By Far David Fincher's Best Work

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2011)

This film offers what purports to be the true story of Mark Zuckerberg the founding of Facebook. I suspect it is fairly accurate, as it is based on court documents. What may seem like a simple story of geek innovation is also a story of theft, betrayal, and the rise of modern social networking technology.
Jesse Eisenberg is amazing as Mark Zuckerberg. How accurate he is (or any of the actors are) I do not know. But his geek genius and social ineptitude are clear, and I think that is spot on. Eisenberg was the right choice for the role, as no other person has the geeky vibe but can be a very serious actor (as well as comedian).
Justin Timberlake is also great as Sean Parker. Timberlake does not act often, but when he does, I am often impressed (he was great in "Black Snake Moan", for example). Maybe being a talkative big shot is not a stretch for him, but he pulls it off, and gives me a whole new perspective on Parker, a man I have somewhat admired. Though, I admire Shawn Fanning much more, and viewers should not confuse the two -- the film does not make this distinction clear. I had no idea he had any involvement in technology beyond Napster (and I find it odd that a geek would be so party-happy, though I guess he worked more on the investment end).
Kevin Spacey produced this film, and I love him for it. Spacey is an amazing actor, and I am glad to see him move into the realm of producing, not unlike George Clooney if I am not mistaken. Trent Reznor was also involved on the music end. Fincher has long been a Reznor fan, so I think this is a perfect choice, and Trent nails the score. I am surprised his involvement did not get a bigger notice.
David Fincher has been a great director for years. "Seven" is obviously his masterpiece, and even the troubled "Alien 3" is decent. "Zodiac" was a great telling of a classic true crime tale. I think "Social Network" might be the best yet, though. While "Seven" is his best overall, it suffers from not being a film everyone would want to watch. This one is more universal and very timely, especially with Zuckerberg being 2010's Man of the Year.
If you have not yet caught this one, do so now. I suspect it will get a handful of Oscar nominations, and maybe even a win or two. Fincher's dark visions brought the world of Silicon Valley? Oh, yes!