Fincher, Sorkin, & Eisenberg=a very good movie

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2011)

I initially did not see this film because it looked like a contemporary Animal House with a little bit of Facebook thrown in the mix. No, director David Fincher and Academy-Award winner screenwriter Aaron Sorkin had something much more interesting in mind. Yes, there is partying and the film explores how Facebook was invented, but the film's true goal is how low Zack Zuckerberg sunk in expanding his website as well as the prices he paid in doing so. Without giving much of plot away, Zuckerberg not only made one of the most popular websites out there, but he betrayed and practically sold his soul to shady characters to fulfill his dream. Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg is astounding. He depicts his character as a genius, but also as a cold hearted, callous jerk. This though is mostly likely due to his lack of social skills, perhaps a little Asperger's Syndrome? Anyway, Jesse Eisenberg is what makes The Social Network such a fun film to watch. Though he becomes the youngest billionaire in the world via an organization that brings people together, he can never have a solid friendship, much less a relationship. It is quite pathetic, but I also take pity on his character.
One scene that is quite engaging to watch is at the end where he adds an ex-girlfriend, whom he humiliated and insulted on his blog, adds her as a friend on Facebook. Every few seconds, he keeps refreshing the page, waiting. He knows what he really wants, but he can't have it. This is what's so unique about Fincher's film.
Fincher does an excellent job as director. He puts the viewer right into the film, making it engrossing. Aaron Sorkin's Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for this feature was well deserved; though there is much technical dialog, particularly by the fast-paced Zuckerberg, it is broken down to simplicity for even the most inept computer users to understand. Well done. The dim lighting, deep shadows, and green color tone of the cinematography added an almost atmospheric mood to the film. The editing is clean, crisp and well timed; another well earned Oscar. Trent Raznor and Atticus Ross's score is both haunting and beautiful to listen to, specifically with the combination of piano and synthesize, though I would not scream Oscar. There were much better choices at the 2011 Oscars.
The Social Network is a very good film, I would not mind seeing it again, but I am honestly glad that this did not earn Best Picture. Eisenberg for Best Actor however, it is a tough call. Personally, he did as good, perhaps even a better job than Colin Firth in The King's Speech. Again, a tough call. There were a lot of good films in 2010. This is one of them, though not the best.
My rating: ***/****