The differences are evident in the good scenes—the way a well-handled camera can capture everything. For some time now, people have failed to grasp just how poor cinema can look. The world of film behind the scenes is nothing but an image. Often, it only comes together in key moments.
–Nothing glamorous about that, that's for sure,– replied Edward Norton, who looked like a vagrant, with an unhealthy demeanor and indiscriminate behavior. Always deep in character. Unlike Billy, he was intense at all times.
Billy was so immersed in his role that he wore what he considered essential: a sharp red leather jacket, a tight white shirt with black buttons, cowboy boots, and a pair of denim jeans. His haircut was unusual, and he used so much gel and styled his hair so often that it remained stiff even after a shower.
–So for the next few days, we could try some baking soda with lemonade and a bit of mint—it's perfect for stomach pain and helps me stay awake,– Edward grinned.
–It's funny how our roles switch on camera. You're supposed to be the talker, and I'm the quiet one. Damn those moments when people can see us... but acting, it's just so magical,– Edward added again.
–I like the way you act,– Billy replied, settling into his seat. For this scene alone, they had hired at least thirty extras, each with their own particular need.
–But I like to focus when I act, feel every scene, and become the role. I don't need to talk to own it,– Billy said, taking a deep breath as they prepared for the upcoming takes.
–I get that, but for me, living the scene sometimes means doing the opposite. Right now, I have to keep talking or I'll fall asleep—my head's killing me. Sometimes at night, I think I should read philosophy and improve my pragmatic side... but it puts me right to sleep. So I end up rereading scripts I like, or for the seventh time, giving Shakespeare another go—I practically know him by heart,– Edward commented, exhaling.
–ACTION– shouted David Fincher from the stage. The set was a miniature airplane cabin, with a curved ceiling that led to a closed end. The best way to shoot on a plane was to build one. Coincidentally, the set was available for rent. Many scenes were filmed this way by those who wanted something beyond the basics.
Edward Norton stared blankly into the distance, speaking quietly to a woman beside him, fighting off insomnia. Jack, Edward's character, stared directly into the camera, vacant, as if the world had slipped away from him. Then he acted as if he had fallen asleep, head dropping back. The camera zoomed in, and Billy entered from behind the lens and suddenly appeared beside him. It might seem like a mistake from the director, but that was the charm—precision in chaos. One moment, no one is beside Jack; the next, Tyler is.
Jack stayed in the same position, with the same vacant expression.
–Ding.– The seatbelt sign turned off. Jack snapped awake. Everything seemed normal. Some passengers got up. Beside him, a voice he had heard before...
VOICE
There are three ways to make napalm. One, mix equal parts gasoline and frozen orange juice...
Jack turned to see Tyler. Without looking at him, Tyler continued:
TYLER: Two, equal parts gasoline and diet soda. Three, stir cat litter into gasoline until it thickens.
JACK: Excuse me?
Tyler turned to Jack.
JACK (Voice-over): This is how I met...
TYLER: Tyler Durden.
Tyler offered his hand. Jack shook it.
TYLER: You know why they give you oxygen masks on planes?
JACK: No... to supply oxygen?
TYLER: Oxygen gets you high. In a catastrophic emergency, we take a deep breath—panicked...
Tyler pulled a safety card from the seat pocket and handed it to Jack. Edward admired Billy's subtlety—it was so different from his usual reserved demeanor. Like a hungry animal that craved the spotlight. Throughout the project, Edward remembered how Billy had dissected Tyler's personality, asking about every detail and reaction, an alter ego opposite from Jack.
TYLER: Suddenly, you feel euphoric, docile. You accept your fate. Tyler pointed to passive faces on the illustrated figures.
TYLER: Emergency landing at 600 miles an hour. Blank stares. Calm, like Hindu cows.
Jack laughed. Edward saw something in Billy's delivery—that narrow focus that made the scene glow. Each one was eager to prove they were the best.
JACK: What do you do, Tyler?
TYLER: What do you want me to do?
JACK: I mean, for a living.
TYLER: Why? So you can say, "Oh, that's... that's cool. That's what you do? I do this... I'm impressed."? Show off?
Jack laughed. Tyler reached under the seat and pulled out a BRIEFCASE.
TYLER: That laugh of yours—it reeks of desperate sickness.
Jack pointed at his briefcase.
JACK: We have the same briefcase.
Tyler turned his case toward Jack.
TYLER: Open it.
Jack looked at him, unlatched the case, and opened it to reveal bars of soap wrapped in strange packaging.
TYLER: Soap—the yardstick of civilization.
(Reaches into his pocket)
I make and sell soap...
Tyler handed Jack a card: "PAPER STREET SOAP CO."
TYLER: If you add nitric acid to the soap-making process, you get nitroglycerin. With enough soap, one could blow up the world—if one were so inclined.
Tyler slammed the case shut. Jack stared at him.
JACK: Tyler, you're easily the most interesting single-serving friend I've ever met.
Tyler looked back. Jack, relishing the chance to be clever, leaned toward him. They each stared with mock arrogance—playing their roles, becoming those roles. Strangely enough, over the past five days—on Norton's suggestion—they'd learned some papermaking and basic chemistry. Both pushed themselves to the limit, creating a palpable air of rivalry.
JACK: You see, when you travel, everything is tiny, self-contained...
TYLER: The spork. Got it. You're clever.
JACK: Thanks.
TYLER: And how's that working for you?
JACK: What?
TYLER: Being clever.
JACK
(sarcastic)
Oh, uh... great.
TYLER: Keep it up. Keep it up.
Tyler stood and looked down the aisle.
TYLER: ...When I pass you, do you want the ass or the crotch?
Tyler backed out into the aisle, presenting his rear to Jack as he walked away...
TYLER: We are defined by the choices we make.
Tyler pushed aside the curtain to first class and sat in an empty seat. Jack watched.
JACK (Voice-over)
How I came to live with Tyler: Airlines are tightening policies on vibrators in carry-on bags.
–Cut,– David Fincher whispered approvingly, his plump features grinning into the camera.
Billy felt a surge of energy, something extra coursing through his body—testosterone from overtraining. His routine had evolved into a refined art of sport and human connection, taking what he wanted, how he wanted.
–You're fired up,– Monica whispered, receiving his kisses. It was strange—they were still on set, in a cramped maintenance room, yet he was already getting handsy, shameless.
–Gorgeous, as always...–
Billy let his black underwear fall to the floor, his fingers plunging into her pleasure, playing with her nipples with the other hand, their kisses frantic and intense. It was quick, rough, and without restraint.
She felt him enter so fast that it sent a shock through her body. Nothing tastes sweeter than breaking routine and giving in to desire. It was fast—but not silent. Their kisses were messy, tangled in awkward positions. He held her slender waist, pulled her close, while she clung to his shoulders, tightening every muscle in response to the way he took her, so shamelessly it touched her soul.
He came inside her, the warm, sticky fluid filling her. Moments later, he was hard again and took her once more. In five minutes, they both reached climax gloriously. She collapsed, adjusting herself slightly as she went down, then leaned in to take him into her mouth, teasing him to a third round. It came fast. This time, she took control—he let her ride him like some indecent mistress until they hit the very edge of pleasure.
Insatiable, Billy came a fourth time in half an hour, drained. Monica had been riding a wave of orgasms. The space grew claustrophobic, their sweat clinging to every inch. They kissed slowly, sweetly, their lips tracing a peaceful path.
–That was amazing,– Monica said.
–I know you want more, but we'll play tonight, darling,– Billy replied, laughing at how eager she always was. Monica embraced her sexuality fully, passionate and expressive in ways few noticed. They always took care of each other.
–I have to fly to New York for a runway show. More sponsors came through– Monica said.
Some time ago, Jim Wait had hired a real modeling coach for her. Monica became more than a model—she trained in dance, fitness, and diet. Her curves grew leaner, more defined. Billy bet that in all of America, no one dreamed like they did of Monica—so enchanting at thirty-three, like a fairy, erotic and seductive, with long cinnamon legs that clung to him tightly in every act of love.
...