A Modern for the Modern Age

Rating: 9/10 (19 July 2018)

In 2004, the world of social media skyrocketed when an enterprising Harvard student emerged with a little site called 'The Facebook.' Shortly after, the 'The' was dropped to create the one word social site that is now forever ingrained into popular culture.
David Fincher once again returns to the drama genre after the well received 'Curious Case of Benjamin Button' in 2008 with this true story drama that documented how Mark Zuckerberg and his company became the leading social media site in a time when YouTube was also coming to fruition. With a script by Aaron Sorkin (who would bag a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for this feature) and based off Ben Mezrich's book, the film tells primarily in flashbacks how Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) went from potentially developing a dating site for three fellow students to eventually creating his iconic company despite soon facing personal issues with former friends and then a lawsuit by the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer and Josh Pence) and former (and now again) co-founder Eduard Savrin (Andrew Garfield, pre-Peter Parker/Spidey).
The youthful cast that Fincher enlists is truly one of his finest ensembles in the director's career. In particular is of course Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, who goes from ambitious Harvard business student to the youngest billionaire in history (lest we allow Kylie Jenner to take that mantle). While the real-life subject was't entirely impressed with the film's depiction of him, it cannot be denied that Eisenberg nails the youthful arrogance of the boy wonder as he continuously back-stabs his friends and colleagues to achieve his own ends (though this irritated the real Zuckerberg). There is also a calm charm to Eisenberg as he silently calculates his next moves while also quipping with a sharp barb should he not care to hear or respond to another's remark; this is most evident in the present-day time narrative as Zuckerberg faces the accusations of the Winklevosses and his former friend, Eduard Savrin.
The film's supporting cast are the equal hearts of the narrative since they are the catalysts for the dramatic narrative: In the role that put his name on Hollywood's call-list and A-list is the dual performance of Armie Hammer as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, wealthy students who attended Harvard with Mark Zuckerberg. The Winklevi (as they are dubbed by Zuckerberg in a snide comment to one of the lawyers) initially proposed creating a dating/social site with Mark, but when Zuckerberg eventually decided to create Facebook the twins become vindictive and attempt to sue the latter for stealing their idea. While actor Josh Pence provides the physical body for Tyler Winklevoss, it's Armie Hammer who provides the voice and also physically portrays Cameron. The then-unknown actor makes an impression from our first view of the twins as their lavish indulgence as members of the rowing team shows their superiority complex to when an incensed Cameron declares that the duo should go after Mark once Facebook begins to become popular. While his twin sees no point in trying to combat their rival, he eventually relents upon a poor rowing performance.
Andrew Garfield as Facebook's co-founder and primary investor in his friend's dream is arguably the young actor's finest hour. As Savrin, Garfield is the socially confident member of the founders and wants to build interest for the site while Zuckerberg seeks to mostly expand quickly to irritate the Winklevi and raise his own profile. While Savrin initially tries to be slightly hands-off and be the business mind and drum up investments for Facebook, his relationship with Mark immediately takes blows as Mark continues to make his own choices without consulting his friend and business partner. Upon learning what Mark does behind his back, Savrin gives him a choice: let Savrin make the decisions on finances and PR or he walks away. When Zuckerberg decides to have Savrin bought out, the latter's feelings become hurt and jaded so he makes the choice to go for his share of the now-popular company. During Savrin's testimony at the hearing, we can see he is trying not to harbor resentment towards Mark and only wants his fair share of credit for Facebook's success despite Mark's snobbish attitude and disinterest in the proceedings. In real-life the outcome has been happier as Savrin has again become part of the phenomena that is Facebook and has his share of credit.
While the run-time is a bit tedious and could've fit a ninety minute or slightly less shorter length, this move should've eliminated crucial time to fleshing out Sorkin's witty and engaging script and development for how we ended up with such an obsession with social media.