The Social Network Review

Known by many as the Facebook movie, "The Social Network" has made waves as the supposed retelling of the creation of Facebook and the subsequent lawsuits against its creator, Mark Zuckerberg. However, to simply shrug off this movie as another misunderstood genius tale would completely miss the point. The Social Network transcends any stereotypes thrown its way by being a movie not about the mere creation of Facebook, but in itself a social commentary on the frail relationships one builds on this website and how much we strive to make them seem real.

"The Social Network" recounts the story of Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, two Harvard sophomores who created the social networking revolution. After creating a website called Facemash, in which visitors were told to rate two girls based solely on looks, and crashing the Harvard servers, Zuckerberg gains the attention of two members of the school crew team, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. They want to use his programming skills to create a "Harvard Connection", a social networking site exclusive to Harvard students. Zuckerberg then supposedly uses this idea to create Facebook. The story is told through a series of flashbacks while Zuckerberg and his attorney try to defend themselves from the lawsuits pressed upon him by the Winklevoss twins and Eduardo Saverin.

When a movie bases its story on true events, there are bound to be some dramatic freedoms taken by the writer, and "The Social Network" is no exception. However, most movies based on true events are made decades after the event in question, making sure anyone who could have anything to do with said event is either dead or does not remember every detail. The events in this film occurred seven years ago, assuring that those mentioned will be very vocal about the inaccuracies. With that said, do not take "The Social Network" as a literal retelling of the creation of Facebook.

Dramatizing the story does lead to some exaggerated characters. For example, Mark Zuckerberg (played brilliantly by Jesse Eisenberg) is portrayed as a social loner, someone who is unsure of his pursuits and creates Facebook as a means of gaining attention. To imagine the real Zuckerberg as such an aloof personality seems strange, but in the context of this story it makes his actions seem more plausible. The same can be said for Justin Timberlake's character, Sean Parker, who cruises around life as an Internet genius looking for his next big break. If one were to run into these characters in real life, sympathy would go out the window, but in the context of the film it all makes perfect sense. Friendships are broken and backs are stabbed, all happening on a very thin veil of trust. The similarities to the dynamics of the website are obvious.

On its surface, "The Social Network" is a movie about computer programming and the rise of the youngest billionaire of our time. However, when crafted with the talent of David Fincher (Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), it keeps you engaged until the very end. An extremely smart script coupled with the soft tones and atmosphere created by Fincher ensures that this movie is a treat to be had. Not to mention an amazing soundtrack by Trent Reznor that sets the mood throughout the entire film.

Whether or not you have jumped into the social whirlpool that is Facebook, this film still has all of the necessary ingredients to make a great movie. Strong characters, a finely crafted story and, in the end, a lesson to be learned. Don't be afraid to log into "The Social Network." You might just like it more than you expected.