THE SOCIAL NETWORK 4.0**** out of 4.0****

“The Social Network” is not as much about the phenomena of Facebook as it is about Mark Zuckerberg and the people associated with him and the consequences that arise from the birth and evolution of Facebook. In an even broader sense, it's about friends being driven apart due to money and betrayal. Because of this, it's no surprise that some have compared it to “Citizen Kane”. And it's not just the similarities in themes, it's also the quality of the film.

What makes the movie so good is the wonderful screen writing of Aaron Sorkin ( he was the force behind and writer for the brilliant TV drama, “West Wing”). The film is filled with crisp dialog that just sucks you in. Director David Fincher also does a great job keeping the audience captivated with a consistently fast and mesmerizing pace.

Several points stand out. First the film makers have rather ingeniously used as a framing device two separate court cases dealing with who really invented Facebook. In both lawsuits Zuckerman is being sued for really big bucks. Second, Jessie Eisenberg's performance as Zuckerberg is uncanny. It may or may not be true to life but it is absolutely convincing. His Zuckerberg is a genius but an enigma, a superficial friend but also a want-to-be-friend, and yet somehow we connect with him. Third, his opponents in one of the cases are the arrogant Winklevoss twins, two of a vanishing breed – handsome, rich WASP with an unshakable belief in their entitlement to privilege. Amazingly they are played by the same actor (Armie Hammer) who puts in two seamless performances. Fourth, Zuckerberg's treatment of his good friend to him and collaborator Eduardo Saverin, who is the other one suing Zuckerman, is outrageous.

This is a film which simply shouldn't work, but it does. . A convoluted story of conflict between the originators of new type of web site, Facebook, that since 2003 has come to be valued at 25 billion dollars and have 500 million members.. The movie succeeds because it is not about the technology but about creativity and conflict and about friendship and betrayal. It succeeds because of a magical combination of accomplished direction, scintillating dialogue and superb acting.

It has been nominated for Best Picture for the Oscars along with other nominations for Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Director etc.

Clark