Widely known as “The Facebook Movie,” the film is more than just about the establishment of a popular social network platform. No, it goes beyond that. In fact, The Social Network also deals with issues regarding friendship, betrayal, acceptance and the costs that come with success. Boasting a sharply written screenplay by the writer of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher whose previous works include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Fight Club the story follows real life entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg as he goes from having a few friends to, well, none.
From beginning to end, Aaron Sorkin’s clever dialogue paves a clear path for a witty storytelling experience. In the film’s opening scene, Mr. Zuckerberg is told by his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend (Rooney Mara) that, “dating you is like dating a stairmaster.” It is in that moment the Harvard University sophomore begins his transformation from socially awkward computer nerd to snobby egotistical business executive. Along the way of his creation of Facebook, Zuckerberg destroys many more of his relationships, including the one with his best friend and CFO of the company, Eduardo Saverin and the Winklevoss Twins Cameron and Tyler (both portrayed by Armie Hammer) who claim that Mark stole the initial idea from them.
The outstanding cast paired with crafty dialogue instantly makes this film a hit, just like the website that the film based off of it is. And Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of the Facebook founder is impeccable, as he adds so many thick layers to the character that makes him likeable yet despised at the same time.
Other notable performances include Justin Timberlake as the reckless founder of Napster, Sean Parker, who breathes trouble into Zuckerberg’s life. Sean Parker ultimately becomes a thorn to Mark’s friendship with best friend Eduardo Saverin, a role played by British actor Andrew Garfield who dexterously displays his character’s vulnerability and pain from his best friend’s act of betrayal.
It doesn’t matter if this account of Mark Zuckerberg’s life is all facts or mostly fiction, Fincher and Sorkin have created an epic masterpiece for the tech-savvy generation, adding fast-paced drama and witty dialogue that will have the audience hooked to it just like they are to Facebook.com. And as Eisenberg demands in the movie that he “deserves recognition,” likewise, so does this film.
This is a film review assignment that I recently completed for my communications course.
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