Social Network

I started with a positive attitude towards this film, having read the book on which it was based. Often the film does not match the book that has been read before but in this case it was even better. It is highly enjoyable, even though it is has a number of dark settings and every character turns out to be completely unlovable. You end up thinking that they all deserve each other.

The story revolves around the founding of Facebook and the legal wrangles that took place following the early development of the concept at Harvard University. The founder Mark Zuckerberg is accused of stealing the idea from the Winklevoss twins who hired him to programme their similar concept. The scene where the twins visit the President of Harvard to complain about Zuckerberg’s ethics is a great piece of cinema and worth the entrance fee on its own. Another great scene is where Zuckerberg is interrogated by the twins’ lawyer and raises arrogance to new heights. (‘Are you giving me your full attention Mr Zuckerberg? I’m under oath to tell the truth so the answer is no’)

Zuckerberg then (allegedly - how do they avoid libel suits from this kind of film?) double crosses the partner who has funded the early investment and goes off to California where he hooks up with Sean Parker, the founder of Napster and the only person who Zuckerberg seems to rate and respect. Parker is played by Justin Timberlake whose performance proves to be a rare example of a singer who is an even better actor.

In the end everyone ends up rich but also seemingly unhappy with life, which perhaps sends a message to us all. The film does not take us beyond the first year of Facebook’s life and you wonder how Zuckerberg feels now, as the owner of a billion dollar business and one of the world’s best known brands. It cries out for a sequel but I suspect that it will not be allowed to happen.

Altogether this is an excellent film, also enjoyed by my wife, daughter and granddaughter, which says something for its wide appeal.