The Social Network (2010)
About This Movie
The founding of Facebook unfolds as a story of genius, betrayal, and obsession, told through dueling depositions where everyone claims credit and assigns blame. Aaron Sorkin's dialogue moves at the speed of the code being written, and David Fincher directs the creation of a website with the urgency of a heist film. Jesse Eisenberg's Mark Zuckerberg is brilliant, wounded, and possibly incapable of understanding why people keep leaving him.
Why It's a Classic
Sorkin's screenplay accomplished something remarkable: it made intellectual property disputes and stock dilution as dramatic as any courtroom thriller. Eisenberg's performance captures a specific kind of modern intelligence, the kind that can build systems used by billions while failing to read a single human emotion accurately. Andrew Garfield's Eduardo Saverin provides the emotional anchor, a best friend whose loyalty is repaid with betrayal, and his deposition scenes vibrate with genuine hurt. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's electronic score, which won the Academy Award, gave the film a cold, pulsing undercurrent that perfectly matched its themes of connection and isolation. The film defined the origin myth of the tech era and asked whether the people who build our social infrastructure are capable of genuine social connection themselves.
Fun Fact
Mark Zuckerberg reportedly watched the film and said the only thing it got right was his wardrobe. Sorkin based the screenplay on Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires, which Eduardo Saverin cooperated with. The rowing regatta sequence, where the Winklevoss twins lose at Henley, was filmed with Armie Hammer's face digitally placed onto a body double for many shots. The opening scene, a five minute breakup conversation, required 99 takes to get right.
Parent Note
The film contains underage drinking, drug references, and some sexual content involving groupies and party scenes. Language is strong in places. There is no physical violence. The legal and business terminology is dense but presented clearly enough to follow. The themes of intellectual theft, friendship betrayal, and social status are relatable and accessible. Rated PG-13 and suitable for older teens and up.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 2010
- Type
- 🎬 Movie
- Category
- Modern Drama
- Age Group
- Adults (Ages 18+)