Lyzsi SinclairCinema release review - "The Social Network"...
My sincerest apologies for my absence of late cinemanut fans, for I have been taking my first steps to working in the film industry as a Production Assistant for a UK film. I return with a cinematic release review of “The Social Network”, which hits cinemas in the UK nationwide Friday 15th October 2010.
In what has been described as an almost “creation myth” of a film, David Fincher ("Fight Club", "Panic Room", "Zodiac") brings to the big screen the story of one of the most influential - and important - social networks of the modern day internet. Fincher takes us through the story of how recently-dumped Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg – “Zombieland”), and his best friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield – “Sugar Rush”, “Never Let Me Go”) took their first steps into creating the iconic “Facebook”. It follows the tremendous climb of Facebook; as well as the tumultuous fall of workaholic Zuckerberg, and all of the controversial lawsuits that followed his immediate success. From being accused of stealing the original idea from other Harvard students; to being influenced in all the wrong ways by Napster-founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake); he also then finds himself finally being sued by best friend Eduardo. As the tagline says – “You Don’t Get To 500 Million Friends, Without Making A Few Enemies”…
I wasn’t really sure how to write a synopsis of this film, so I hope the above isn’t too confusing. I’m going to start this review by saying that I was more than pleasantly surprised by this film; as well as seriously considering it a lead contender for film of the year. Despite having a two-hour long runtime, every single frame of this film is interesting, intriguing, and brilliant. There are currently two different trailers playing in the UK for this film – one being a serious theatrical trailer, and one a more comedic teen-orientated trailer; but this film doesn’t disappoint in either respect, as it manages to combine the two neatly.
One of the things I was most surprised about was the amount of humour in this film. Having mainly seen the theatrical trailers, I was expecting it to be a lot more serious – and more demanding attention-wise. Instead, I found myself laughing and enjoying Zuckerberg’s idiosyncrasies as played out by Eisenberg, or chuckling at the witty retorts and character humour from other cast members. I think the choice of Eisenberg in the lead role was absolutely fantastic as he not only showcased his ability to inhabit a character – he also displayed a vast range of emotion and intellect, resulting in the audience identifying with him as a character. I’d say his portrayal of Zuckerberg had elements of the character of Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” to it, which is something fans of the show will recognise, therefore helping with the familiarity of the character. I also have to personally say that any scene, in which you heard or saw his sandals as footwear, brought a big smile to my face.
Another great casting decision came in the form of Andrew Garfield. Starting the film off as the party-loving best friend, who finds himself invited to the prestigious Harvard Phoenix club – he goes on to be guy left behind, in genuine turmoil as he loses his best friend and tries to decide whether suing Zuckerberg is the correct course of action. A strong point I found whilst watching this film, is that I never once found myself choosing one side of the argument to agree on. I could see what was going on from all perspectives, and it left me feeling like I was constantly in the loop as to the way things were unfolding. The time frames do jump back and forth in this film, from being in the lawyer’s office, to flashing-back to events that had unfolded - but it was never once confusing; something that can so often happen when the time frame is messed about with in a film. I think this is something that David Fincher excels at – and it definitely makes it a pleasure to watch on-screen.
I wasn’t overly impressed with Justin Timberlake in his role as overall bad-influence, and Napster-founder Sean Parker. It could just be the characterisation; but I found that Timberlake’s face never changed – it was constantly a smug grin of self-satisfaction. I’m glad he only had the screen-time he did, but I doubt that if Parker had been played by someone else, that I’d have liked him anymore.
As for continuity, there were a fair few issues. Things like the incorrect computer service packs used, and the wrong I.D entry swipe on the Harvard dormitory doors are all careless mistakes – ones that could have been avoided if they were perhaps looked into more. There was one scene where Eisenberg and Garfield were having a conversation outside in the winter air, where it was completely obvious that the breath we could see in the dark cold air had been enhanced post-production. Those are my only gripes though, and they do not detract from the film. The soundtrack was spot on, the scenes were set out well, and all the acting was above brilliant.
So overall, I really REALLY enjoyed this film. Although Zuckerberg and Facebook declined to have anything to do with it, I came out of the cinema feeling like I knew a bit more about my favourite social networking site – and actually, I found myself liking Zuckerberg more because of the film’s portrayal.
The constant stream of humour, an ending that hit the spot, and pre-end-credit facts to finish off the piece were strong, well-placed, and made the whole film experience a joy to watch. Wonderfully funny, intelligent and insightful, I give “The Social Network” a fantastic 9.5/10. Flix Out.
In what has been described as an almost “creation myth” of a film, David Fincher ("Fight Club", "Panic Room", "Zodiac") brings to the big screen the story of one of the most influential - and important - social networks of the modern day internet. Fincher takes us through the story of how recently-dumped Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg – “Zombieland”), and his best friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield – “Sugar Rush”, “Never Let Me Go”) took their first steps into creating the iconic “Facebook”. It follows the tremendous climb of Facebook; as well as the tumultuous fall of workaholic Zuckerberg, and all of the controversial lawsuits that followed his immediate success. From being accused of stealing the original idea from other Harvard students; to being influenced in all the wrong ways by Napster-founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake); he also then finds himself finally being sued by best friend Eduardo. As the tagline says – “You Don’t Get To 500 Million Friends, Without Making A Few Enemies”…
I wasn’t really sure how to write a synopsis of this film, so I hope the above isn’t too confusing. I’m going to start this review by saying that I was more than pleasantly surprised by this film; as well as seriously considering it a lead contender for film of the year. Despite having a two-hour long runtime, every single frame of this film is interesting, intriguing, and brilliant. There are currently two different trailers playing in the UK for this film – one being a serious theatrical trailer, and one a more comedic teen-orientated trailer; but this film doesn’t disappoint in either respect, as it manages to combine the two neatly.
One of the things I was most surprised about was the amount of humour in this film. Having mainly seen the theatrical trailers, I was expecting it to be a lot more serious – and more demanding attention-wise. Instead, I found myself laughing and enjoying Zuckerberg’s idiosyncrasies as played out by Eisenberg, or chuckling at the witty retorts and character humour from other cast members. I think the choice of Eisenberg in the lead role was absolutely fantastic as he not only showcased his ability to inhabit a character – he also displayed a vast range of emotion and intellect, resulting in the audience identifying with him as a character. I’d say his portrayal of Zuckerberg had elements of the character of Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” to it, which is something fans of the show will recognise, therefore helping with the familiarity of the character. I also have to personally say that any scene, in which you heard or saw his sandals as footwear, brought a big smile to my face.
The attention to detail for Zuckerberg, included his characteristic sandals...
Another great casting decision came in the form of Andrew Garfield. Starting the film off as the party-loving best friend, who finds himself invited to the prestigious Harvard Phoenix club – he goes on to be guy left behind, in genuine turmoil as he loses his best friend and tries to decide whether suing Zuckerberg is the correct course of action. A strong point I found whilst watching this film, is that I never once found myself choosing one side of the argument to agree on. I could see what was going on from all perspectives, and it left me feeling like I was constantly in the loop as to the way things were unfolding. The time frames do jump back and forth in this film, from being in the lawyer’s office, to flashing-back to events that had unfolded - but it was never once confusing; something that can so often happen when the time frame is messed about with in a film. I think this is something that David Fincher excels at – and it definitely makes it a pleasure to watch on-screen.
Andrew Garfield (Left) and Jesse Eisenberg (Right) worked very well together...
I wasn’t overly impressed with Justin Timberlake in his role as overall bad-influence, and Napster-founder Sean Parker. It could just be the characterisation; but I found that Timberlake’s face never changed – it was constantly a smug grin of self-satisfaction. I’m glad he only had the screen-time he did, but I doubt that if Parker had been played by someone else, that I’d have liked him anymore.
Justin Timberlake (Left) played Sean Parker, and was more than a little smug with it...
As for continuity, there were a fair few issues. Things like the incorrect computer service packs used, and the wrong I.D entry swipe on the Harvard dormitory doors are all careless mistakes – ones that could have been avoided if they were perhaps looked into more. There was one scene where Eisenberg and Garfield were having a conversation outside in the winter air, where it was completely obvious that the breath we could see in the dark cold air had been enhanced post-production. Those are my only gripes though, and they do not detract from the film. The soundtrack was spot on, the scenes were set out well, and all the acting was above brilliant.
So overall, I really REALLY enjoyed this film. Although Zuckerberg and Facebook declined to have anything to do with it, I came out of the cinema feeling like I knew a bit more about my favourite social networking site – and actually, I found myself liking Zuckerberg more because of the film’s portrayal.
Fincher portrays Mark as an over-determined person, who still has heart behind him...
The constant stream of humour, an ending that hit the spot, and pre-end-credit facts to finish off the piece were strong, well-placed, and made the whole film experience a joy to watch. Wonderfully funny, intelligent and insightful, I give “The Social Network” a fantastic 9.5/10. Flix Out.
