The Social Network

Nothing speaks more to a college student than technology.  iPhone. iPad. MacBook. Xbox. These devices are so common among college students that it is assumed that almost everyone has at least one of the above. Students also love to use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr to update their friends with the latest news from their lives. Now, how was arguably the most popular social media website, Facebook, created? The Social Network, by David Fincher, is a true story that depicts the life of former Harvard University student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), his creation of Facebook and how “You Don’t Get To 500 Million Friends Without Making A Few Enemies.”

When thinking of a genius, one thinks of brilliance, risk taking, genuineness, and creativeness. Albert Einstein. Thomas Edison. Bill Gates. Larry Page. These brave men tested the waters with their unique, unproven ideas, having no idea what the perception or outcome would be. These men all overcame each and every obstacle that stood in their way. To invest as much money as they did into their new inventions was a huge risk because no one had any previous knowledge about the items or organizations being created. In The Social Network comes along a Harvard student by the name of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) who thinks he is the next great “genius.” Well, let’s just say Mr. Zuckerberg comes no where near the likes of those men listed above. Through his selfishness, mysteriousness, and unfriendliness Zuckerberg comes off as a mean, uncaring guy who does not value friendship or trustworthiness. Zuckerberg defies what a good person stands for and would do when creating something new. Cameron Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) and Tyler Winklevoss (Josh Pence) were the ones who actually came up with the idea of a social networking site and asked Zuckerberg to enter into an agreement with them to develop Facebook. Not only did Zuckerberg betray the Winklevoss’ idea of wanting the site to just be for Harvard students but he ended up creating it without their help and took all the credit for himself. Also, as we all know Facebook is now used worldwide, another betrayal of the Winklevoss’ idea. The Winklevoss’ reaction when they heard about Zuckerberg taking their idea, even expanding it, was one of the most memorable scenes from the movie. Their expression was priceless and truly shows that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Their anger and feeling of betrayal, as well as some jealousy, could be felt as if we were in their position.

Overall, this was an outstanding movie. The actors the way they portrayed the vibrant emotions and feelings of their part was magnificent. Zuckerberg came off as cold and self-centered. The Winklevoss’ came off as very determined. Saverin came off as a good friend. Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), the founder of Napster, came off as a jerk. There were great memorable scenes such as when Saverin was raging at Zuckerberg, when Zuckerberg hacks into student’s emails, when Zuckerberg is being really sarcastic and checking the lady lawyer’s math, and the classroom scene. A good mix of comedy and serious scenes make this movie enjoyable for everyone. Although Zuckerberg’s behavior can really tick off the audience, overall this was a solid movie that everyone should see given how big Facebook has become.