Fight Club (1999)
Helena Bonham-Carter, Ed Norton, Brad Pitt

Why such a dark, violent film?  Well, if you're of the male persuasion—or parent of one who is—this is an important book and movie. 

Young men invariably related to Fight Club whenever I taught it because it speaks to their struggle to define masculinity in today's culture. Women are fortunate: 40 years of feminism have helped us redefine our roles. But our young men haven't been so lucky—there's a fair amount of sociological data confirming as much.

Most of all, though, Fight Club is a darn good movie.  Ed Norton and Brad Pitt are hugely compelling as two guys who search out meaning in a deadening, commercialized, corporatized culture. Warning: this is not a pretty movie. It's dark, stark and sometimes violent.

Still, there are some very humorous (sardonic) scenes, especially those in which Ed Norton's character visits support groups for people dying of fatal diseases. It's the only way he can feel alive. (Doesn't sound funny, I know, but it is.)

The movie ends on a brighter note than Chuck Palahniuk's book, offering loving relationship as an alternative to violence and mayhem. Although it's a bit of a cop-out, it's at least an offering of hope.  Makes me feel better.