Social Success from the Socially Inept...

The Social Network (PG-13)
Directed by David Fincher and Starring Jesse Eisenburg, Andrew Garfield, Rooney Mara, Rashida Jones and Justin Timberlake

It's so very hard to believe that the entity of 'facebook' has only been around for less than a decade.  Other "social networks" have been around for not much longer and here we are (at least, here I am...) oblivious to the life we had before them.  The technology moves so fast and engulfs the culture we live in like a fire kissing a lake of gasoline.  And, we become immersed in the flame.

Here it is slightly past midnight.  I have only been home from seeing this movie less than an hour and in that time I've checked my email, googled a little of the history behind the movie, and yes, checked my facebook.  And now I want to write about a movie that tells the story of how facebook came to be.  Interesting.

The film is amazing.  I don't mean, "Lawrence of Arabia" amazing or "It's a Wonderful Life" amazing or even "name of the best drama ever" amazing.  I mean amazingly simple and great-- just like the idea of facebook.  Here is a story about a socially inept Harvard student, who out of anger, rejection, and drunkenness begins to create a billion dollar idea.  This was the thing that stood out to me-- a "Billion" dollar idea born from failure.  He was a failure in relationship, a failure in friendship, and a failure socially.  And, here he is today the youngest billionaire on the planet.  Does this mean he's happy?  Does  this mean all his problems have gone away?  Does this mean he did it the way we all should?  I don't know, probably not, and no.  Those aren't what I focused on.  I came out with a success from failure-- how else do we truly learn and shape ourselves, if not through the failures we endure?  I like that.

This is a perfect example of how film should be done.  Visual effects you can't tell are there; to support the story, not detract from.  The Direction and acting are incredible.  David Fincher (Fight Club, Panic Room, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, etc) once again stamped his style and story telling prowess all over a story that might not really sound interesting.  I was amazed how I know nothing about writing code for computers and algorithms and other "computery" stuff but, nevertheless, I was completely drawn into this world and understood through the characters what it meant.  Brilliant.

This was a great story based on a history of something only a handful of years old.  It is compelling and it draws you in with little effort.

I've got to go check my facebook again.  Just kidding.  Enjoy.

Brice