Movie Review: The Social Network

Posted by luismercedes926 on October 27, 2010 · 1 Comment 

Quite a few biopics that have been released in recent years have suffered from an excess of melodrama and exaggerated depictions of factual events. While, David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin have not exactly broken this trend, they deliver a fine piece of work that doesn’t feel too typically Hollwood.

The Social Network, which boasts a title that reflects the very essence of the communications revolution that we currently partake in, features Jesse Eisenberg in a role that will surely receive awards consideration later this year. He plays Mark Zuckerberg, the real-life founder of the insanely popular social networking site, Facebook. Backed by terrific performances from Andrew Garfield, who portrays Mark’s best friend, and Justin Timberlake, playing the ill-fated founder of Napster, Sean Parker, The Social Network undoubtedly shines the most as a great ensemble piece.

Eisenberg does not quite have the screen presence to carry a movie as the lead protagonist but gets the job done here in an exceptional manner through his sharp and witty delivery of Sorkin’s script. Oh, and speaking of the script, this screenplay is arguably the most intelligent to have hit theatres  in 2010. Not only does the film give the audience a distinct balance between the developments of the central characters but it maintains a consistent amount of suspense in its narrative. Many of the accolades that the film receives can be attributed to its crisp editing, which features flawless transitioning between the real-time situation and the film’s frame story.

Along with a dynamic score that helps create the taut setting for most of the film, The Social Network has the necessary components for it to be declared a winner. Although it is uncertain at the moment, this film can be one, which defines this generation 2 to 3 decades from now. Much like Easy Rider or Saturday Night Fever or even Fast Times at Ridgemont High each defined a generation. The Social Network demonstrates to us that no matter how many technological advances preceded a particular individual’s time, all it takes is one idea to change the foundation of any functioning society.

Editor’s Note: Please give a warm welcome to Life in High Definition’s movie critic, Luis Mercedes! Luis is a recent graduate from Purchase College, and will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Film! Keep checking back for more movie reviews, as movies are clearly linked to television. – Faith

Filed under Movies · Tagged with Aaron Sorkin, Andrew Garfield, David Fincher, Facebook, Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Mark Zuckerberg, movies, Sean Parker, Social Network