The Social Network

The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher
Length: 121 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and language





Anyone who tries to argue against the impact the social networking site Facebook has had on society is full of it. Almost everyone - from the national news, bands, your mailman, even granny - has a Facebook account. The ability to connect with friends and keep tabs on their every activity defines our very existence in today's connected and digitized society. The Social Network is the historically fictionalized story of Mark Zuckerberg and his creation of the massively popular website Facebook. I say fictionalized because, like most movies based on history, the characters may be real but the events depicted are usually loosely based on actual events. Truth aside, David Fincher - one of my favorite directors and member of the Rushmore Movies mountain of directors - has directed the movie of the year, perfectly depicting one of the most historically significant events in modern history.

Mark Zuckerberg, perfectly embodied by Jesse Eisenberg (Holy Rollers, Camp Hope), is the youngest billionaire in the world. The Social Network is the story of how the genius 19-year old Harvard student created a website the defines every aspect of society. Whether a true reflection of Zuckerberg's personality or not, Eisenberg perfectly portrays the abrasive genius constantly shifting from one thought to another. Equally impressive is Andrew Garfield (Never Let Me Go, Spider-man) as former Facebook CFO and co-founder Eduardo Saverin, the emotional anchor to Eisenberg's pure intellect. Where Zuckerberg represents the cold, calculating developer of the website, Saverin is the face and charm attempting to turn Facebook into a profitable corporation. Several scenes involving the lawsuit later brought against Zuckerberg by Saverin perfectly capture Zuckerberg's desire to be a friend or loved by many; yet, he pushes everyone away in his failed attempt at "being an asshole." The ultimate theme and perfection of Fincher's latest effort is how the one man who develop the biggest social instrument in history failed to maintain his own friendships and relationships.

The cinematography of The Social Network is spectacular. Keeping with the gritty and dark filming typical of a Fincher film, the beautiful and historical scenery of Cambridge, MA (location of the illustrious Harvard University) is prominently on display creating the perfect aura of history and superiority. The film cements the idea that an event like the creation of Facebook could only occur at Harvard, where the wealthy elite and future leaders and geniuses come to study. One scene in particular is breath-taking purely for its cinematography: a regatta on the Thames River. If I had to pick the most beautiful scene from a film in the last decade, I would have to choose this particular one - my jaw literally dropped at the masterful technique on display. Another strong scene occurs later during a dinner scene where Zuckerberg meets Napster co-founder and film villain Sean Parker, played by the multi-talented Justin Timberlake (Yogi Bear, Bad Teacher). Timberlake shows he has grown beyond simply being the frontman of a boy band; he exudes charm with a hint of sinister intentions. I would not be surprised to see Timberlake nominated for his performance.

As if amazing performances and cinematography were not enough, the film boasts an incredible soundtrack written by Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. The film's score perfectly complements the scenes and creates the perfect mood - an almost futuristic, dark and brooding mix of industrial rock and electronica. The film may be about geeks and their programming, but the film keeps the pace steady. Reznor's score sets the tone of the dark story of the rise of Facebook.

Come Oscar season, The Social Network will be the film to beat. I would not be surprised to see David Fincher's masterpiece capture most if not all of the major awards including best film, director, actor, supporting actor, score, cinematography, and more. The powerful emotions, dry wit, intellectual plot, amazing score, beautiful filming, and more all make The Social Network one of the most impressive films of the decade. It seems one film perfectly captures the essence of a generation every decade: films such as 1976s Network or 1987s Wall Street come to mind as examples. The new millennium, a generation of users constantly connected to their friends through the internet via their smart phones or computers, is perfectly captured by The Social Network. This is one of the best films of the last decade, fictionalized or not.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Tyler Winklevoss: [Talking about the physical stature of he and his twin] "I'm 6'5", 220 pounds, and there are two of me."

Oscar Winners
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Original Score
Best Adapted Screenplay

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Directing - David Fincher
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Motion Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Jesse Eisenberg