The Social Network
When I first learned about The Social Network I was surprised that a movie about something so recent and ongoing was being made. On top of that I thought a movie about the creation of a website would be downright boring. When I heard that David Fincher was directing it, however, I wondered why such a talented director would waste his time on this type of material. After watching The Social Network I now understand Fincher's interest. This is one of the most compelling movies I have seen in years.
From the first scene The Social Network is shot out of cannon and doesn't let up. Aaron Sorkin's dialog is incredibly sharp and comes at such a pace it takes a moment to become accustomed to it. This is the heart of the movie; intense conversations in various locations. This movie reminds me a lot of Gosford Park in the way that it can generate intrigue not through action or plot, but through conversation and character. Fincher does a masterful job of adding variety to these scenes and when he has an opportunity (like in a crew race halfway through the film) he really shows his visual prowess.
The acting is also fantastic, especially Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg. Normally a lovable shmuck, here Eisenberg is almost unrecognizable as the brilliant and controversial creator of Facebook. I hate to say it but Justin Timberlake is also very strong as Napster founder Sean Parker. All of these elements are brought together by the combination of amazing editing that perfectly blends the two timelines of the film and a brilliant score by Trent Reznor. I love unconventional music in movies and The Social Network definitely delivers in that area.
I can't emphasize enough how surprising The Social Network is as a film. To take such timely and seemingly mundane material and turn it into this amazing ride demonstrates the skill present in the making of this movie. 5/5
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