Just a speeding ticket.

Rating: 10/10 (1 October 2010)

Rarely does a film come along that poses important issues and ideas about what it means to live as a human being. Even more rare is a film that truly gets to the issues at hand; what is happening to us right now in these modern times. The Social Network is such a rare film.
Everyone with a computer knows about Facebook. In less than five years, it has gone on to become the latest and most fashionable way to keep in touch with people you either know, don't know or would secretly like to know. It is the ultimate source of knowledge about people; whoever doing whatever whenever. Because this is such a permeating idea, the decision to release the film only six years after the website was launched is indeed brilliant. Then again, so is the film itself.
With a film based on computer programming and website building, in order for the vast majority of people to be drawn in, the screenplay must be exceptional. Aaron Sorkin's is such. Each and every character has that unique brand of speaking he has used in dozens of scripts: the dialogue is suave and intelligent, the delivery is snide and sarcastic. There is so much talking crammed into this two hour film that most people will be amazed they sat through a film like so. Yet, with the acting and directing, this is hardly a chore.
In the acting department, all are sublime and elegant in their respective performances. From Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins to Andrew Garfield as co-founder Eduardo Saverin, not one actor misses a beat or step. Everyone is remarkably on track in keeping within the confines of the story. Of course, the characters with the most face time are the ones everyone will remember and everyone needs to remember Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg come Oscar time. Both are magnificent in their respectful performances, portraying two men of opposite personalities but similar goals.
However, David Fincher must be given most of the credit for the sheer intensity and brilliance of the overall structure and experience of this film. In the end, it doesn't matter what actually happened or what is accurate. Being a fictionalized interpretation of the facts, Fincher creates with his slick editing, low-lit scenery and smooth camera-work an intelligent and marvelously well-sculpted piece of filmmaking that will be remembered for a very long time.
The final issue that must be addressed is the portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and the youngest billionaire in the world. Some, including Mark, think it's a bit harsh on him, seeing him as a totalitarian and ruthless businessman with no heart or sentiment. I would argue that it actually is very sympathetic to the Zuckerberg character and the real villain of this story is Sean Parker, who lured Zuckerberg away from his friends and supporters with the sensational dreams of changing the world. He's already done that and there's no telling what Facebook will turn into next. Of course, we'll all know about it. Just check your Facebook.