The Social Network is directed by David Fincher and stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerburg, the founder of Facebook. Sadly, many know it as just the "Facebook movie," deeming it as a boring documentary about a successful computer programmer. I would have thought so too had I not known who the director was. However, having experienced the mastery and finesse of Fincher, I knew this movie was going to be more than a dull biography.
It begins with Zuckerberg before his huge success, at a local bar with his girlfriend. The few minutes of their interaction gives a great first impression of Mark as a human being. His attractive girlfriend tries to carry out a conversation with him, he only talks what interests him and doesn't listen, his words are offensively honest, and you wonder why she is still dating him - at which point she breaks up with him. The next scene shows Mark on his way to his room with background music and names of people involved with the movie (actors, producers, etc. - you know, the opening credits) appearing on the sides, but it also sets the tone of the entire movie very well. Fast-paced shots of Mark running around and the cold Boston background foreshadows the ensuing captivating but blue atmosphere. And here you realize that this isn't the documentary you've been expecting, but rather a much more complex, film-like story that will keep you attentive for the next two hours.
Before this review starts, I have to point out that the accuracy of the script plays no part in the review. (Zuckerberg said that the portrayal of his character is too impersonal and that he found the movie "hurtful.") This review is solely based on the quality of the movie itself.
The seemingly ordinary story of the creation and development of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg decides to quit school one day to create an ingenious website that will revolutionize social media and change the way we interact and think, and he becomes the youngest billionaire. Happy ending, right? Like the poster says ("You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies"), this movie will focus more on the ugly sides of the story. By introducing two lawsuits, one with Eduardo Saverin and one with the Winklevoss twins, the story unfolds to show us just the important parts but melts together to form a coherent storyline. Instead of a linear story with no interruptions, it cuts back and forth between the main story and the lawsuits. Usually, this would be a recipe for an incoherent story that the audience cannot follow, but Fincher and his crew crafted this so excellently that it not only flows smoothly, but it actually works as a way to keep the viewers attention for the entire runtime.
Mark's character, whether an accurate depiction or not, is great. A nerdy programmer with poor social skills, yet at the same time so charismatic and witty, is difficult to come alive on screen. Eduardo's superiority in both looks and finances, coupled with the odd submissiveness toward Mark, is also fascinating. Sean Parker's character is more common, but still fits in aptly. The characterization of these people is also done very well. Instead of resorting to direct characterization, Fincher brings them to us indirectly through their conversations and actions. The fact that they stick in our minds so definitively proves that they are great characters. Watching them interact in Aaron Sorkin's beautifully written story is worth whatever a movie ticket costs at your hometown. (Yes, I know it was released five years ago.)
The actors that portrayed the characters did a phenomenal job to assist the great writing. There is no need to mention Jesse Eisenberg as Mark - we all knew the character would fit him and that he would do great. But still, it would be a dishonor not to mention that his discrete mannerisms and consistent tone made him a believable Mark. Andrew Garfield also played a great Eduardo, especially in the emotional parts. I had no idea that the Winklevoss twins were played by the same actor, Armie Hammer, and even Justin Timberlake played a great charismatic asshole, Sean Parker.
As I've mentioned before, the story isn't just about the development of Facebook - it's much more complex. There are two hidden motives behind Mark's actions that aren't very evident in the story: girls and finals clubs (These aren't spoilers since they are mentioned from the beginning). Girls start the whole story with "Facemash," while finals clubs impact Mark's relationships with a certain individual. These two seemingly minor factors play an adequate role in the story - they aren't too significant but still discretely influence Mark's choices.
Overall, The Social Network successfully turns what might seem like an ordinary story into two hours of thrilling character interaction and fluent storytelling.
10/10 - Definitely worth your time. (Please refrain from calling it the "Facebook movie.")
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