What is it about The Social Network that makes it so good? One could easily say things like fine acting, clever script, beautiful cinematography; the works. However, there's something else that makes the film special. After all, a film about Facebook and its origins isn't the most riveting set-up in film history. Maybe that's exactly what makes the film a masterpiece: the film's crew manage to make it interesting. In a flow of top-brass titles that have come out this year, The Social Network is one of the few that truly stand out. Its mesmerizing flow and beauty can't really be explained, but once it's seen first-hand, it won't ever be forgotten.
The name of the film is quite indicative of its story, since this is a retelling of the founding of Facebook, with additional focus on the litigations that followed the billion dollar legacy of the ubiquitous invention. It's to be noted that the film is based on the book The Accidental Billionaires, and is a slightly exaggerated version of real events. Despite that, there's a lingering sense of authenticity to every scene. Nothing feels fake, exploitative or pointless, and you'll never doubt that this is indeed what happened. Not only that, it's actually interesting. This reviewer has no love for Facebook, but this is engrossing stuff. Complex technical lingo is thrown around like rice at a wedding yet it doesn't feel obtrusive or overplayed. What's really the meat on the proverbial bones, however, is the dialogue in general. A conversation is an experience in The Social Network, and though that most likely sounds like overzealous hyperbole, it really does come off as such in the film. It's just smart in every way possible, exposition is none and you're left to pick up what's worth picking up from every sentence.
-Jesse and Justin speaking of fine wine and Facebook. Ironic, innit?
The best part of the story, however, is that it's not some arty, minimalistic tale with a hidden subtext. You don't have to walk in with the preset decision of watching it as a film "connoisseur", you just have to be a film goer. It speaks volumes about the films overall quality, because most films that advertize themselves as something needing convoluted thought are generally just haughty pieces of media theatricality. Aaron Sorkin deserves massive kudos for his screenplay, because it simply is a work of art in itself.
This is effortlessly blended with the brilliant cast performance and stellar presentation. Jesse Eisenberg portrays the maker of Facebook himself, Mark Zuckerberg. He does an amazing job in being an eccentric, cocky, egocentric nerd and really cements his place as a versatile actor. The supporting act is no less superb, with Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield playing the entrepreneur Sean Parker and former best friend Eduardo Saverin respectively. There's really nothing that screams "Oscar moment" in any part of the actors' scenes, they just do their lines with the utmost skill and sensibility. No overacting here, just subtle emotion or simple nonchalance.
-Soon enough, the smell would reach the rest of the room and the atmosphere would be broken.
These are, of course, simple keynotes of director David Fincher's usual styIe. Fincher, of course, needs little introducing. Having made films like Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac and Panic Room, his prestige is well-known. He does a superb job on basically all bases. He compliments Sorkin's script perfectly to set a mood that feels oddly sinister considering the subject matter. There's the odd emotional punch of a short rebuttal to a lawyer's question, the fascination of seeing a rowing contest with "In the Hall of the Mountain King" playing in the background. It's those sorts of moments that make you remember the film. On the subject of music, the rest of the music is fantastic as well. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross lend their talents to create a very ambient soundtrack, filled with subdued intrigue and almost-scary beauty. It's one of those films where you actually notice the music, which isn't as common as it should be.
As with all glimmering "100%", "five-star", "ten out of ten" etc. reviews, not everyone will see what all the fuss is about. For The Social Network, this is doubly relevant, because what's really special about a movie about Facebook? You really have to see the film to really know the answer to that question, but no worries, because it's absolutely worth it.
Score: "*****"