The Social Network

When `The Social Network' sweeps the Oscars (which it, inevitably, is going to do) it will be the first time since 1984 when Oscars Best Picture winner will match up with the film I deem to be the best of the given year (for those interested, 1984 was when `Amadeus' took the gold; and if you haven't seen it then you MUST IMMEDIATELY). The fact remains that `The Social Network' is not only the best reviewed film of the year, it is the best reviewed film of the past decade, and while I don't think it deserves that title (I am completely in `Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind's camp for `Film of the Aughts') it would certainly be the Academy's best choice in YEARS.Like I've said to nearly every single person I've talked to; BELIEVE THE HYPE!I have a strange feeling there is going to be lots of YELLING in this review...In determining the best way to go about attempting to write a review for this film, I basically decided that it was best to just do it in pieces, master `pieces'. In other words; I'm just going to throw out my current thoughts in random order and hope it all fits together nicely. Contemplating a decisive and cohesive review for this film just seems wrong to me. My extreme excitement for this film has me all sorts of giddy and so that seems like the perfect template for dissecting the films utter greatness.The first master `piece' comes at the film's outset; a masterfully crafted opening sequence that utilizes cold stares and quick witted dialog to establish character persona and eventual developments. It is the single best opening sequence I've seen on film in a long time (I think I mentioned this fact while highlighting the brilliance that was `Inglorious Basterds' opening moments). The sparring between Rooney Mara and Jesse Eisenberg was FLAWLESS and really set the perfect tone for Fincher's finest film.SPEAKING ON TONE; what Fincher does here is just incredible. The way he creates something so dark and complex and fascinatingly enticing out of what could have been nothing more than a conventional `teen flick' is beyond commendable.HAND HIM THE OSCAR!Seriously, there is not a false note here. The film moves at the desired pace, never lagging but knowing not to move too quickly so as to skip over necessary plot points and character arcs. By breaking moments down with ease, Fincher elaborates on his character's inner monologue with keen insight and a sharpness that keeps the film very `cool' and `likable'; which is a feat to accomplish when your main protagonist is not very likable or cool.But then again, who needs to be cool when you are Jesse Eisenberg or Andrew Garfield or Armie Hammer or Justin Timberlake...or really anyone in the cast?Yes, a major master `piece' here is the flawless cast, all of whom handle their respective roles with enough concentrated naturalism to balance out the youthful arrogance and otherworldly naivety to create honest portraits of American youth. With a smug sense of arrogance that never once betrays his peering honesty; Eisenberg understands how to carry this film, making Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg nearly sympathetic. He is never fully justified in his naivety, but he is (in a way) forgiven thanks to the self-loathing with which Eisenberg layers his character's shell. He is pathetically jealous and painstakingly ambitious, but his actions never feel evil or malicious because Eisenberg breathes a very real life into his eyes and makes this man less a monster and more a human being. Justin Timberlake reeks of charisma, which is expected, and it is more than enough to establish his take on Sean Parker to be noteworthy and effective. Armie Hammer takes on two characters, twins, and evokes separate when complementary personalities to each; which is a marvelous feat (I honestly thought he was played by TWO actors, he was that detailed in each approach). For me though, the star of the show is easily Andrew Garfield. The way he layers Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg's (former) best friend, is stunningly effective and poignant. He always decidedly supporting, giving heft to Eisenberg as the true start, but he makes the most of his moments and underscores the films more central themes.Which brings me back to Fincher. Like I said; I'm shooting this off as it pops into my head. When considering the directorial masterclass that Fincher showed up with here, I'm just astonished (and his Oscar win will be my absolute FAVORITE of the evening). Creating a mood and setting a tone is one thing, but the most important thing a director can do is add texture to that mood, and Fincher does that in spades. The way he uses imagery to propel the central themes of the film is also another astonishing trick that further imbeds the films core into the mind of the audience without browbeating us with a `message'. It creates an air of simplicity within a world of complexities.It feels effortless.One of my friends even likened the films `rowing' sequence, which almost feels like a scene from a different film (cut, paste, celebrate), to Spielberg's opening sequence in `Saving Private Ryan', and while I'm not quick to personally make the connection; I can see the reasoning behind his comparison. Fincher understood how to parallel the films central themes of power, ambition, loyalty, failure and vengeance with the actual `goings on' surrounding the film without making them so obvious they feel manipulated.EFFORTLESS.And now my mind is racing over to the films brilliant use of cinematography; which also causes me to think about the effective use of (or non-use of) lighting; all of which added layers to the films tone.And that score; O.M.G.Knowing that I really need to start wrapping this up is killing me. SO MUCH TO SAY SO MUCH TO SAY, but alas, I will try and close this up like so; this movie is far more than you'd expect. Yes, this a movie about Facebook and how it was launched and how it took a devastating toll on a friendship and, in effect, on a person, but understanding how easily it would have been to completely mess this thing up is something to keep close in mind, and something that will help elevate appreciation for what Fincher (and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin) did here.GREEDPOWERAMBITIONLUSTJEALOUSYPASSIONFAILURESUCCESSIt's all there, bursting through the surface.

I found the beginning hard to follow as it had alot of technical stuff in it that only a tech person would really understand, but as it went on the characters and plot became much clearer. I have never liked the guy from what I knew about his management of Facebook, but now I really understand why so many absolutely despise him.The movie alludes that he may have Asperger's but I think he is also a malignant narcissist and possibly a sociopath who opportunistically and parasitically uses anyone he thinks can help him achieve what he wants and then finds a way to discard them.He lacks empathy and does not seem to feel guilty for any move he makes no matter who gets hurt by it, even his best friend.The actor that played Zuckerburg did a very good job of conveying nuance; there were moments that he barely reflected but just as quickly banished the insight he was close to having from his mind, shown very well in the scene where his friend smashes his laptop and angrily confronts him, walks away and then the celebration starts for the number of users on Facebook. It seemed for just a second he considered what he might have had if he had not made the decisions he did and had not screwed his only friend over. A slight look of sadness came over his face, but then it was as if he flipped a switch in his brain and it was over.It is a little sad to think about how he ruined every chance he may have had to have real connection with friends, or a wife, because enough is known about him publicly that nobody will likely ever trust him enough to get close to him after all that he's done to others. Like they say; "it's lonely at the top". Money is nice to have, but if you don't have friends and family then what do you really have?Facebook remains a conundrum to this day; it helps people connect with others and to network in their businesses, while at the same time it foments some of the most hateful rhetoric online and allows bullying because of loopholes allowing cruelty, propaganda, and even libel as "freedom of speech".Its terms of service are guided entirely by who the big investors of the day are. For example; I breed rats and my page was taken down by a competitor by their twisting the TOS (similarly to what Zuckerburg did in the movie about his friend's interaction with a chicken making it sound as though something inhumane was going on). Many animal breeders who find local adopters through Facebook were targeted in this way and had to create new pages once PETA finally stepped aside and the site received enough complaints from a large number of breeders whose animals' placement in forever homes was delayed by many months. The site had created some statement in their terms of service that it was not allowed to "sell animals" on Facebook, yet made exceptions for shelters that also ask for fees for their animals to be adopted), and those breeders who had another website off of Facebook . There were some breeders who were not targeted and continued to advertise prices openly. The hypocrisy of it all was so thick you could cut it with a knife it put everyone on edge! I, like many others have spent years and lots of money making sure our animals got the best care. We were not puppy mills and yet painted with that broad brush simply by being breeders. This political ploy did people a big disservice; both to breeders and to those looking for pets locally.This film is totally consistent with what I know of the man and his company's MO in recent years. Even if certain bits and pieces were fictionalized overall it was dead on.I also remember when a high profile guy in the reptile hobby almost came to the point of committing suicide because a group had been formed and hounded him with false allegations for years; even some of the members photoshopping pictures pulled from videos of his snakes to make it appear they were being neglected. When I reported this and asked that the group be taken down because its sole purpose was for was kniving to libel this guy who is of great help to animals who has pioneered some important conservation work, I received a letter sent to my profile page saying that they "support freedom of speech" and since the man is an adult they do not consider this online bullying a breach of their TOS." The next paragraph said I could "hide things" I found "objectionable."I wrote back and told them this was not about me and my "perception" but that if a man who ordinarily was very positive and resilient had been worn down mercilessly to the point that he was considering suicide, that this is where they as a platform need to start drawing some lines. I never got another response, and as far as I know the hate group still exists.I found this film enlightening to say the least and I understand more now than ever why there are so many who want to put federal regulations on Facebook to limit its taking certain actions which could hurt its users.

Jesse plays this role so well. It’s definitely worth the watch.. and the watch.. and the watch.. and the watch… etc