The Social Network Review

“The Social Network”
Theatrical Release Date: 10/1/2010
Directed by: David Fincher
Screenplay by: Aaron Sorkin
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: 1/11/2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

Many critics have declared “The Social Network” as the defining movie of a generation. Perhaps this is a bold statement from individuals not all that familiar with the new genesis of socializing, but for someone who is, I truly endorse this proclamation. Without a doubt, this is a movie completely directed toward my generation (18 - 35). Just how good is this film? In the very least, it’s a triumph in every aspect of filmmaking and storytelling. From the moment the plot begins, the film becomes enormously gripping. It grabs you, rattles, and engulfs you for its entire two hours. The story opens up in a bar where the protagonist, Mark Zuckerberg, (portrayed by rising star Jesse Eisenberg) is having a fast-paced, condescending in nature conversation with soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend, Erica Albright (Rooney Mara). He belittles her yet for the strong, intelligent, and independent woman that she is, she’s able to verbally rebound back at him. Arguably the best five minutes of the movie, we soon develop a sense for what Mark Zuckerberg is all about. A socially inept pariah and computer genius of sorts, whose so geared on personal success that he doesn’t have any regard for how others may be feeling. "You're going to go through life thinking girls won't like you because you're a nerd, and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that's not true," Albright says. "Girls won't like you because you're an asshole." Ringing true to Erica’s statement for the rest of the movie, Zuckerberg embodies that persona.

There are continual shifts throughout the film in which particular story is being told to the audience. We not only witness how Facebook materializes, but also view the lawsuits occurring between Zuckerberg and his ex-best friend and co-founder of Facebook, Eduardo Saverin and fellow Harvard students Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. Newcomer Andrew Garfield is terrific as Saverin, the affable, intelligent, low-key co-pilot to Zuckerberg. The scenes with Zuckerberg and him are easily the most entertaining and engaging scenes within the film. The Facebook guru himself isn’t much of a likeable guy, even though he has the potential of being well liked. Saverin, on the other hand, is the type of character one always roots for – the charismatic, amiable underdog in the movie. The other key player in “The Social Network” is Sean Parker, portrayed exceptionally well by Justin Timberlake’s performance. Parker has the too-cool-for-school attitude as he comes into play in the second half of the movie. He’s confident, sly, sleazy, manipulative, and conniving. Still, he’s awfully fun to watch on screen. Nonetheless, Parker’s real concern is what kind of role he’s going to carouse with the immeasurable success Facebook potentially has. If Eduardo Saverin is the angel on Zuckerberg’s right shoulder, then Parker is definitely the devil on his left.

Jesse Eisenberg is able to effortlessly slip into the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as if the role was tailor made for his acting prowess. Every scene he’s in and every calculated spoken dialogue he speaks, Eisenberg consistently knocks it out of the park. At the same token, nearly every important character is captivating to both watch and listen to in this movie. Undoubtedly, this is a superior script with tantalizing dialogue that never has a dull moment. Most of the credit is due to Aaron Sorkin’s razor-sharp, magnanimous wit. The storytelling reads more like lines of poetry than scripted material. The screenplay is amusing, heartbreaking, beautiful, metaphoric, and symbolic of the times. For a movie driven by words and communication (and/or lack of), director David Fincher masterfully directs this film with such grace and stylish precision. Just the like pro he is, Fincher has once again out done himself by giving the movie a heart-pounding pulse with his acute directing, rapid cuts, and vivid colors and tones displayed in each scene. Additionally, the movie’s score by Atticus Ross and Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor, spectacularly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film. From a technical standpoint, “The Social Network” exceeds on every level and truly is modern movie making at its absolute finest.

For a film about the establishment of an online social networking site, it’s surprising to realize that there are very dark and ominous tones embedded deep within the narrative. A plethora of themes found in the movie that range from friendship, betrayal, greed, power, success, and acceptance. Still the real significance of the film delves into the lives of the brightest minds on earth. To watch all the trials and tribulations Zuckerberg had to go through and the kind of brilliance and creativity it took to do what he did, makes for such a wildly entertaining and downright engrossing motion picture. Think of Mark Zuckerberg however you may (the movie obviously isn’t 100% accurate), but know that “The Social Network” represents what geniuses can do when they become entrepreneurial. They can always make a fortune, but some have more important goals and desires than just that. They have a vision to accomplish something that is totally intoxicating, despite any copious amounts of money that may be earned from their process. I believe Zuckerberg sees success as the journey, not the destination. If it were a final harbor, he’d retire and sell his business at the ripe old age of 26. From the very beginning, the actual Facebook site could have easily been deemed merely a copycat of social networking sites before it’s time, but the movie version is no carbon copy. It’s the real deal and deserves every bit of praise and recognition that it’s received and then some. Swiftly paced, brilliantly acted, impeccably written, and superbly directed, “The Social Network” is a stunning achievement in every aspect of art. It’s emblematic of the times and unquestionably, a contemporary masterpiece.

Grade: 5 out of 5.

Published on January 29, 2011 by Mountain Views News.
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n05/p10.htm