Like “Moneyball” (which I reviewed in this column last week), once again I’m faced with presenting my thoughts of a film that is near perfect. I wanted to review this film (that tells the story of how Facebook got started)
Like “Moneyball” (which I reviewed in this column last week), once again I’m faced with presenting my thoughts of a film that is near perfect. I wanted to review this film (that tells the story of how Facebook got started) because currently Facebook is completely out of control. The idea of Facebook was founded to bring friends together, but it now drives wedges in relationships and changes people’s perception of who we are based on what we say in cyberspace. I watched “The Social Network” again the other night and realized, now is the time to get more people watching this film.
“The Social Network” (2010) is directed by David Fincher (“Seven”) and written by Aaron Sorkin (“Moneyball”). It was adapted from the 2009 book “The Accidental Billionaires.” The film portrays the founding of the website Facebook and resulting lawsuits. It stars Jesse Eisenberg (“Solitary Man”) as founder Mark Zuckerburg, along with Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake (in a superb performance as Sean Parker, founder of Napster). Neither Zuckerberg nor any other Facebook staff were involved with the project.
The movie was released in October 2010. It was a point where Facebook had reached more than 500 million members worldwide. In the film business, they say “the screenplay is key.” There is not a better film (or television) writer then Aaron Sorkin (who is an Emmy and Oscar winner). His razor sharp verbal banter and superbly accurate characterization creates an epic jazz-like flow of all elements at work in the scene. And Sorkin is a writer who can do no wrong.
Toss in a multi-Oscar nominated director like David Fincher (“Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) and you have a powder keg of a movie. Of course, many film critics and business writers criticized the film for authenticity, but I like what the great film director Martin Scorsese says: “If you’re replicating a life with cameras, lights and actors, how can you possibly be 100 percent accurate?”
Movies are all an illusion anyway, but the sad truth is friendships and lives were destroyed by Facebook in this film. Of course Zuckerberg became the world’s youngest billionaire and now the first thing we say when we network or meet someone new is “Do you have a Facebook page?” Given all the negative things the social network now brings into our society, please leave it at the door and watch this film. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy this film. Keep an eye on Jesse Eisenberg (the film’s lead), he is the next leading man of his generation if he plays his cards right. Next week will be my friend and writing partner Tammy Apana, I’ll see you back here in two weeks.
