In Meat Loaf's Acting Career, One Role Stands Above The Rest
In the world of performing arts, no rock star was as versatile and unique as Meat Loaf. The singer was born Marvin Lee Aday and is known for many accomplishments in the world of entertainment. The musician's debut album "Bat out of Hell ” brought classics like "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," and will never be forgotten. Tragically, Meat Loaf died at the age of 74, which was verified by his agent (via The Guardian). The best-selling performer was surrounded by his family who gave the touching statement, "From his heart to your souls ... don't ever stop rocking!"
Looking back on his four decades of his career, there are many aspects that stand out. Not only did Meat Loaf sell 65 million copies of his albums globally, but he also had a penchant for acting. The singer appeared in "Wayne's World," "Rocky Horror Picture Show," and even "Spiceworld the Movie." But there is one film role that will be remembered for its pop culture significance.
His name is Robert Paulson
Directed by David Fincher, "Fight Club" has stood the test of time. Based on the Chuck Palahniuk book of the same name, Fincher's film critiqued every aspect of our culture from capitalism to toxic masculinity, and did so with such a razor-sharp edge that it's been hilariously held aloft as an ur-text by the very people it ruthlessly lampoons.
Meat Loaf's contribution to the story cannot be denied. The singer plays Robert "Bob" Paulson, a man that The Narrator (Edward Norton) meets at a support group for testicular cancer. It is only when he joins Fight Club that Bob is able to feel alive again. Fight Club turns into Project Mayhem, which of course entails destroying corporate property among many other extreme acts of domestic terrorism.
While on the job for Project Mayhem, Bob is shot and killed. The Narrator walks in to hear the rest of Project Mayhem deciding how to dispose of the body. The Narrator is appalled at how they are discussing the person that he once knew from his support group. He insists that his acquaintance was a person and his name was Robert Paulson. This is thrown into chaos when the Project starts repeating this statement over and over again. The Narrator realizes that this collection of men are not righteous and have turned into the cult of Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt).
Meat Loaf's character represents the thesis of Fight Club
This turn of events is an important character change for The Narrator. Without Bob, The Narrator never would have come to terms with his reality. He needs to realize that the path Tyler is leading these men down is dangerous and turning them into monsters. They didn't see Bob as a person. They only mimic everything the Project tells them to do.
This is important for The Narrator to realize that Tyler is toxic at best and evil at worst. Without this moment, The Narrator cannot understand how close he is to Tyler and what he needs to do to get rid of him. Meat Loaf portrays Bob with humor and understanding, as an authentic character that The Narrator learns to care about. It truly represents one of Meat Loaf's finest moments as a thespian (other than "BloodRayne," of course). Watch it again, in his honor.