Usually people jump at the chance of a free movie but when I scouted around for somebody to accompany me to the preview showing of The Social Network I found it to be one of the hardest pitches I’ve ever had to give. The fact that David Fincher’s latest has been saddled with the unfortunate moniker “that Facebook film” didn’t help- computer programming and litigation aren’t the sexiest cinematic combo. But then, my own expectations weren’t especially high; I still haven’t fully forgiven Fincher for Benjamin Button.
Thankfully, The Social Network is a film that confounds expectations on all sides. The story behind the conception and explosion of Facebook and the descent of its founders into bitter recriminations is very much worth telling. Despite the contemporary context, at its heart this is a classic story of betrayal, ambition and revenge. Furthermore, contrary to the rather gloomy trailer complete with a children’s choir singing Radiohead’s 'Creep', The Social Network is one of the funniest films I’ve seen all year.
This is primarily thanks to Aaron Sorkin’s intelligent and witty adaptation of the source novel, Ben Mezrich’s The Accidental Billionaires. The dialogue crackles with original voices from the bone-dry sarcasm of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) to the slithery, business-speak of Napster founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake).
Speaking of confounding expectations, Timberlake deserves a nod for his scene-stealing turn as the reptilian Parker. In fact, the young cast are uniformly excellent; Andrew Garfield excels as Zuckerberg’s one time best friend and partner, Eduardo Saverin, while Armie Hammer gives a hugely entertaining turn as both halves of the Winklevoss twins. Head of the class though is Jesse Eisenberg. His is a performance that is beautifully complex and impenetrable in the best possible way. Manipulative, unmanageable, charismatic, arrogant; Zuckerberg is all these things at once. The audience is left trailing in his wake, never able to make a full conclusion on what exactly was going on inside his head.
And what of Fincher? Well after the bloated Button, I’m glad to report he seems to have gotten back into his stride. The direction is taut, economical and stylish without being self-conscious. Even if you haven’t fallen prey to Facebook, The Social Network is a must-see.