Study (A 01 and A 02, 30 marks) One question to be answered from a choice of two questions general to all films and a specific question set for each film prescribed.

Example questions Section C: Single Film: Close Critical Study Choose one question from this section. Your answer should make detailed reference to your chosen film. General Questions 17. What does your chosen film reveal about the usefulness of one or more critical approaches you have applied? [30] 18. Consider debates that have arisen in the critical reception of your chosen film, either at the time of its initial release or now or both. [30] Questions on single films 26. 'Despite the gesture of destroying symbols of corporate power at the end, Fight Club is a film about power and control, not liberation. ' How far do you agree? [30]

Research tasks (due Friday 13 th January) Task 1 Put together a presentation on Fight Club that includes the following information. You each need to do this as you need it for your notes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Film Worldwide Gross Film UK Gross Film that Fight Club was competing against at the time of release Information about director, filmography and background Awards and nominations that Fight Club received Production and distribution information including background information on the companies 7. Cast information and background of lead actors Task 2 Find, read and print 2 reviews of Fight Club - one should be a critical/academic review and one should be a popular review.

Critical Reception • Controversial films are rare • P 416: ‘a level of controversy similar to Natural Born Killers’ and ‘Clockwork Orange’ • Worried about ‘copycat violence’ (symptomatic of fear over media’s grip over people as opposed to moral or religious values)

Reception - Social Anxiety • 1999: Columbine shootings (blame the media!) • Often easier to blame mass media products rather than any kind of sociopolitical failures (soft targets are better)