The filmmaking is all top-notch, but the story's analytical approach dampens its effect somewhat.

Rating: 7/10 (26 September 2018)

The filmmaking is all on fine form in 'The Social Network (2010)', which you essentially always expect from a David Fincher flick regardless of if it has an Arron Sorkin screenplay under the hood. There are, for all intents and purposes, no faults to be found whatsoever when it comes to this aspect of the piece's production; the quick-firing, quick-witted script meshes wonderfully with the astutely self-assured direction and the almost sickly slick cinematography. The movie only goes so far in being an entertaining experience, however, mainly because it has a somewhat seedy feel to it and it usually takes a more hands-off, analytical approach to its focal events. It always feeling like there's something slightly off at its just out-of-reach centre (ironically, this is perhaps a fantastic allegory for both the central character and his ever-expanding creation). Still, there's no doubt that this is a compelling story that sinks its teeth into you and, ultimately, leaves things up to audience interpretation - mainly in terms of who you feel is 'right' and who you want to root for - while also including a number of nuanced performances that make that decision a lot harder than it might, at first, seem. 7/10