So, last Sunday I went to the Odeon in Guildford for a preview screening of the eagerly-anticipated David Fincher movie, The Social Network. I had been waiting for this film for a while – ever since I found out about the people involved and then seeing the first proper trailer. Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint and is probably one of my favourite films of the year.
A story about the character of Mark Zuckerberg and his various friendships as he creates the global behemoth that is Facebook could have gone so wrong in so many ways but a combination of factors prevent a failure. Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay is inspired, funny and gripping for the entirety of the two hours of the film. It’s an immensely dialogue-heavy film but it tells the story in a very succinct and clever way – interspersing the narrative with scenes from the two lawsuits against Zuckerberg, which act as part of the ‘narration’.
The cast is also made of stellar talent that comes good. If Andrew Garfield, the future Spiderman, doesn’t get a breakthrough before then on the back of this then something is inherently wrong with Hollywood as he plays the role of Zuckerberg’s only friend (until he is sued by him), Eduardo Saverin. Jesse Eisenburg is also plays a very convincing portrayal of the main protagonist in, not least his mannerisms and in his facial expressions, but in the personality he conveys: a young man lacking in social skills and who doesn’t know what is right or wrong. Justin Timberlake is also excellent in his portrayal of Napster founder, Sean Parker, who lures Zuckerberg to Palo Alto in California to pursue his dreams. Finally, Armie Hammer does a great job in playing the Winklevoss brothers, who are a pair of well-off rowing athletes that also sued the billionaire.
The soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Fincher’s direction, the narrative structure…there are many good things about The Social Network. It’s very hard to think of a criticism. The only thing I can come up with is that the product placement might be a bit OTT but I personally didn’t feel that bothered by it. It’s far too early to talk about Oscars but don’t be surprised if this in the running for several awards.
