A Memorable Behind-the-Scenes Moment
As David Fincher’s iconic film Fight Club celebrates its 25th anniversary, we take a trip down memory lane with a fascinating anecdote from lead star Edward Norton. In a previous interview, Norton recounted how director Fincher encouraged him to deliver a real punch to co-star Brad Pitt during a pivotal fight scene.
Authenticity in Action
Speaking on The Tonight Show, Norton shared his experience filming the first punch of the movie. He recalled, “It’s the first punch of the movie, and I hit him in the ear. [David] Fincher came up to me and said ‘hit him, connect with him somewhere.’ And I hit him in the ear, and [Brad] says in the film, he goes: ‘Ow! Why the ear?!?’ That was real.” This genuine interaction added an authentic layer to the film, and viewers can see Norton’s amusement at Pitt’s reaction in the final cut.
Plot Overview
Fight Club follows an unnamed narrator, played by Norton, who becomes disillusioned with societal expectations. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Pitt’s character, Tyler Durden, a charismatic soap salesman. Together, they establish an underground fight club that spirals into chaos.
Cult Status After Initial Failure
Upon its initial release, Fight Club struggled at the box office but eventually gained a massive following on home video, solidifying its status as a cult classic.
Recent Projects
On the professional front, Brad Pitt was recently seen in Wolves, alongside George Clooney, while Edward Norton appeared in Asteroid City and will soon feature in the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, alongside Timothée Chalamet.