Who cares, and more importantly, why????

Rating: 6/10 (1 December 2011)

Cinema students rejoice. Here is an American film worthy of critical analysis and close examination.
Its camera work is (at times) stunning. The acting performances are worthy. The direction is tight and focused, all the while entering some new territory regards narrative structure. The sound was daringly attempted, albeit not wholly successful.
So why just six stars? Because with all the film's many technical and artistic high points (and there are many), I just didn't care. It didn't entertain me.
I understand that many folks might find Mark Zuckerberg's rise to Facebook CEO interesting; however, I suspect that a good many more people will not--I am among the latter.
About eight years ago, former San Diego Union-Tribune movie critic David Elliot wrote eloquently of a movie's need to personally reach a viewer's psyche before the individual can embrace it. Providing entertainment is the goal of all movies. I fought against this thinking most all my life. I wrongfully assumed that a film could be judged on its artistic merits alone, with no consideration given to its ability to make a personal connection with the viewer. Even if the connection was unexplainable and strictly visceral, the movie must make an emotional and personal impact on the viewer for the film to be a success. The viewer must be entertained.
Well, this movie is an example of Elliot's observation. The film did nothing for me. It was one long, dull and boring straight line, in spite of its artistic touches. I didn't care about Mark Zuckerberg before the film, and I don't have any more interest in him afterward.
I wanted to like this movie. Again, there is a lot to like; technically it gets an "A;" artistically it gets and "A;" but for entertainment value it struggles to get a "D." I hope you like it. You may.
Everyone's likes and dislikes regarding movies are different. I agree with Elliot in that films should ultimately be judged on a personal level after considering their artistic and technical achievements.
For my tastes, I'll see another film for my entertainment dollar. Afterall, isn't that what movies are made for, ENTERTAINMENT?
This movie is many things--many good things--but it isn't entertaining.