The Social Network

The Social Network

About The Social Network

The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. Based on Ben Mezrich's 2009 book "The Accidental Billionaires" it portrays the founding of social networking website Facebook and the resulting lawsuits.

The plot begins with Harvard student, Mark Zuckerberg, who created the website "Facemash" which inadvertently sets the stage for the creation of Facebook. The film follows the legal and personal complications Zuckerberg faces as Facebook becomes a worldwide social phenomenon.

Making / Production

David Fincher took the helm as the director of The Social Network. Development of the film began in 2005 when Mezrich began writing "The Accidental Billionaires", upon which the screenplay penned by Aaron Sorkin was based. Fincher's cinematic vision, combined with Sorkin's signature rapid-fire dialogue, created a film that resonates with the fast-paced, technological world it depicts.

Actors

• Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg - Eisenberg's portrayal of Zuckerberg is that of an ambitious, determined, but socially awkward programmer who stops at nothing to see his vision come to life.
• Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin - Played by Garfield, co-founder Saverin's personal and legal struggles provide a stark contrast to Zuckerberg's relentless pursuit of success.
• Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker - Timberlake plays the confident, slick founder of Napster who influences Zuckerberg and contributes to the growing rift between Zuckerberg and Saverin.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Social Network was shot in both Boston and Los Angeles, despite being set entirely in Massachusetts.
• Aaron Sorkin makes a cameo as an ad executive in the film.
• Nine versions of the script were set out before settling on the final one.

Awards

The Social Network was lauded by critics and viewers alike. It received Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Jesse Eisenberg, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Mixing.

Quotes

• "The internet's not written in pencil, Mark, it's written in ink."
• "We lived on farms, then we lived in cities, and now we're going to live on the internet!"
• "You're not an asshole, Mark. You're just trying so hard to be."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Hand Covers Bruise" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
• "In Motion" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
• "The Social Network Theme" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross