Review: The Social Network

Film Reviews Sun, 07 Nov 2010 Written by Mike S
Editor rating
 
 4.0 User rating
 
 4.0 (1)
The Social Network

Read triplew.me's review of a next-generation-Bill-Gates story of how one person and his facebook website has changed the world.

Whether you’re a lover or hater of facebook, one simply cannot deny the phenomenal rate of success that the popular social networking website has experienced.

'The Social Network' recounts the rise of facebook against the backdrop of intellectual property lawsuits, filed against Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) the major founder and creator of the site.  Based on the book ”The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich, Aaron Sorkin’s engaging screenplay fuses wit, sarcasm and humour with genius and deception.

The story unfolds through the use of cleverly edited flashbacks going between legal discussions in the film’s “present day”, and events at the time of the site’s origins in 2003/2004.

Sorkin’s writing talent comes to the fore during the many legal office interrogations as twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (interestingly played by the same character Armee Hammer) claim Zuckerberg has stolen their idea. Very much the controversial figure, Zuckerberg’s friend and co-founder of Facebook, Eduardo Saverin (Garfield) is also depicted claiming in a separate suit for property and monetary damages.

While this may appear to be simply a stock-standard court room drama, it is far from it. The film’s impetus is bolstered by the heady lifestyle of Timberlake’s character Sean Parker (founder of Napster and currently a 4% stakeholder in facebook); a fast paced dialogue and musical direction from the Nine Inch Nails man himself Trent Reznor.

Reznor, working alongside Atticus Ross, co-creates a musical backdrop which is no doubt successful in reinforcing the combative feel of the film with Reznor’s rebellious influences at the front. The soundtrack is at times jarring or at odds with the viewing, however it is ultimately successful.

Even if you’re don't 'like' facebook, this is one to watch if only for the impact the social networking application has had on our modern culture. In just over 6 years, facebook has amassed a network base of 500 million users in 207 countries and is valued at $25 Billion.

At age 26, Mark Zuckerberg is valued at a quarter of that.

STARRING

Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake

DIRECTED BY

David Fincher

CHECK TO SEE IF IT'S PLAYING NEAR YOU

Bahrain - Bahrain Cinema
Lebanon - Empire; Grand
Jordan - Grand Cinemas
UAE - Grand Cinemas; Cinestar

 

Qatar - Qatar Cinema Company
Kuwait - Cinescape 
Egypt - Renaissance Cinemas
Oman - City Cinema

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE


Editor review

Good all-round film

Rating:
 
 4.0
Reviewed by triplew.me
November 07, 2010
 
Last updated: November 07, 2010
David Fincher's great film-making talent combined with hit writer Aaron Sorkin have developed a watchable and entertaining flick about the world of social networking, carrying a much broader message. While not necessarily a cinema must-see - definitely worth checking out.
 
 

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Rating:
 
 4.0   (1)
 
 

I.T. Geek to Internet Hero

Rating:
 
 4.0
Reviewed by Stephan Christodoulou
January 03, 2011
 

A must see to understand the evolution of Facebook, starting out as revenge on an ex-girlfriend to a website which is now used globally by many. I think it will be more appreciated by the I.T. community, but still an interesting film to watch.