THE SOCIAL NETWORK (REVIEW)
Rated M - 121 mins
Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara, Dakota
Johnson, Joseph Mazzello
Near flawless, 'The Social Network', or what is becoming
more commonly known as 'That Facebook Movie', is not just a nerd infused
visual aide at how the site was created and grew from a few hundred
users at Harvard University, to reach half a billion globally by 2010.
Based on the book, 'The Accidental Billionaires', the
story kicks straight into gear with the captivating opening monologue
with Harvard Undergrad Mark Zuckerberg and his soon to be ex-girlfriend
Erica, giving him a piece of her mind. Ignoring her reaction to almost
everything, he proves that not only is he the world's worst boyfriend,
but an aloof individual with a mainframe for a brain.
A quick thinker and computer genius, Zuckerberg is played
brilliantly by Jesse Eisenberg ('Roger Dodger', 'Adventureland'). An
idea to expand his already on campus blogging site is met with variable
interest at first. He is approached by some higher elevated Harvard
students from a neighbouring dorm to employ him as a creator for their
own site which would allow sharing and socialising online. This creates
further secrecy from the already semi recluse Zuckerberg and he sorts
out conditions to devise his own blogging network once known as Facemash,
thus developing Facebook.
The revolution in communication is born. Crashing the
server is only the start of Zuckerberg's problems. The site grows and
grows but best friend and benefactor Eduardo, the lone soul in an otherwise
icy association, is feeling left out. On the scene as a new partner
is music entrepreneur, Napster co-founder Sean Parker. Played to perfection
by Justin Timberlake, he is charming, but regains a hustle in his presence
that puts off everyone within voice distance, except Zuckerberg. There
are elements of blame, deception, tested loyalty, jealousy and betrayal.
Flashbacks to and from lawyer proceedings, disputes from various parties
successfully gives the movie multiple points of view. My mind never
stopped ticking over on who to, or who not to have regard for.
Aaron Sorkin, who wrote one of my all time favourite films,
'Malice', has constructed a bracingly smart and dynamically non-stop
verbal screenplay that never loses its enthusiasm. Humming with young
talent, the whole cast is a revelation. Rooney Mara is a revelation
in her limited scenes as Erica. Eisenberg and Timberlake should get
Oscar nominations, while the actor picked to be the next 'Spiderman',
Andrew Garfield is unforgettable as Eduardo. Special mention to Armie
Hammer who plays twins, yes one actor two roles, always together, remarkable
film trickery better than any 3D effect.
Refreshing and impressive, a must see movie with a final
image that sums up the scathing wit and solitary of being an intellect
that few understand.
Shane A. Bassett
