What do you get when you create a film based on the rise of one of the most popular websites in Internet history? A box office success. And if that film is the brainchild of David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin? A critical success. “The Facebook movie,” as it has been dubbed, has received acclaim from all directions, and for good reason.
The Social Network, as it is formally entitled, chronicles the rise of Facebook and how it affected its founders. Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a sophomore at Harvard looking to be accepted into one of the prestigious clubs on campus, makes his mark by masterfully hacking into the school’s computer system and creating a prank website with its content. His actions garner the attention of twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (both played by Armie Hammer), who offer him the task of programing a website they have been working on launching. Mark accepts the offer but deflects the brothers’ attempts at getting together to begin construction, all the while building on their idea and creating “the facebook.” With the financial help of his best friend, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), Mark starts the phenomenon that earns him both followers and enemies.
This film proves to be nearly flawless in all aspects, the main reason being the collaboration between Fincher and Sorkin. Fincher knows how to capture tone with his camera, paying careful attention to the characters’ facial expressions and interactions with their settings. Sorkin’s snappy dialog never quits. In fact, the screenplay is so well written that it serves as its own outstanding performance, though it never once overshadows the actors’ achievements. Eisenberg delivers an especially memorable performance as Zuckerberg and is in good company alongside Garfield, Hammer, and Justin Timberlake (who plays the conniving founder of Napster, Sean Parker). To complete the package, the film’s score (developed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails fame) compliments the overarching theme of deceit with its ominous inflections, thus bringing Fincher’s vision full circle.
Despite being two hours of pure dialog, The Social Network stands as a compelling, relevant testament to this day and age. Its commentary on technology as it relates to social standing and human connection resonates long after the closing credits.
Rating: 5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment