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David Fincher’s 1999 film Fight Club, starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton might be a beloved cult classic now, but audiences didn’t have the same reaction to the movie upon its release. In fact, the movie flopped at the box office and it was booed by viewers at early screenings.
Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in Fight Club | image: 20th Century FoxHowever, looking back at the premiere of Fight Club at the Venice Film Festival, Edward Norton recalled Brad Pitt’s reaction to audience reception, during his discussion with The Ringer. Norton further noted how it was probably just him and Pitt who seemed to enjoy the fruits of their hard work, in the theater.
Brad Pitt’s Reaction to Fight Club’s Negative Reception Among Audiences
Unlike recent times, wherein Brad Pitt and Edward Norton’s collaboration in David Fincher’s Fight Club, is hailed as something phenomenal, the film’s initial reception was anything but kind. At the Venice Film Festival premiere in 1999, audiences had vocally expressed their displeasure—booing the film that later earned the status of a masterpiece.
However, amid this uproar, it was Brad Pitt’s reaction that stood out as a true “sigma move,” reflecting resilience and confidence in his creative endeavor, alongside Edward Norton, David Fincher, and even Helena Bonham Carter. This particular revelation came forward, following Norton’s interview with The Ringer, where the actor recounted Pitt’s reaction to the overwhelming negativity and booing.
Brad Pitt in David Fincherʼs Fight Club | image: 20th Century FoxIt got booed. It wasn’t playing well at all. Brad turns and looks at me and says, ‘That’s the best movie I’m ever going to be in.’ He was so happy.
While the crowd’s negative reaction to Fight Club was gradually growing, with boos echoing through the theater, Edward Norton recalled how Brad Pitt maintained an air of calm and composure. Instead of sinking into disappointment, the actor rather turned to Norton and declared his unwavering belief in the film’s artistic merit and its potential for legacy.
Edward Norton Stated a Possible Reason for His Film’s Negative Reception
Well, while Brad Pitt seemed thrilled to see the movie getting booed—since he was confident about its potential and knew he had made a great film—Edward Norton on the other hand reflected on the potential reasons behind audiences’ negative reception. Reflecting on the film’s rocky start, Norton offered insights into why Fight Club struggled to connect with audiences at first.
Edward Norton, famously known for his role as MCU’s Hulk, suggested that the film’s complex themes—exploring psychology and identity—were ahead of their time. Considering how people failed to fathom the message behind the movie, Norton noted that perhaps that’s why audiences chose to react to it in a defensive way. According to Norton audiences were not prepared for the raw and provocative themes.
I think the establishment, the critical culture, felt a little bit indicted by it. So they responded to it with a little bit more seriousness, and I think they missed the satirical edge of it.
Edward Norton and Brad Pitt in a still from Fight Club (1999) | image: 20th Century FoxHowever, in retrospect, despite the initial negativity surrounding David Fincher’s Fight Club, both Brad Pitt and Edward Norton emerged from the experience with a sense of pride. The actors noted that they were the only ones seated at the premiere, laughing at the inside jokes and enjoying the movie. But in the end, after years since its release, the film eventually found an audience and became a significant cultural touchstone.
Fight Club is currently available to watch on Apple TV.
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