The Social Network remains not only the best film that was released in 2010 but it’s also one of the greatest films to ever be made.
When The Social Network first hit theaters in October 2010, nobody could predict what would become of Facebook. The social media platform may be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family but it’s so much more than that. Listen, all the platforms have their issues. There’s just something about Facebook that makes it evil but at the same time, we can’t help but keep coming back to check in on friends.
Still though, there’s something in the way that Aaron Sorkin pens this script that presents Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) as a villain. He gets dumped by Erica Alrbright (Rooney Mara) in the film’s opening minutes but it’s what happens afterwards. He decides to create Facemash. This site would pit two woman against each other in order to see who’s hotter. I don’t know about you but there’s something here that just isn’t right. Looking back, everything starts to make perfect sense. The political lies on Facebook? Privacy issues? There is certainly something to take away from this film.
Zuckerberg is placed on academic probation. Meanwhile, his work draws the attention of twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) along with their business partner, Divya Narendra (Max Minghella). They want him to create the Harvard Connection, which would focus on Harvard students. One could say that this initial meeting would begin to lay the foundation for Facebook. Zuckerberg manages to get some seed money from friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and the rest is history. Meanwhile, Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) comes into their life through Christy Lee (Brenda Strong). Because of Parker, Facebook would really begin to grow in the juggernaut it is today. Who could have ever thought?
There’s some brilliant editing from Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter. The approach of utilizing the depositions only serves to strengthen the film. It’s an idea that doesn’t always work. However, it certainly works for this film.
If it were up to me, The Social Network would have taken home all the awards back during the 2010 Awards Season. It’s the far superior film in my opinion. David Fincher might not be the first person one thinks of when telling the Facebook story but he goes above and beyond. Eisenberg gives it his all as the Facebook founder. But great films aren’t made without great scripts and Aaron Sorkin delivers one of his best scripts ever. Meanwhile, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross certainly deserve an Oscar for their score. It’s that good!
There are good films and then there are great films. The Social Network isn’t only a great film but it’s a classic for a new era in filmmaking.
DIRECTOR: David Fincher
SCREENWRITER: Aaron Sorkin
CAST: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella
