2020 hasn’t been much of an exciting year for film, so I have found myself revisiting films from last year and the last decade. One particular film that is still standing the test of time, and has become one of my favorites of the last ten years is The Social Network.
Directed by David Fincher, and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film tells the real life story of the creation of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg’s impact on creating the groundbreaking site. It’s cast is comprised of Jessie Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and more.
If you were to simply go off the plot of the film, it doesn’t sound that interesting. On the surface, it just seems like another formulaic true story, with nothing memorable or offer.
It’s actually a riveting, dramatic, and heartbreaking tale of friendship, betrayal, and tragedy. I don’t use those words lightly. The social network also serves as a character study, behind one of the biggest tech giant’s of the 21 century.
The whole film is Mark Zuckerberg being involved with two lawsuits. The first being with the Winklevoss twins, of whom claim Mark stole the idea from them. The other lawsuit involving Eduardo Saverin who sued Mark over ownership of the company. Both sides of each lawsuit, explain how the idea came to be, and how each side was manipulated. But more so how Mark manipulated them.
Fincher & Sorkin paint Mark Zuckerberg to be the anti-hero of this film. The way Mark manipulates people for his own gain, and his arrogance towards those who haven’t given him what he wants, is truly sickening. The script is tight, and the dialogue is executed quickly and efficiently.
The sound design and score, convey this feeling of deception and betrayal, that you don’t see too often in a biopic.
This is a biopic in fairness, but when you watch it, it really doesn’t feel that way. It’s crafted so meticulously and performed so authentically. It shows our main protagonist in not the best light, exposing his true colors. Or so the film claims.
Either way it is a fantastic film, that deserves a rewatch from everyone.
Cedric Cinema 