Movie Reviews: The Social Network

No one checks their Facebook as often as college students, many of whom rely on the most popular website in the world to do so much more than just staying in touch with friends. So it comes as no surprise that younger audiences flocked to theaters to see “the Facebook movie,” and gave it a respectable opening weekend box office gross of $22.4 million.

However, hopefully most of this audience was able to discover that “The Social Network,” as director David Fincher intended, is not really about Facebook as a website. Instead, it is a story about the social factors that came together to result in the highly-contested and controversial birth of the idea of the beloved website. “The Social Network” is about the conception and significance of Facebook, not about the website.

The movie opens with Mark Zuckerburg (Jesse Eisenburg) sitting at a restaurant, enjoying a beer with his girlfriend (Rooney Mara). She did not share his enjoyment however, and after putting up with enough of his brilliant arrogance, she left him. Soon after, Zuckerburg bashed her on his blog and in his misguided anger created a website that brought down the Harvard internet server. While he was drunk. This initial scene sets the stage for what will likely become one of, if not the most, iconic film to represent the Net Generation.

“The Social Network” continues to show a version of Zuckerburg’s history as he invented Facebook, and also weaves in the controversial trial over the true ownership of the idea of Facebook. Zuckerburg alienates nearly everyone who collaborated with him in creating Facebook, including his best friends.

An important factor in “The Social Network” is its lack of a true wholesome character. Each character has his or her own flaws, especially Zuckerburg. In its insistence to not embellish any of the characters towards being a role model, I believe that it comes closer to reflecting true society. The cast of the film also do a tremendous job reflecting all of the aspects of their characters.

Still enjoying a great deal popularity from his role in the hilarious “Zombieland,” Jesse Eisenburg was an excellent choice to play Mark Zuckerburg. He was able to avoid any sort of typecast with his, as some critics would argue, Oscar-worthy performance in “The Social Network.” Eisenburg memorably delivers as a brilliant, misunderstood, tragically sarcastic, and socially awkward college student.

Initially, I could not imagine Justin Timberlake pulling off a respectable role in a true blockbuster movie. But, the multitalented icon seems to never cease to amaze. He plays Sean Parker, the charismatic inventor of Napster and essential ingredient in the formation of Facebook’s popularity. Timberlake’s supporting role does not steal the show – his character instead folds right into the plot.

Hollywood newcomer Andrew Garfield also brings a dynamic relationship with Zuckerburg to the movie. His character, Eduardo Saverin, claims to have been Zuckerburg’s only friend in the movie before he was betrayed. Mark my words: Garfield will continue to be a common name after his stunning performance in “The Social Network.”

The full story of “The Social Network” has to be incomplete without Mark Zuckerburg’s input. He had nothing to do with creating, editing, or writing the film. In fact, he actually openly mocks and disregards Hollywood’s interpretation of his life. However, if Zuckerburg were actually involved in the project, the truth would likely have been distorted in an attempt to clear his name. The true story is surely found somewhere in between Hollywood’s and Zuckerburg’s tales, so this cinematic interpretation will just have to suffice.

Despite Zuckerburg’s claims that the movie does not accurately reflect his life and the true birth of Facebook, I still highly recommend “The Social Network.” The powerful ending leaves its audience with an unshakable chill and so many questions that no film could fully answer. As Facebook has become such an integral part of modern society, these lingering questions about the society we live in are what make “The Social Network” a truly powerful film.

Posted by Ryan Del Campo on Oct 8 2010. Filed under Features, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.