Tom Long reviews "The Social Network": Movie about Facebook makes the story of a genius jerk entertaining, but not transcendent
There's a cool precision and honesty to "The Social Network," the story of the founding of Facebook, which guarantees its entertainment value even as it limits its emotional impact.
It's a movie that may be too perfect for its own good. Written by Aaron Sorkin ("The West Wing") and directed by David Fincher ("Fight Club"), it has all the right parts but little fire in the belly.
There's no denying the downright watchability of the film, which is essentially a portrait of a genius jerk. The GJ in question would of course be now-billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, the main face behind Facebook, although the bulk of the film has to do with two major lawsuits brought against him from others who say they were instrumental in the site's birth.
There's also no denying the brilliance of the casting in this film, right down to Dakota Johnson in a (literally) brief appearance in her underwear.
The central casting coup, though, was undoubtedly Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg. Eisenberg has made his name playing nervous sweethearts in films like "The Squid and the Whale," "Adventureland" and "Zombieland," but here he is all condescending meanness and self-involvement. The inner fragility remains, but his Zuckerberg is in a constant state of battle to conquer his own insecurities by crushing others.
It is an amazing, tight-rhythmed performance and certainly worthy of an Oscar nomination. Without it, this movie would likely be dead in the water.
In essence, Zuckerberg is a boy computer genius at Harvard when he devises a site that lets people judge which of two girls is hotter by their photos. The site receives so many hits it crashes the college's computer system.
Zuckerberg is disciplined by the school, but he's now also famous. Twin athletes and socialites (played by the born-to-it Armie Hammer) ask him to develop a site that would let Harvard types keep in touch. Zuckerberg agrees.
At the same time he decides to start a somewhat similar type of site with the help of his best friend, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield, the future Spider-Man), who is to run the business side. The site will be called thefacebook.
Sorkin and Fincher effectively capture Zuckerberg's creative process as he quickly stumbles forward, figuring out what thefacebook should include, how to make it appealing and inclusive.
Soon enough thefacebook is spreading on campuses across the country, and Zuckerberg and Saverin are meeting with computer entrepreneur hotshot Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake).
Then the money starts to pour in ... and the problems start to get serious.
Sorkin's wondrous ways with dialogue and Fincher's control of the camera make it all whiz by.
But the film has one central problem that's unavoidable. It's a movie about one of the most unlikable characters imaginable. Sorkin tries to soften things at the very end, but it's too little, too late.
In fact, the movie's best scene is its opening one, in which Zuckerberg's girlfriend (Rooney Mara) is dumping him. Her final line to him summarizes the entire film, and the movie never really goes above that moment.
That lack of complexity, along with any real sense of passion beyond the sheer surge for power, keeps "The Social Network" from truly catching fire. It's a really good film. It's not a great one.
tlong@detnews.com">tlong@detnews.com (313) 222-8879
Clawson kid grows up to be monster animator
Review: Modern Superman myth gets a visual upgrade in well-made 'Man of Steel'
Review: A radical 'The East' asks tough questions
Review: 'Berberian' film spins out of control
Review: 'Void' leaves you feeling cramped
Review: The brutal life of an African 'War Witch'
Review: End of times are good times in 'This Is the End'
'Fast & Furious 6' shows diverse cast can make big money
Review: Predictable, superficial 'The Internship' glosses over some real issues
Review: 'Kings of Summer' captures the spirit, anxiety, energy of youth
Pierce Brosnan still knows how to dream
Review: 'Love Is All You Need' dives beneath the surface
Review: Jaden Smith in over his head in charmless 'After Earth'
Review: Magic disappears in 'Now You See Me'
Review: 'Stories We Tell' reveals fascinating family truths
Jesse Eisenberg is Oscar-worthy as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. His character tries to conquer his insecurities by crushing others. / Columbia Pictures
The opening scene in which Eisenberg is dumped by his girlfriend, played ... (Columbia Pictures)
More Tom Long
- Review: 'World War Z' action relentless and repetitive, but occasionally interesting
- Boundaries in TV and movies continue to fade
- Review: Modern Superman myth gets a visual upgrade in well-made 'Man of Steel'
- Review: The brutal life of an African 'War Witch'
- Review: End of times are good times in 'This Is the End'
- 'Fast & Furious 6' shows diverse cast can make big money
- Review: Predictable, superficial 'The Internship' glosses over some real issues
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.