Auteur
Relatively useful because it illustrates Fincher's style between films, as well as his determination to make the film his own, and in his own style. Only useful if you have seen other Fincher films to use as comparison.
Gender
Useful - men losing their masculinity, represented in the film by the testicular cancer support group. Objectification of women is basically absent, but the both dependent and independent Marla represents a reasonably typical movie trope.
Institution
Very useful - studio pressure to change aspects of the films design, casting and production vs. David Fincher's stubborn refusal to compromise his vision.
Social, Cultural and Political
Useful because the media response to the film definitely informs your knowledge on the films message and purpose. Backlash, accusations of inciting violence/copycat behaviour, etc.
Star/Performer
Not very useful because knowledge of the star himself does not inform our knowledge of the film.
Technology
Not at all useful - very little technology was used in making this film.
Genre
Not useful because it is very difficult to pin down this film to a specific genre.
Ethnicity
Not useful, because it has no racial or ethnic or religious conflict to speak of.
