Movie Review: The Social Network

A Harvard undergrad uses the basis of the school’s student directory system to create the mega social networking site Facebook. Computer programming God Mark Zuckerberg creates a smackdown website to get back at his ex-girlfriend, and in the process becomes obsessed with his new social networking idea. Zuckerberg loses friends, makes some bad decisions and creates a number of enemies along the way as he builds his online communication empire.

With all of its Oscar nominations I wanted to like The Social Network more than I did. No, I am not a non-geek who does not use Facebook, in fact I am somewhat of a geek and make my living online. I am a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), who did a good job with the screenplay, and director Fincher who did a fine job with direction. Perhaps the story is not as compelling as I’d hoped it would be or it could be the good, but not great performances of the cast. I thought Jesse Eisenberg gave a good performance as Zuckerberg, but unless Zuckerberg is totally shut down emotionally I was left wanting to see more of the character’s inner workings. I was pleased with the strong performance by Justin Timberlake, who is funny as hell in SNL skits, and here proved he is also a good dramatic actor. I was also impressed with the performance of Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg’s ex-best friend.

The magnitude of Facebook, whether you are a fan or not of this social network, is a bit awe inspiring. I was not awe struck by the film The Social Network but this is a good movie and one worth watching.

2010. Directed by David Fincher. Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara, Bryan Barter, and Brenda Song.

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