Sometimes movies come along that not only entertain us but also get under our skin. Fight Club, which graced our screens in 1999, and the new hit of 2023, Bottoms, are such movies.
They are different in tone and subject matter, but they both explore rebellion, identity, and our complicated relationship with society. If you’re feeling inspired by their ferocity use your tonybet.com/fi login to take on new competitors. Then let’s dive into how these two films stack up against each other.
Story Parallels: What’s the Big Idea?
Credit: 20th Century Fox
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Fight Club (1999) gives us an unnamed narrator, played by Edward Norton, who teams up with soap salesman Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. Together, they create an underground fight club as a way to deal with their frustrations, but things spiral into anarchy.
In Bottoms (2023), the story revolves around two young queer teens navigating the complexities of dating life. They don’t shy away from physical fights, either. The characters find themselves in emotional and social battles in school.
Character Study: Who’s Leading the Charge?
In Fight Club, Durden is the charismatic and mysterious figure who encapsulates the darker instincts of the narrator. The two create a duality that questions what it means to be a man in a consumer-driven world.
Bottoms offers a more ensemble-driven narrative. There are still two main characters, Pj and Josie, but the group dynamics are what make this movie fun to watch at a sleepover. Characters bring their own form of rebellion against societal norms. Whether that’s in relationships, career, or personal identity.
Visual Flair: What’s the Look?
Credit: 20th Century Fox
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David Fincher’s film is gritty, dark, and almost claustrophobic, mirroring the inner turmoil of his protagonists. It’s filled with muted colours and dramatic lighting.
Seligman goes for a brighter, more contemporary aesthetic. Her use of colour and light feels very much rooted in today’s world, resonating with a younger audience.
Social Themes: What Are They Saying?
Both serve as social commentaries but in different ways. Fight Club focuses on the emptiness of consumer culture and how it robs individuals of authentic experiences.
The movie Bottoms zooms in on the anxieties faced by millennials and Gen Z. The maze of social relationships and the struggle of identity.
Twists and Turns
Credit: 20th Century Fox
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Without giving away spoilers, they both have some plot twists that turn your understanding of the story upside down. Fight Club’s twist ending has a legendary status amongst fans.
But Bottoms focuses on character development and employs a series of smaller revelations that build up to a profound, emotional finale. It all adds up to a deeper understanding of our heroes.
The Talent Behind the Camera
Let’s give a nod to the directors. David Fincher, known for his mastery in creating tension and unsettling atmospheres, is already a giant of the industry.
Emma Seligman is an emerging talent in the world of film, gaining recognition for her insightful storytelling. She first caught the public’s eye with her debut, Shiva Baby, which delved into the complexities of young adulthood and family dynamics.
With her newest project, she continues to capture the struggles faced by younger generations. Particularly with rampant social expectations and digital interactions.
In a Nutshell: Which One to Watch?
Credit: 20th Century Fox
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If you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller with a dark edge, Fight Club is a classic that still holds up. If you’re looking for a more contemporary comedy that delves into the current social landscape, Bottoms is a must watch.
Both offer a gripping take on rebellion and societal norms, and you’ll be doing some serious thinking long after the credits roll.
What do you make of this feature?
