21st Century Gold

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2020)

The Social Network (2010) - [8/10]
I am really close to review this as a 9/10. The Social Network (2010) is a fantastic film. I am a huge fan of David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin, and this film fuels the admiration I have for them. Fincher directs masterfully in this horrific biopic, coupled with Sorkin's elegant dialogue. Without Sorkin, the film wouldn't work. Without Fincher, the film wouldn't work. Two masters work together to create an amazing film. I really would like to give this film a higher rating, but there are a couple things holding me back. In my opinion, it lacks something spectacular. Whether that be from the emotional detachment of the main character(s) or the fact that some scenes feel unneeded, I think it misses something that could have made it perfect. One scene in particular was very strange. It involves a CG, but not CG, effect during a boat race. When I look back on this scene, in terms of the rest of the story, it's really out of place (the music choice is also quite strange). Thinking about it more, it's still very important for multiple reasons. So it feels out of place, yet deeply important... very conflicting ideas. Another issue I had, and it's actually part of why I like the film, is the pacing. For the most part, The Social Network (2010) is extremely fast paced. Dialogue races by with each shot. There are scenes that are short, but sweet with excellent cutting. But, because it is so fast (and complex), you can get lost in what is happening. Some of the most important scenes happen very fast and it's hard to digest, analyze, and remember everything. This is also a positive for The Social Network (2010). The fact that you need to watch it multiple times to pick up on every little complexity is genius (Sorkin is a master in that way). This was the fourth time I watched the film and, don't get me wrong, I really love it. I think it's one of the best biographical films that has been made, and its message is just as powerful - if not more powerful, today. The acting is exceptional (especially from our leads, Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield) but, there is quite a big emotional disconnect between this film and the audience (at least for me anyways). This is a result from our lead character, Mark Zuckerberg - played by Jesse Eisenberg, who just isn't likable. In fact, he is the villain of this story (rather one of them). For the most part we're against him, morally and legally. The only likable character is Eduardo Saverin - played by Andrew Garfield but, he is the supporting character (I could actually make an argument that he is the main character of the story and very well should be, but I digress). I think because of the choice to have only one hero, who is a supporting character, this film loses all the emotion it could have generated. The moments where Garfield stands in the spotlight are highly emotional, and I applaud his performance. It was really rewarding to see Garfield's talent when a great director utilizes it. I've always believed that he is one of the most underrated actors of this generation and if more directors see his potential, he could be one of the greats (similar to Adam Driver). Eisenberg is excellent in this film. He perfectly portrays an unapologetic, selfish jerk - alongside Justin Timberlake. Eisenberg is emotionless, and fits Zuckerberg's character perfectly. He is extremely detached from humanity and human emotion, yet he makes founds social media phenomenon that strives for human connection. It is so compelling, and Eisenberg makes it so. The cinematography of this film is stark, detached, and formulaic - just like it should be. The editing is fast paced, but sacrifices slow, emotional moments for orchestral dialogue. The writing is exceptional (and one of the reasons I want this film to be a 9/10). This film features one of the greatest scripts that was ever made. David Fincher directs with meaning, mastery, and minimalism. In the end, I really think the biggest problem this film faces is emotion. It tries desperately to conjure emotions (albeit it is able to conjure negative ones very easily), as seen with the very last scene of the film, but fails to do so in the long run. The Social Network (2010) is one of the greatest films released in the 21st century and is a must see for anybody that has ever heard the name, Facebook.