In my mind, the best attribute of The Social Network is the screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. The rest of the film may have been interesting and intriguing at times but most of the work was more solid than stupendous. Sorkin’s contribution, based on a real story and making use of rapid-fire dialogue and a unique narrative structure, shines.
Sorkin has always been able to take the real world and render it remarkable and witty on-screen. The film recounts the creation of Facebook, is a pop-culture phenomenon. At this time, it is uncertain whether it will remain relevant over the years like M.T.V. or fade into obscurity like Napster. Nevertheless both website users and the general public would be fascinated about how something so massive sprung out of such insignificant roots.
Some may find that The Social Network is neither pulse-pounding nor tear-jerking. The film is merely interesting, especially for those interested in business. The story unfolds via two pre-trial depositions by founder Mark Zuckerberg. The abrasive programmer was sued by both the company’s former Chief Financial Officer and two Harvard students that he may have stolen the idea from. As a result, the non-linear storyline keeps the viewer engaged while combining personal relationships with the technical details of the website.
And that is it. There are few memorable moments, no noteworthy performances. It is the Report on Business on film and nothing else (albeit slightly more colourful).
Given the buzz and the box-office receipts, it is definitely worth seeing. I suspect that along with Inception and perhaps a work like Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, The Social Network will comprise a trifecta of must-see films that define 2010. ***