Do You Think You Really Know Fight Club?
- by Jessica Rae
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Fight Club was by far one of the most influential movies of the nineties and remains a cult film classic today. If you've watched it once then chances are you've watched it a number of times because the movie is so intricate that there are always more details to be found. The film follows the story of the unnamed Narrator (played by Edward Norton); an insomniac office worker desperately looking for a way to change his boring life. He meets an eccentric soap maker named Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt) and together they form an underground boxing club for discontented white-collar workers. He also meets a woman named Marla Singer (Helen Bonham Carter) and the three of them have a bizarre relationship. Eventually, their fight club evolves into a terrorist organization and the Narrator comes face to face with his own demons.
Fight Club received both negative and positive reviews after its release but today it is considered to be one of the best films of the 1990's. It was one of the most controversial films of its time but many viewers were put off by the graphic violence.
How many times have you watched Fight Club? Do you consider yourself to be the ultimate fan? Test your knowledge with this quiz and find out!
What is the first rule of Fight Club?
After the Narrator and Tyler have their first fight outside the bar they start to fight on a regular basis and soon other men want to join in. This is how their fight club is formed. Together they form rules for their new club and anyone who has seen the movie knows the first and most important rule. It's all about secrecy but there is also a hidden message to viewers in this rule, reminding them to not spoil the plot twist for other people.
Where did the Narrator and Tyler meet each other?
Any Fight Club fan knows that Tyler actually appears in the film a few times before he's clearly seen on the moving walkway at the airport. In his first few appearances he flashes on screen for a single frame, so if you don't watch closely you could miss it. He appears at the photocopier, at the doctor's office and at the first support group the Narrator attends. Where do Tyler and the Narrator first meet and interact with each other?
Complete this Fight Club quote: "The things you own..."
When Tyler and the Narrator go for their first beer together (after the Narrator finds his apartment blown up) we learn about Tyler's world view. He leans on his hand and looks bored as the Narrator speaks about the loss of all his worldly possessions. He then starts to speak about how men have been brainwashed into becoming consumers and describes them as "by-products of a lifestyle obsession". When the Narrator says that his insurance will probably cover the loss Tyler responds with one of the most memorable lines of the movie. What was it?
Which kind of support group does the Narrator go to first?
We all have our own way of dealing with things that happen in life but sometimes we need that little bit of extra support. This is where group support comes in handy. It does not matter if it's just a bunch of friends getting together or a group setting handled by professionals. No matter the setting, we can take advice from others, share our frustrations, and try to solve our own problems. What group does our character go to first?
What was the name of their anti-materialist organization?
When Fight Club morphs into a deep underground movement with a new name the Narrator starts to feel left out because Tyler excludes him from the plans. The first rule of this new establishment is that you don't ask questions so even when he tries to talk to Tyler or other members about it, they shut him out. After a botched sabotage operation, he tries to shut down the project but to no avail. What was the name of this operation?
Where does the Narrator hit Tyler the very first time?
Fights; now here is something that most men, and some women, can identify with. Sometimes it hits you right out of the blue, totally unexpected. And on other occasions, we go looking for a nice little Saturday night sparring session. How do you identify with this? Are you the one usually getting knocked over or are you the one that does the knocking over? Our characters don't seem to mind a bit of either as long as no one dares to talk about it afterward.
The movie is based on a book by which author?
The author of Fight Club came up with the idea for the novel during a camping trip. Whilst camping he encountered another group of campers making a lot of noise and confronted them about it and they beat him up. When he returned to work the following week none of his co-workers asked him about his injuries. He was fascinated by this and concluded that they didn't want to ask because they didn't care enough to connect with him on a personal level. This "societal blocking" inspired him to write a ground breaking novel. Who was the author?
What song plays during the film's climax?
Every good movie deserves at least one good song, Without it, we might as well watch Nascar with no commentary except "Left, left again". Or it would be equivalent to having Pauly Shore play the Terminator and "Freeze the weasel" just doesn't sound as intimidating as "Hasta la vista, baby". And this movie certainly does deliver a good soundtrack. Most of the songs played we can identify with and, at some stage of our lives, we have wished that we could have certain songs play as a sound track to our own lives.
What is the eighth and final rule of Fight Club?
All clubs have rules; without them, things descend into complete anarchy. Whether you are in a motorcycle club, fencing club or the baking club, there have to rules. Now, some rules can be bent, some can be disregarded as archaic, and some have to be enforced with due diligence. Fight Club has eight simple rules; the first two we know and won't talk about. But can you take a guess as to the eighth rule? You have to listen carefully to catch Tyler explaining it.
What chemical does Tyler use to burn the Narrators hand?
Brad Pitt was unsure about how his parents would react to the subject matter and graphic violence of Fight Club and suggested that they not watch the movie. But, being proud parents of a Hollywood A-lister, they insisted on watching it. When he asked them about it at a later stage they said they regretted their decision after the watching the infamous chemical burn scene. During this scene, Tyler uses which substance to inflict a chemical burn on the Narrator's hand?
Tyler and the Narrator are involved in a car accident – what causes the accident?
During this tense scene the Narrator is sitting in the passenger seat of a car which is being driven by Tyler. There are also two members of Project Mayhem in the backseat. The Narrator is arguing with Tyler and tells him that he wants to know things. Tyler tells him that he needs to forget what he thinks he knows, especially where it concerns the two of them. The scene ends with a car crash. Do you remember what causes the car to crash?
Who directed Fight Club?
This director certainly has a flair for unusual films that become hits and in some instances, cult classics. He also brought us films like Alien 3, Seven, and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and is rumored to be working on the World War Z sequel. His work is always something that is out of the ordinary and hard hitting, to say the least. But what we have here in Fight Club is truly a work of art. Most people can identify with at least one if not more of the characters. Who is he?
Where does the Narrator fight his boss?
The scene in question is possibly one of the most disturbing and surreal scenes in the movie. Our character, fed up with the day to day grind of soul numbing, repetitive work, decides to confront his employer and demand a more, shall we say, amenable work package. He does this in a manner totally unexpected and totally convincing to outsiders. His boss is so taken aback and afraid that he gives the Narrator what he wants. Where does our character confront his employer for their final showdown?
What does the doctor intially prescribe for the Narrators insomnia?
Doctors and big pharma - always trying to give us a magic pill to fix something. Don't get me wrong, some medication does actually work if you don't mind the side effects. However, most countries have used natural remedies for ages; plants, leaves, roots, and potions. From the American Indian Shamans to the African Sangomas and everyone in-between. Would you trust a doctor to give you something natural instead of a manufactured solution? Would you even try a natural remedy before a synthetic one?
What was the name of the hotel where Tyler occasionally worked as a waiter?
Hotels, motels, and flop houses. We all need a place to call home at some point that is not our actual residence. Now what you might not know is that what you get isn't always what you'd expect. Some hotels hardly ever change the sheets while others have a history of having, shall we say odd, happenings. Regardless of where you stay, you need to eat. Having witnessed our character in his element and knowing his proclivity for chaos, would you trust your meal if Tyler served it to you?
Where is the Narrator when he realizes the truth about who he is?
What made Fight Club such an incredible movie was the twist because almost no-one saw it coming. Often we watch a movie and by the time the twist comes we’ve already figured it out, which just leaves us feeling disappointed. That was not the case with Fight Club. The film was so well put together that no guessed the truth until it was revealed. This is what makes it such a rewatchable movie too because every time you watch it you can pick up a little clue you didn’t see the previous time.
What did Tyler use his job as a projectionist to do?
At the beginning of the film, we learn that Tyler is a night person. While other people sleep, he works and one of the jobs that he has is as a projectionist. The Narrator explains to the audience that this job “affords him other interesting opportunities”. The reason Tyler took this job was to spend a little mayhem in the world and he does that in a very subliminal way. What does Tyler use his job as a projectionist to actually do?
What did Tyler and the Narrator have to do every time it rained?
Mother nature can play havoc with our everyday lives. From flooding our roads with hurricane downpours to a gentle mid summer drizzle. She is unpredictable and can be as gentle as she is awesome. Having said this we all know that, for the most part, it doesn't interfere with our day to day living too much. However, the Narrator and Tyler live in a very dilapidated house so the rain does affect them. What do they have to do every time it rains?
What is the name of the bar where they form the first Fight Club?
Do you remember the bar you had your first drink in? How about the bar or watering hole where you made a life impacting decision? Can you recall what you were drinking or what music was playing? Bars are a great way to spend some time with friends and place to drown our sorrows. Our characters enjoy their first beer together at this bar and later use it to host their Fight Club - even after the owner tries to throw them out. What was it called?
Where are Tyler and the Narrator when Tyler reveals that he blew up the apartment?
The event that sets the whole movie in motion is when the Narrators apartment gets blown up while he’s away on a business trip. After this happens the Narrator has no-one to call for help, except Tyler, who he just met on a plane. He calls him from a payphone, they go out for a beer, and that is how they come to live together in the rundown house in Paper Street. In this scene, Tyler finally reveals that he blew up the Narrators apartment to help him “hit bottom”. Where are they when this happens?
What is the name of the apartment block the narrator lives in?
As we start to get to know the Narrator at the beginning of the film a number of key facts about him are revealed. Firstly, he has insomnia and seems desperate for a good nights sleep. Secondly, he has a corporate job and he lives in an apartment which he describes as a "condo on the fifteenth floor of a filing cabinet for widows and young professionals". When he returns from a business trip to find that his apartment has been blown up we catch a glimpse of the name of the building.
What did Raymond K Hessel want to be?
We all have dreams and aspirations as to what we are to become or want to be when we grow up. Some of us get to live those dreams, Some of us find that those dreams are actual nightmares. Maybe you didn't get to do your dream job, but how much do you really know about your dream job? It sounds fabulous being a rock star, but can you be away from home for a year and hardly ever see your family? Think about it.
Tyler wears distinctive sunglasses made by who?
All Right! Bling time! We all have that little bit of bling that makes us feel hot. From rings and necklaces to clothing and foot wear or hot commodities like cell phones and cars. Our character has some spectacular shades that absolutely fit his character. What do you have? Is it perhaps that watch that grandpa left you? Or your new iPhone? Maybe it's your new Jordans or a new set of Beats. Regardless of what it is, most of your friends know you by your bling.
What was the name of the character played by Jared Leto?
During the scene where Tyler Durden is giving an inspirational speech to the members of his Fight Club, he says, "We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires and movie gods and rock stars." If you watch closely you'll notice that he looks directly at Jared Leto's character as he says the word, "rock star". This is ironic because Leto formed his band 30 Seconds to Mars just one year before he did the movie and his music has since made him a true rock star.
How much did Tyler charge department stores for a bar of his soap?
"It was beautiful: we were selling rich women their own fat asses back to them." So Tyler made soap using human fat that he stole from a liposuction clinic and then sold the bars to department stores for rich women to buy. One of the funniest scenes in the movie is watching Tyler selling the soap to a lady in the store and listening to her gush over how amazing it is. If only she knew, right? Do you remember how much he sold it for?
What color jacket is Tyler wearing when he meets the Narrator?
Throughout the movie, Tyler has a bright wardrobe which provides contrast for the Narrators dull clothing. Tyler is, after all, everything the Narrator wants to himself and while he seems to get paler and more dreary as the movie goes on Tyler looks better and better. When they meet for the first time the Narrator looks the part of a boring businessman while Tyler is wearing a bright jacket and one of his signature pair of shades. Do you remember the color of his jacket in this scene?
When the Narrator knocks on the door of Tyler’s bedroom he answers wearing only a…?
Here’s a little bit of trivia for you: did you know that this scene was almost cut out of the movie because the studio felt it was too offensive? It’s true! But they decided to leave it in after the scene got a big laugh from test audiences. During this scene, the Narrator is peeking into Tyler’s bedroom where Tyler and Mayla are busy having loud energetic sex. All of a sudden the door flies open and Tyler appears. He is naked except for one item – what was it?
What year did Fight Club come out?
Movie execs struggled to find the right way to promote Fight Club and at one point they even considered billing it as an art movie. The genre and subject matter of the movie, especially with its strong anti-consumerism themes, were unlike anything audiences had ever seen before and the producers were not confident that the movie would do well. They were convinced that women would not be interested in the movie even though it starred Brad Pitt. But they were wrong.
What is the real name of the actor who played Robert Paulson?
One of the rules of Fight Club is that fighters are not allowed to wear shirts but if watch carefully there seems to be one exception to this rule. The character Robert Paulson AKA "Bob" fights with his shirt on. The reason for this was because the crew needed to be able to hide the fat suit that the actor wore for the film. The fat suit was specially designed for the character and filled with birdseed to look like rolls of fat. What is the real name of this actor?
What is the first homework assignment that Tyler hands out?
As Fight Club evolves Tyler starts giving out weekly “homework assignments”. These are exercises he believes will benefit the members of the underground club and they often involve fighting. While carrying out one of these homework assignments Tyler goes to a store and holds a clerk at gunpoint. He threatens the clerk in an unusual way, but then again nothing in this movie was ordinary. Do you remember the very first homework assignment that Tyler dished out to the members of Fight Club?
The Narrator leaves the police station without which item of clothing?
Once the Narrator realizes what the purpose of Project Mayhem actually is, he tries everything in his power to stop it. He even goes to the police station and hands himself over, claiming that he is the leader of a terrorist organization. But instead of arresting him the policemen do something unexpected and it becomes clear that they might be in on the project. The Narrator manages to escape from them but he leaves an important item of clothing behind in his haste. What was it?
Which actress turned down the role of Marla because it was "too dark"?
Several talented actresses were considered for the tragic role of Marla Singer but in the end, the part went to Helena Bonham Carter and she pulled it off perfectly. According to her, she based her performance on Judy Garland in the later stages of her life and even asked the director to call her Judy on the set to stay in character. She also insisted that the make-up artist use her left hand to apply her makeup because she felt Marla would not be a person particularly skilled at doing makeup.
Who did producers initially want to play the role of Tyler Durden?
Believe it or not, Brad Pitt was the not the first choice for the role of Tyler. The producers were torn between Pitt and another actor but the more senior producer eventually got his way and offered Pitt $17.5 million to do the movie. Brad was looking for a new project after the commercial failure of Meet Joe Black and the studio believed the film would do better if they cast a major star in it. He and Edward Norton prepared for their roles by taking lessons in boxing, taekwondo, and soap making.
What color is the van which is packed with explosives?
The battle between the Narrator and Tyler at the end of the film is especially dramatic considering how the two are connected to each other. The Narrator is still trying to stop Project Mayhem but Tyler blocks him every step of the way. In the end, the bombs go off and the Narrator makes a drastic move to try and rid himself of Tyler once and for all. During these last few scenes, we see a van packed with explosives - what color was that vehicle?
Which talk show host spoiled the movie's twist on national TV?
Don't you hate spoilers? And the people who share them? It's just so rude. Did you know that a talk show host spoiled the twist ending of Fight Club for millions of people all because she didn't enjoy the movie? It's true! During the week that the film was released, she appeared on her show and told her viewers that she had seen the movie and had been unable to sleep ever since. She then proceeded to give away the twist ending and urged people not to watch the film.