Review of The Social Network (2010) by Steven R — 02 Aug 2013

I've previously said about Moneyball, which I consider to be an excellent film, that it isn't a movie about baseball or sabermetrics. It's a film about people, and I appreciate it for that. The Social Network is another project from screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, and I feel much the same way about it. The Social Network isn't about computer programming, lawsuits, or even Facebook. It's about ambition, greed, friendship, betrayal, social structure, and chiefly, human relationships. And because of this, it is an absolutely phenomenal movie.

A discussion about this film must include a discussion about the screenplay by Sorkin. This is a dialogue heavy film. At the beginning of the movie we are thrust into the middle of a fast-paced conversation and asked to keep up. One would assume that dialogue about the specifics of computer programming would be difficult to keep up with, but it's not. Sorkin keeps us engaged. The film is so character driven that its extraordinarily easy to listen to whatever the characters have to say.

The cast of this film must be credited for a magnificent ensemble performance. Particularly, three performances must be recognized. Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as Zuckerberg's business partner and best friend, Eduardo Saverin, and Justin Timberlake as the the man from Silicon Valley with experience, Sean Parker. The relationships between these three characters are the relationships that drive this film, and the acting is impeccably well done. JT has been a pleasant surprise. Most musicians who cross over to film have no business being there, but Timberlake has done marvelously. Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for this performance and deservedly so. He is magnificent to watch. I believe, though, that the most compelling performance comes from Garfield. Garfield brings his best to the table for this movie and makes us feel deeply for the character of Eduardo.

As stated before, the relationships between these three characters drive the film, and these relationships are compelling to watch. When these three are pitted against each other nobody is the clear-cut hero or villain. There are times when we feel sympathy for Zuckerberg. There are times when we feel sympathy for Saverin. There are even times when we relate to, or at least agree with, Parker. There are times, though, when we feel that each of them are vain, egotistical, self-centered, greedy, entitled jerks. This realism, the truth that people have shades of gray, only makes the movie better.

I don't often write about the score of a film, but I feel it must be briefly noted here. The music always helps keep the viewer engaged, and often helps set the tone for the movie. An excellent score.

The Social Network is a fantastic movie. The score, the screenplay, the acting, the human element all contribute to an extraordinary experience. Every moment of the film manages to stay entirely interesting. You can't take your eyes off of it.