The Social Network

The Social Network, is a dazzling exploration of programmer and business mogul Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), and his small entourage back at the roots of the now multi-billion dollar network, Facebook. The film unravels at lightning pace as it alternately flashes between the birth of Facebook and the ensuing lawsuits that took place against Zuckerberg. The film, an adaptation of the novel, "The Accidental Billionaires," is based on true events, but has clearly been sensationalized to suit director, David Fincher's own means. Although, Zuckerberg seems to be upset by the apparent discrepancies, I feel they played an essential role in transmitting a cohesive film with both a solid surface-level narrative as well as more latent subtexts (such as an exploration of modern-day genius and basic humanity).
Zuckerberg is the film's key character, and unlikely anti-hero. He is a socially inept computer geek, through and through. A large portion of this film's mastery comes from Aaron Sorkin's writing, coupled with Fincher's vision. These leads to a delivery that actually mirrors the social behavior of younger Mark Zuckerberg, himself: both he, and the movie are fast-paced, audacious, impatient, and unforgiving. The dizzying dialogue is rendered, hip, fresh, and equally lucid as it is as times convoluted. The effect is that the viewer is sort of in tow, following the story from behind, not quite able to catch up, but able to keep up.

The mise-en-scene is impressive--it displays great attention to detail, from Mark's Gap hoodies and socks with sandals, to poorly decorated frat parties. Even the undecorated, newly littered, start-up house in California is spot-on for a bunch of computer nerds moving into their first office/ barracks. The lighting, generally dark and shadowy, is largely representative the kind of life a college computer geek leads. Such lives in a poorly lit dorm, in front of machines, sleeps the days away and stays up online all night.
For a bunch of relatively unknowns, the acting was incredible. The two antagonistic, twin jocks (both played by Armie Hammer) are humorously presented as witty, gentlemen; for whom, we tend to feel sorry for as they are outplayed by Zuckerberg (we don't feel too sorry for them as the film ends with them receiving millions of dollars in settlement money). Eisenberg truly shines as a capable big screen actor, as does Garfield. For those frightened of being turned off by Timberlake's recent cross genre move from pop music to the silver screen, don't worry. He is actually a good comedic contribution and successfully fulfills his role as a slimly, but uncanny internet business prodigy (besides, he's too funny and self-effacing SNL to dislike him).

Yes, the movie is about friendship, popularity, and power; and the conclusions one can draw from that are strong, in and of themselves. Yet, something greater and more subtle is accomplished in this film: it reduces even pure genius' down to their most basic human characteristics. The film is bookended with Mark's abrupt rupture with a girl he loves (opening scene), and with him ironically attempting to 'add her as a friend' on the very network he created. The suggests that these scenes with his ex bring up are fairly potent. Even a socially-awkward jerk, whose only concerns seem to be his own personal successes, needs love and recognition.
One should go further talk about Zuckerberg's jealousy as displayed between him and his "best friend," Eduardo (Andrew Garfield); in addition, its important to note that the only person who is treated as his equal, in any way, is Napster creator, Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). When all is considered, it is easy to see why the real Mark Zuckerberg isn't pleased with how he is represented. By shedding light on these aspects, it is not so much that he is being painted as a pathetic, loser, though. On the contrary, he is still shown to be a modern genius, and the fact is, we all need validation. love, and acceptance from somebody. We are social creatures, even the most bizarre of us.