Review: The Social Network

The Social Network (2010, David Fincher)

I’ve been bleating on about starting a film blog for a good number of years now but never got around to it. It got to the point where I had seen so many films since I first decided I wanted to write them (or about them in this case) that I just didn’t know where to start. Then last week I saw The Social Network. What better film to review for the opening of a blog then a movie that’s story is unequivocally linked to the phenomena of online interaction?! On top of that the story of a young man’s propelled journey from ambiguity to the kind of success most of us can only dream about is hugely inspiring.

Fincher, whose previous credits include a triple threat with Brad Pitt (Se7en, Fight Club, Benjamin Button) takes on the task of turning Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to fame, fortune and failed friendships into the sort of edge of the seat thriller you expect from such a director.  When you consider the source material on paper it may not seem like a recipe for success. However, the expertly crafted screenplay, generous flexibility with the truth and completely convincing performances from all the cast (including Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the brains behind Napster) all come together to provide a fast paced and highly entertaining two hours at the movies.

Meaningful relationships and the difficulty that comes with finding them is where the heart of The Social Network lies. Whether it be the socially awkward Zuckerberg, the paranoid Parker or the psychotic girlfriend of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin it’s obvious these kids have some serious issues.

Told predominately in flashback as the rise of Facebook is recounted through two separate law suits, the film takes time to develop all the characters involved ensuring it becomes a study of human nature over business ethics.  The underlying message is no matter how many friends you appear to have, how much success you have gained, true happiness comes from really being accepted by others. As the story moves from University campuses to the heart of Los Angeles Zuckerberg and co. are working hard and partying harder as they expand Facebook from their bachelor pad. Yet as one scene; in which Zuckerberg takes a phone call outside whilst watching his friends party through the patio doors, so skilfully displays - he is still left on the outside looking in, despite his vast achievements.

The legal issues that aid the exposition and drive of the film eventually subside as the main focus shifts to Zuckerberg and his troubled relationships. Ultimately The Social Network isn’t interested in the courtroom catfights and boardroom battles but the wars that turn best friends into enemies. We may not all become the world’s youngest billionaire, but we can all relate to that.

4.5/5

The Girlfriends View:

"Really, really good. Interesting and different, not same old, same old. Main character was really well acted...almost autistic. Every young person can relate to it as it's about Facebook and it is interesting to find out about it from the 'other side'."