The Social Network
The Social Network is the story of the creation of the phenomenon known as Facebook. I’m sure most people know Facebook was created in a Harvard dorm by Mark Zuckerberg, along with Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes. There have been several lawsuits filed (and settled) against Facebook, and according to this movie, it’s been plagued by controversy almost from the beginning. The movie is framed around depositions that Zuckerberg, Saverin and some others are giving with flashbacks showing events leading up to the lawsuits.
I have a Facebook account, but rarely use it, because I just don’t “get” it. I’m not sure if it’s a generational thing or what, but I can’t figure out its appeal, so I wasn’t interested in this movie at all when I first heard about it. After it started getting rave reviews, I suggested it when a friend and I were trying to decide on a movie to see. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed The Social Network. The acting is top notch and the movie is paced very well – it never lagged for me. I was fascinated with the story and the lifestyle of the students portrayed – college has changed an awful lot since I was a co-ed. I suspect this movie will garner some Oscar nominations.
As in all things Facebook, there is controversy surrounding this movie. I’ve read that it is basically the story told from Saverin’s point of view and he has an axe to grind. I’ve also read that a few parts of the story are completely fictional and others are fairly accurate. Since the movie uses the names of real people, I wish they would have stuck to the facts. If you can accept that the movie takes liberties with the truth, you should go see it; if not, it’s probably not the movie for you.
I did hear about this movie as well and I think there is a book also. I was also not interested in this movie, but I will give it a try now.
Facebook is good in which I can always keep track of whats happening in my friends and relatives lives, it is great to see them post about anything, and it is fun to connect with long lost friends.
I use it everyday
I’ve heard that the movie was great too. Glad you enjoyed it as well. And I’m not surprised that the movie was a bit “one-sided” given the controversies… As far as Facebook itself, you may be right about the generational thing- I don’t really “get” it either and haven’t signed up for an account. But I’m always tempted after seeing so many bookish people and publishers who have a page.
I’m with you. Beth Fish has a Facebook account but I don’t really know what to do with it. I think I’ll wait for this movie to come to Netflix or HBO, I don’t think I’d know which parts were true and which weren’t.
I’ve been wanting to see this. I’m not a FB junkie, but I do stay in touch with some very good friends and family this way…people I don’t necessarily call every week but I love and want to stay in touch with. I even reunited with some long lost friends from high school and on a day to day basis we support each other and share our lives with each other. But the games and all that other stuff? I have no need for all that. It is amazing a college drop-out created all of this…it is a crazy story.
I want to see this one. I don’t have a facebook page, never was interested. Also in my role I terminate employees for what they write on there facebook pages.
Great to know it is worth it, I have heard great things about the movie so far.
I really want to see this movie. I have a Facebook account and check it once a day or so, but I don’t pay it much attention. I’m amazed how some people are literally obsessed with it and update their wall with every little thing they do, I don’t get that part.
I definitely want to catch this one when it comes to Netflix. EW can’t stop raving about it and I almost always agree with their recommendations.
I’ve read great reviews of this movie from newspaper reviewers, and I’m glad to read that you liked it as well.
I am another one that just doesn’t get Facebook. I have an account, and check it fairly regularly, but I never post anything and think it’s a little boring. That being said, I keep thinking this movie would be boring as well, so I have not wanted to see it. Maybe I will change my mind when it comes out on video. I am glad to hear it wasn’t that bad!
I’ve heard good things about this one too. But I wait for the DVD for most movies.
I have a facebook account for myself but not for my blog. I keep in touch with family and friends that live in other states and have reconnected with people I haven’t seen years. For that I like it a lot. It’s a convenient way of communicating with them.
I’m with you on the whole not getting FB thing. I signed up last year to view pictures my brother-in-law posted when my son was visiting him but have been much since maybe once a month or so. Mostly on birthdays of people I know use it often. But, the movie does sound really interesting and I think the lead Jesse Eisenberg is very talented. I think I will join others here and wait for the dvd, though.
Thanks for the review, it’s good to hear positive things from some one I trust.
I think this is actually one I’ll skip. I just don’t care and I’m sure I would take it all for fact even though it isn’t.
I have a Facebook account and every time I think I’ll get rid of it I think of how much more easy it is to keep in touch with some of my friends and relatives on FB. They are more likely to post pictures and events there than to e-mail me, especially our cousin in Rome. So I keep it but only check it once a day.
You’re not alone in not “getting” Facebook. I’m of the Gen Y generation who are supposed to be into all of this social networking but I’m just not one of them. Life’s too interesting without having to document everything for people to comment on
It’s definitely enjoyable as a piece of fiction.
I’m glad you enjoyed the movie! I think it looks interesting but I didn’t know parts of it might be fictional. I think I will watch the movie but probably as a rental or when it comes to TV.
I have a Facebook account, too, and a bunch of friends who adore FB. But I don’t get it, either and boy have I tried. I have people I don’t know from Adam, asking me to be their friend and telling me things about themselves I’m not sure I want to know! It’s very strange. And, after a while, something’s got to give..between email, blogs, twitter, facebook, it’s too much! I guess I’m old or old-fashioned – I still like to write letters to friends!
~ Amy
I want to see this movie, it sounds very interesting. Glad you enjoyed the movie. I hope i’ll get to see it soon.
I must admit that I’m addicted to some of the Facebook games. I think they’re fun and I play them with friends I hardly see anymore and it gets us talking. Not sure I’d pay to see this movie, but when it hits the movie channels, I’ll probably watch it.
Very interesting review Kathy. I am exactly like you in having a FaceBook a/c, but seldom remembering to use it (for the same reasons you mentioned, in spades — I’m WAYYYY too old!). When I do go on to look at pictures from my grandchildren.
I wouldn’t have even considered the movie until I read your review. Now I’ll think about it. We have lots of movie catching up to do now that we’re in one spot (finished with the roadtrip).
I don’t really “get” Facebook either. After the initial rush of “finding” people I’d lost touch with after high school and college, I kind of lost interest in it. Blogging takes up enough of my time … I can only have so much “social media” interaction!
Glad to hear the movie is worthwhile though.
I really do want to see this movie but I am boycotting theatres until the bedbug problem is solved…
I do check into FB…it is an easy way to stay in touch with family…my neighbor and I make our lunch dates on FB…
Really good review.
I keep hearing that it’s great…but no, DVD for me
Great review, Kathy. I suspect I’d enjoy this movie, too.
The one thing that I love about Facebook are the posts from other bookies! But I definitely want to see this movie but I ‘m going to wait until it comes out on DVD.
Nice review, thank you!
Natalie :0)
Kathy, I am with you…tried FB, and did not like it nor did I find it useful. It must be our age…LOL However, my children are in early 30′s and they don’t like it either??
I too have a FB account which I do not use for any number of reasons; lack of time, lack of desire, lack of getting “it”; mainly I just do not care for it. I would rather pick up the phone and talk with people, I am old fashioned I guess. I had not heard of the movie, but that is not surprising, as I rarely hear of movies or TV shows. I have three teens and only one checks his account, so I am not certain it is even a generational thing, although the 20-somethings I know like it?
So many movies that are supposed to be based on “real” events take giant liberties so I pretty much expected this would as well.
Yeah, I’ve heard too that some part of the movie is fictional, which is sad considering it’s about real people. But the movie was definitely awesome – great acting and great pacing. Must-see!
I’ve heard so much about this movie but have to admit it just doesn’t appeal to me at all.
My son and I both want to see this one. Heck, we may have to do that tomorrow because they’re forecasting rain!!!
i have a FB account and i merely use it to interact with my far away friends since i’m studying quite far fro them.it’s practical but i dont use it for gossips or use it wrongly. just saying.
I’m so waiting to watch this movie. I almost bought the book (I think it’s of a different title) at the Changi Airport, but didn’t. I read about it in an article in the W magazine. I love Facebook because it’s a great place to meet and get together with friends, new and old.
I’ve heard lots of good things about the movie but I haven’t watched it myself. So thanks for the post about the movie! Like you, I have a facebook, but I’m not really into it and I find it rather …boring, but I’m not really one for Social Networking sites, unless it’s Twitter, and Twitter is one of the reason I don’t really use facebook, but obviously people differ with my opinion.
I’m glad you really liked this one. I want to see it too. I read Roger Ebert’s review and he liked it/gave it four stars (top rating).
Notice the movie is called The Social Network, they would have had a huge lawsuit for even infringing on the FACEBOOK name. All lawsuits aside, I heard the same in reference to the liberties but it’s to be expected in the world of entertainment. While the plot is good and the actors vivacious, it’s rare you’ll get a true portrayal unless it’s done under the documentary header.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it. Now Facebook is a huge hit with this generation of PC literate at the womb kids. I still don’t get Twitter but Mrs Q keeps telling me it’s so much better. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to know what I’m doing with my by lines… I’d be too prone to be quick tongued since my sense of humour is sarcastic.
My friends think it’s so funny that I don’t ever get on facebook but I tweet. But with twitter it seems there is more of a connection than on facebook. Like you, I just don’t “get it.”
Interesting bits about the movie–I guess it would be hard to expect it not to be Hollywoodized, but on the same token, definitely should have stuck to the facts. I haven’t seen it yet but want to!
I hope there were disclosures about which elements were fictionalized and which were true. That would disturb me. But I guess when you go see a movie that isn’t a documentary, you should expect some fiction
I’ve heard great things about this movie too. I’m waiting for it to come out on DVD, but I’ll definitely see it. I like facebook, but I don’t update my status much. I just like to be connected to people that I know and like but don’t talk to a lot. It’s not for everyone though, I can see why lots still don’t use it.
I have found FB to be invaluable. I used it to track down classmates for our high school reunion and being able to get the word out about Gage has made my life so much easier. I don’t feel the need to call everyone right away, FB helps me get the info out! It definitely has its uses.
I definitely want to see this movie. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
i am not much of a movie goer but i do like ‘documentary’ type films (not that i don’t love the big blockbusters too, i just don’t have anyone who likes to go with me….)
as i’ve been so engrossed in school working on my masters i’ve really gotten into watching a lot of documentary type films – this one sounds like a movie that would be perfect for this last project i did! i need to pay more attention to what’s going on in the movie world! thanks for the awesome review and as soon as i can get this one on dvd i’ll add it to my collection!
I would love to see this movie. Living in the SF Bay Area I have friends that work at Facebook. They’ve had some interesting things to say about the movie!