The Brilliant Bastards- with flaws

Rating: 7/10 (6 February 2011)

Final edit- sorry IMDb.
For those interested in the plot, SN follows the birth of 'Facebook', it's pathway to what millions knows and use, and the lies, deceit, betrayal and exploitation which may fall into the category of 'business'.
There are three key drivers with SN. The director, none other than David Fincher 'Se7en'. Aaron Sorkin, writer 'The West Wing', and musician/artist Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Put these three together and what we have is one of the best looking - and sounding- pieces of cinema to date. From the first line of script we are pulled into an intellectual crossfire in the perfect ambiance of a nameless Harvard Club. A scene, which in fact sets the ball in motion for future events. Everything is in near perfect proportion, and this is the trend for most of the duration of the film. There are issues and weaknesses. Though enveloped in glorious, delicious cinematography that radiates class, even in the 'party scene' in Ivy League Harvard, the seams begin to burst about an hour into the film. The script carries the weight and compensates for the acting only so long. Fire three rapid lines at the camera and the ear, more so than the eye is acutely focused. The script diminishes as the plot thins out and despite how good certain actors look, they cannot be saved from sub-standard performances. Fincher, perhaps due to budget and or time constraints has not gained the most from his choice of actors, *or* maybe it is simply a younger target audience. Jesse Eisenberg is spot on, despite certain consistency issues. Andrew Garfield who seems to have received critical acclaim for his role as Edwardo Saverin comes across as a soft, yet loyal 'friend' with as much screen presence as a wet rag. "I'll take you for everything!" He exclaims.. only I don't quite believe him. Timberlake as Sean Parker makes his mark, but does nothing to inspire a raised brow. The overlooked star of this film, though perhaps not so is Rooney Mara, Eisenbergs scorned love interest. Mara delivers with emotional precision. In her brief screen time the steals her scenes. The rest serve their purpose, none are 'glowing'. The Social Network has a constant up-beat vibe, and this helps dig the short-comings out of the trench when actors with insufficient gravity fail to uphold some of the more awkward scenes. The film suffers from self-indulgence and a tendency to be over zealous, something that rears it's head towards the second and latter part. We know that 'Facebook' is becoming popular, perhaps a social phenomenon. Rather than sink to cheap gimmicks like a 'Facebook' sign on a drinks machine and Zuckerbergs personal 'Facebook' cup, the audience might have been best served with a newspaper or periodical covering the 'business' and its prosperity. Less is far more. Bruce Wayne is Gothams Millionaire playboy. Atop the skyscraper we see the family slogan- that is it.. that is all. All that said, Social Network is a delicious piece of cinema. Relatively solid, that carries with it an important message, not so much of friendship and betrayal, but how modern day society and social status can be and is paramount in the lives of many. 350 friends.. dude that's nothing. Nothing eh, well let's consider how many of those 'friends' want you as friends, or merely as a means to an end.
It can't go to the Oscars for me, it has the ingredients, but it is an entertaining speed ball romp and missing that essential inspired quality to qualify. It *does* stay with you, and as I type, I know that I will never see 'Facebook' the same way again. One connection connects us to many.
Worth watching, perhaps owning. There will certainly be more viewings for me.