On Watching Theology, Joe, Duke, and Melissa take a single film and examine it closely, looking at the assumptions and ideas in the story. Every episode considers the theological, philosophical and thematic elements of a film, listening closely to what the author has to say, and interacting with those ideas. (It's more fun than it sounds).

Joe watches too many movies. He grew up in central Washington, earned his B.A. in Education and Fine Art, an M.A. in Theology and is currently completing an M.A. in English Literature. He's smuggled film classes into each degree. He is interested in writing, theology and hopes to one day compose the ultimate Joe Versus the Volcano commentary track.

Melissa has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English with an emphasis on Film Studies. She has taken classes on everything from silent to romance to post-colonial films and much in between. Her research and interests lie mainly in feminist film theory, women in film, Hitchcock and the studio era. At the end of the day, however, she just loves films; from Notorious to Die Hard!
Duke enjoys the way movies can tell stories like no other medium. He is an amatuer critic that loves the atmosphere of the theater and the taste of overpriced popcorn. He loves a good story and appreciates the effort and skill of good story tellers. He is a nerd at heart and a sucker for heist movies. He hopes to see every good movie and lampoon every bad movie ever made before he dies.

Contact the hosts at mail@watchingtheology.com for more information.

Show DescriptionWatching Theology

Fight Club (1999)

Watching Theology January 1st, 2010

art_wt401.jpg[NOTE: Explicit Content] New season. New series. New co-host. Same Watching Theology wisdom (sorry). Season 4 begins with an all-male look at twentieth century masculinity according to Pitt, Norton, Fincher, and Palahniuk. Joe is joined by Duke Senter to listen to Fight Club and ask what it means to be male and survive existential vacuums. This extended-length show is the first of a series on "The Cave: Utopias, Delusions, and Deceptions." [04.01]

Next Episode: "The Cave" part 2–M. Night Shyamalan's The Village (2004).

NOW AVAILABLE: Watching, a film book by Joe and Melissa Johnson (also available through Amazon)

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6 Responses to “Fight Club (1999)”

Obed January 4th, 2010

Ah, man… it's been about 10 years since I've seen that movie! Now that I'm in my 30's I guess it's time to watch it again…

Timotheus January 5th, 2010

Both of you have done an outstanding job on analyzing this awesome guy movie.

I have discussed this movie with many friends over the last 10 years and your discussion brought up other angles that I never consider. With a movie this rich in story content one could discuss it for hours.

Your Brother,
Timotheus

Matthew January 7th, 2010

Oh, man… SO thrilled you guys tackled 'Fight Club' (shouldn't it have been released on 'BlackandBluRay' ?), my favorite all-time movie. What a powerful, deep, timely, and entertaining film. So much that can be taken from the story. Can't wait to see the 10th anniversary edition.

Watching Theology January 8th, 2010

Thanks for the comments all.
Obed: surprisingly, it holds up pretty well and still seems both poignant and innovative.
Timotheus: Even after the show, I kept thinking of numerous points that we left out. I guess it's only a discussion starter. It's always wonderful to come across "texts" that keep talking.
Matt: I'm sure part of the reason it took us so long to get to FC is because of sheer pressure of putting together a show that wouldn't disappoint you. I figured, "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be to mess with Mr. Porter's other Biblel"

Obed January 8th, 2010

Just a follow-up…. I haven't rented it again yet (maybe this will drive me to netflix), but listening to you guys makes me think I'll appreciated it much more now than I did when it first came to (*gasp*) video. I was 21 or so then, and now I'm about to turn 31. I think the issues it discusses will hit me more now. Back then I just thought it had a great visual style and a great plot twist. But now… I can relate to a lot of what y'all were talking about. Unlike most of my friends, I didn't get married in my 20's, but instead fought my way through a degree and into a job-that-seems-to-have-maybe-become-a-career. And I find myself thinking, dang, I don't want my 30's to be like my 20's. I don't wanna be turning 40 and have that same "Now what?" that I did coming into my 30's.

ZwCephas January 8th, 2010

Excellent commentary. Enlightening. Looking forward to stuff on The Village. Right now, let's see what you have to say about Pulp Fiction…and may I put in a good word for the Coen Brothers. Anything upcoming?

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