The Social Network

[Emperor]

It's been a while, but I'm back for a bit. I'll be sharing some of

my coverage of this year's Fantastic Fest, but before I delve into that

madness, I wanted to share my take on THE SOCIAL NETWORK.

Though the film already has quite a bit of buzz going here and elsewhere,

I just couldn't resist putting in my two cents.

 

Most of the time when I see a movie, I enjoy my 90-120 minutes and

then I'm done. Even if I really like the film, many times there's

nothing that really sticks with me or keeps me thinking past the

parking lot at the theater. Other times, however, a film strikes a

chord and keeps me replaying the thing over and over in my head for

the rest of the night, week...sometimes indefinitely. David Fincher's

THE SOCIAL NETWORK had me wide awake at 4am doing just that- replaying

in my head every mesmerizing frame of this latest cinematic masterpiece.

 

From the get go, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin's trademark brisk banter

among characters perfectly sets the tone for the story of Mark

Zuckerberg, your run of the mill Harvard undergrad computer genius

turned billionaire (yes, that's with a "B"). He created a little ol'

social networking site called Facebook. Well, actually we soon learn

that the original name of the site was TheFacebook, and it wasn't

founded by Zuckerberg alone. Sorkin brilliantly adapts Ben Mezrich's book,

The Accidental Billionaires, and weaves

together the stories of two separate lawsuits brought against

Zuckerberg regarding the genesis of the internet phenomena. Uptight

scenes of dueling depositions perfectly juxtapose the haphazard

beginnings of the site. In the "can't make this stuff up" category,

we get to witness Zuckerberg's own dry, stubborn logic transform from

immature bravado into alleged backstabbing.

 

Do I really need to go on about the fascinating visuals of a David

Fincher film? I think not. I will, however say that the visual style

of he movie beautifully matches the accelerating subject matter. The

rhythm of the overall story is also held steadfastly by an inspiring

score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Thumping throughout the

entire film, the music not

only propels the film forward, it totally helps capture the overall

vibe of this new era of internet

kings where bits and bytes are the new currency.

 

As Zuckerberg, Jesse Eisenberg gives his character the lonely quality

of a young man too smart for his own good. He is a geeky badass loner

whose own insecurity and jealousy fuels some terribly self-righteous

decision making.

 

In the role of Eduardo, Zuckerberg's best friend/moneyman, Andrew

Garfield perfectly captures the fledgling savvy then ultimate

exasperation of a partner dealing with more than just an enterprising

new venture.

 

I would be remiss not to mention the great Armie Hammer in the duel

roles of the Winklevoss twins, the elite Harvard pretty boy athletes

and seething plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits against Zuckerberg.

Hammer amazed me with note perfect and skillfully varied portrayals of

two of the most captivating characters of the film.

 

This is a great movie you guys! Put all cynicism about a "facebook

movie" aside and treat yourself to a really cool, clever cinematic

experience with THE SOCIAL NETWORK.