Does knowing the ending to FIGHT CLUB before seeing it ruin the film?

[WhatsInaName]

So I finally got to see American History X for the first time last night, and I absolutely loved Edward Norton's performance.

This got me thinking of renting Fight Club which also happens to be directed by one of my fav directors as well as starring Norton.

Here's the thing:
I got the ending spoilt for me on these very boards. Will that ruin the film for me? Or is it still a good experience not to be missed regardless?

As much as I love Se7en, it's just not the same after you've experienced that mind blowing ending for the first time. Is it the same with Fight Club? Should I see it anyway or skip it now that I know the ending?

Your input is much appreciated.

[mutesaint]

It won't ruin the ending. It might change the impact you feel, but fight club is different than seven. All of seven really leads up to that one mindfuck moment. Fight Club isnt about the ending. Its about the Norton maturing. So, basically, the surprise might be a mindfuck, but there is still a whole lot Fight club has going on.

[Derek237]

It's not like the Sixth Sense, where you watch it once, are blown away by the twist, then maybe watch it once or twice again later just for the sake of looking for some clues, then basically forget about it. There's a reason why fanboys watch Fight Club over and over and over and over and over again. Because it's pure awesome.

[visual_tension]

I knew the ending before I watched it and even though the film is great, I wish I had known absolutely nothing about it.

[Knappke]

yeah, it's like watching a movie backwards. Doesn't make sense. But I agree: fight club is not all about chain of actions leading one to another, so it does not defeats the movie completely if you know the ending...

[Shockwave]

After the first time i saw it i knew the ending, and it didnt ruin the movie for me the multiple times ive seen it since.

Great movie, and in my top 20 of all time.

[KyleG]

technically its not the ending of the movie either

[The Postmaster General]

It's not like the Sixth Sense, where you watch it once, are blown away by the twist, then maybe watch it once or twice again later just for the sake of looking for some clues, then basically forget about it. There's a reason why fanboys watch Fight Club over and over and over and over and over again. Because it's pure awesome.


I disagree, sort of. There's a lot of visual flair throughout the film that's enhanced by knowing the ending, such as:

SPOILERS, I GUESS....



The random appearing of Tyler on the road, and else where for one frame at a time -- It not only jives with the ending, but adds extra punch because of what Tyler 'teaches' the narrator about editing movies.


END SPOILERS, I GUESS.



But I know what you're saying - the movie isn't held together by the twist. There's a lot more there than just that.

As for Sixth Sense though, I watch it because it's genuinely creepy and suspenseful. This is a movie that's enhanced by its ending, but I don't think contingent on it.

[the clever guy]

yeah, it's like watching a movie backwards. Doesn't make sense. But I agree: fight club is not all about chain of actions leading one to another, so it does not defeats the movie completely if you know the ending...

watching a movie backwards a la 'memento'....:D

[echo_bravo]

Watch it anyways dude. Its a great film all around.

[Bourne101]

I wouldn't really suggest finding out the ending before you see it. I did not see the ending coming at all and it was a pleasant surprise when it did come. After repeat viewings it is awesome to see how the twist effects the whole movie.

[auge_28]

Knowing the ending will dilute only the last few minutes . . . by no means should that fact prevent you from this great film.

There are several films that make me sad because I can never see it again for the first time . . . will never feel the magic in the same way.

There is enough goodness in Fight Club to merit watching even if you have seen the ending. Shit, I almost never re-watch films (there is just no damn time when I am so far behind in even my own collection) but I have seen Fight Club a handful of times and have enjoyed each viewing . . . re-watch it to look for the hints David Fincher and Chuck Palahniuk gave us, then watch it for the great soundtrack, watch it again for the wonderful dialog, and again with an eye on the way it is cut and the Mise en Scene.

If you want a surprise ending for Fight Club, watch the film and then go get the book and read the last chapter . . . the one they left out of the film . . . trust me, it is different.

Oh, speaking of the book I have a signed first edition I am willing to part with, gotta pay for more school . . . this reminds me, is there a place on this board were I can pitch some of my books and collectibles without spamming?

[jaw2929]

Knowing the ending will absolutely not take away from what a fantastic film Fight Club is... I've watched it a few times, and am really fucking impressed with the way it's made, in that nothing is overly obvious about the ending.... In the dialogue is written as such, that if you didn't know the ending already, you would never know what was to happen (especially the scenes with Marla, and Pitt fucking her while Norton's in the kitchen, the breast exam dialogue, etc.).... Just fucking flawless!

See this movie as soon as you possibly can! :D

[Le_Big_Mac]

You'll still probably like it. It's not The Usual Suspects.

[WhatsInaName]

Thx for the great replies guys. I will try to rent it today. Will give my opinion when I get the chance to see it.

[KcMsterpce]

If the only thing going for a movie is the ending, then it's not a good movie.

Knowing the ending of a movie can also greatly detract from one's enjoyment, but a GOOD movie with a killer ending will still entertain.

[Cronos]

I generally find knowing the ending to a film beforehand can ruin the experience, doesn't stop it from being good though.

[Kings-Rook1]

No. It is a must see in my opinion regardless of what you know about it.

[Monotreme]

The twist in Fight Club, while shocking and awesome, is trivial relative to the overall high quality and pure awesomeness of every other part of the film. Watch it anyway, it shouldn't be missed. Trust me, the film just gets better once you know the twist in the end, regardless of if you saw it for the first time in the movie itself or read it somewhere.