THE SOCIAL NETWORK has to be one of the best films of the year. David Fincher is back on form following the ever so slightly melancholic chore that was Benjamin Button. His direction is subtle, even masterful, wise enough to simply get out of the way, and let Aaron Sorkin’s writing shine.
From the opening scene, Sorkin draws you in, leads you through what, in a lesser writer’s hands, might end up looking like a childish squabble.
If you don’t know The Social Network is about the creation of Facebook, and the ensuing fallout. How much of what we see is true is anyone’s guess, but Sorkin doesn’t let the truth get in the way of a good story, allowing the various parties to have their say, even if it contradicts what is being said elsewhere.
He lets you make up your own mind, decide for yourself who is lying, and who is telling the truth. In doing so he manages to make you engage with some of the most unlikeable people you’re ever likely come across. They are elitist self-centred egomaniacs, their narcissism verges on the psychopathic, but Sorkin even manages to make you feel for them.
When the depositions are over, and the lawyers have retired to thrash out the settlement, Zuckerberg retreats into his virtual world, and check his ex’s status on Facebook. It’s hard not to feel something for him at this point, all of his “motivated” behaviour, and all he wants is to be liked by a girl. It’s that or he is dangerous psychopath stalking an ex, you decide.
Interesting, engaging, and definitely worth seeing more than once.
Director: David Fincher
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Production Year: 2010
Rating: 12A
Running Time: 121 minutes
Darrin // Nightingale 