I vehemently disagree with Clark’s analysis.

There’s no ambiguity in the message of the story. As the book says, “What you see at fight club is a generation of men raised by women.” The description that follows outlines exactly the impact this has had on them. They’ve never pushed themselves as men. They don’t understand their own violent natures. They fear confrontation that pushes their limits as men.

The reason why a generation of men raised by women doesn’t know any of this is because manhood isn’t something that can be taught. It is something that can only be learned by doing. The first and second rules of fight club are “you don’t talk about fight club.” Fight club is about doing, not talking. You recognize these people with their scars and bruises, and you exchange a knowing nod–there’s nothing to be said.

In the end, it’s popular to say that anything that celebrates manhood by opposing it to feminine ideals is misogynistic. But this is a misapplication of the word. Celebrating masculinity does not detract from femininity, nor is it necessarily hostile to it. Fight Club is not misogynistic, but it unapologetically celebrates manhood and bemoans the emasculation of men’s roles in society.

It’s also a cautionary tail. In another voice, I’ve referred to it as a post-feminist horror flick. It portrays what men will do when society fails to contain them.

As far as Marla, she’s a foil. It’s difficult to see her as a full participant in the story.

Still I loved the movie… and not just to appear cool to the boys.

D- thanks! I enjoyed the movie, too. No matter what Tess says.

I had to fast forward a lot of this movie because it was just too violent. But anyone who rents a movie called “Fight Club” knows what they are getting into.

My opinion? Watch “March of the Penguins” instead…