The Social Network Movie Review

The Social Network (2010)

Rent The Social Network on Amazon Video
Written by: Aaron Sorkin (screenplay), Ben Mezrich (book)
Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara, Rashida Jones, Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson
Rated: PG-13
Watch the trailer

Plot
As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea, and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business.

Verdict
A great movie all around. The writing, directing, and pacing are top notch. Capturing a true story, this is success in the modern era where Zuckerberg got what he wanted but burned a lot of bridges along the way. Despite his ambition, he alienated people. The person that created a platform to connect people lacks any connections. You're not going to like Zuckerberg, and you're not supposed to. This is a character study of an arrogant person who can't understand why others don't appreciate how smart he is.
Watch it.

Review
I saw this not long after it came out nearly ten years ago. A Fincher movie written by Sorkin about a burgeoning company is a draw. A lot has transpired since then including roughly a billion more users. I was impressed by Justin Timberlake. It was the perfect role for him, but even then he was good. This movie is based on a true story, but there are plenty of drama added to help the story. Facebook wasn't created because Zuckerberg wanted to impress a girl.

This opens with sharp dialog, very organic, as Mark and Erica juggle topics. The conversation is quick and cutting, ending with Erica telling Mark people won't dislike him because he's a nerd but because of how he treats people. This opening conversation reveals a lot about Mark. He desires to do something big, he looks down on people, he's arrogant, and he has a certain amount of privilege.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg.

Mark didn't generate the idea, he expanded on the web pages Harvard already had. He used that to create a hot or not site and used his friend Eduardo's algorithm. Mark supplied the skills and knowledge, but not the idea. The images were stolen. He's smart and that's the problem. He thinks in problems and solutions. After this stunt, Harvard classmates the Winklevoss twins want a Harvard facebook, asking Mark to create it. Mark had bigger plans.

The movie cuts between Mark's present depositions with the Winkelvoss twins and his former friend Eduardo and the creation of The Facebook. Mark used Eduardo's money to get the project off the ground, while at the same time giving the twins the run around and not working on their project. Mark dismisses it in the deposition, but it certainly seems like a Facebook precursor. Once Facebook was ready to launch he told the twins their were too many problems, and he wouldn't be able to complete the project. He could have told them that much earlier.
Mark spends Eduardo's money without asking and then insults him. Eduardo thought they were friends, but Mark saw Eduardo as a means. Eduardo gave Mark money and access. At the time of the depositions Mark is rich. You could call him a genius, yet he's always on the outside.

I remember when Facebook first released. It was exclusive and gained massive momentum. The exclusive nature made it more desirable. It released at only a few universities at a time. It was much simpler in 2005 than now. Each person had a profile page, you'd browse their page. There wasn't a news feed. When a personal wall released, that was novel. You and others could write on your wall. Now it's a never ending feed. When it opened to everyone, that was a big deal. At first only students could sign up.

The writing is great, with sharp and quick dialog. "Your best friend is suing you." This script is really, really good. Eduardo and Mark may be partners, but Mark always treats it as his. He used Eduardo as a means to his own ends.

Fincher got the best out of everyone. Eisenberg is great as Mark, with this robotic affectation. He thinks differently and doesn't have time for social niceties. Mark is arrogant, annoying so. What makes the character is that we don't like him. The movie knows that, using it to explore someone that is outside of typical social customs. That has to be how Mark sees the world. He doesn't care about people or how they are doing. He's a sociopath, ignoring what others feel and breaking rules without feeling any guilt. Part of that is the blueprint for success in America. You need to be ruthless to succeed.

Justin Timberlake plays Napster founder Sean Parker.

Mark teams up with Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), the creator of Napster. Sean plays to Mark's ego, with Mark wanting to please Sean. That leaves Eduardo as the odd one out. Timberlake is great as Parker. It's the perfect role for him, but he owns it.

Eduardo was cut out of Facebook. With the second round of investments, his shares were cut significantly while Mark and Sean's remained the same. Eduardo is crushed that his friend and their company would do that to him.
Mark settles the lawsuits with Eduardo and the Winklevoss twins. As a lawyer tells him, it's a speeding ticket for him.

This captures the Silicon Valley story and the inception of social media. The founding wasn't without detriment. Facebook is Mark's invention, though he built it on the backs of many others. While he partnered with Eduardo, he was just using him. Mark Zuckerberg is an icon, be it good and bad. This movie is the ambition, the success, and that lingering need for acceptance and interaction. As it closes, we see Mark. Despite all he's accumulated, all he's achieved, he's still lonely. It's a powerful moment, even if it is manufactured for the movie.