The Social Network (2010)

Back in February, while I was listening to one of the Across the Universe Podcast's episodes, I realized I hadn't seen The Social Network in years. Literally. And what a shame considering that (a) I love the movie and (b) I own the Bluray. So, of course, I rewatched it that week (and the review is coming ages later, sorry for that). 

I'm pretty sure you already know what this film is about. Just in case you don't (where do you even live?), the film is about Facebook and follows Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) as he develops this social network and makes tons of money with it, and is later sued by the Winklevoss brothers (Armie Hammer) for stealing their ideas and by co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) for squeezing him out of the business.

And first of all, I'd like to say that it is not important whether the film is an accurate depiction of Facebook's foundation. What matters here is how the story is told. With absolutely no plot twists, The Social Network tells a very captivating, involving story that will keep you (almost) on the edge of your seat and glued to the screen right from the start.

While telling the story of Mark Zuckerberg, David Fincher's film involves copyright and creative process and themes of friendship, betrayal, revenge, ego, ambition, greed, sex and drugs and handles them very well  What it does best though is showing the drive of a person's desire to fit in. And it's great at not taking sides. In fact, while it shows the questionable things Zuckerberg did, it shows that the other side(s) wasn't completely in the right.

Thanks to Aaron Sorkin, the great man who wrote the script, The Social Network is filled with sharp, visceral and fast dialogue. Sorkin's dialogue alone is able to grab your attention and keep you interested even when you don't quite understand what these people are saying. And it's the dialogue that truly captures and delivers Zuckerberg's persona.

Columbia Pictures

That and Jesse Eisenberg's terrific performance. I'm one of those who finds this guy utterly annoying and he is utterly annoying in here as well, but I think that's what allows him to play the genius smartass to perfection. Also, I cannot think of something better than him to play Zuckerberg as his acting style fits the character to perfection. Also, he makes you root for the assholes he plays.

The supporting cast also does a great job, especially Andrew Garfield as Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss brothers. Rooney Mara also shines as Erice, Zuckerberg's ex-girlfriend. Justin Timberlake does a nice job as Sean Parker, Napster's founder and the man who has a huge influence on Zuckerberg.

At last but not least, The Social Network is brilliantly edited and, along with the upbeat score, it delivers plenty of tension. And it's beautifully photographed.