Social Network reveals reclusive billionaire

As I write this review, I am continually minimizing this window to re-open and refresh my Facebook page. Now, if this sort of behavior is familiar to you, continue reading. If it isn't, read on anyway. Because more than likely it will someday.

The Social Network is the definition of a "movie for the times." Ten years ago, relationships began face-to-face. If I wanted to get to know you, I would introduce myself and maybe ask you to get a coffee with me later. However, now all I need to know is your name, and with a few clicks of my mouse, I can already learn your favorite movie, your favorite band and even if you're single or not.

But I should assume you know all this. The influence of Facebook is common knowledge; it's the creator who still lingers in the shadows.

And that's where The Social Network begins: with the creator. Director David Fincher introduces us to Mark Zuckerbeg (Jesse Eisenberg) as a Harvard undergrad whose dream is to be included in one of his university's many final clubs. But social settings are difficult for Zuckerberg - as we see in the opening of the film. To him, most people just don't make sense. One of these enigmas is Erica Albright (Rooney Mara), Zuckerberg's short-lived girlfriend. During what I can only assume is a recurring theme in their relationship. Zuckerberg insults Albright several times (albeit, unwittingly) after which she breaks up with him.

The film uses this emotional stimulant as the motivation behind Zuckerberg's first website, Facemash - where you can rate the looks of Harvard girls against each other. Obviously, Zuckerberg is chastised for this, but he does attract the attention of two of Harvard's elite, the Winklevoss brothers (both played by Armie Hammer) who pitch him their idea of a social website called Harvard Connection. This idea, though, doesn't interest Zuckerberg. He does, however, use the initial idea to develop his own website called "The Facebook." But he can't do it alone. His best - and only - friend, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) puts up the money for the site and Zuckerberg gets to work.

Interwoven throughout the scenes of Facebook's conception are the depositions of Zuckerberg against the Winklevoss bros and Zuckerberg against Saverin. But these are not tedious monologues spoken between lawyers. David Fincher focuses on the students - especially the relationship of Zuckerberg and Saverin. There's a betrayal they both feel, and actions that they took that, at the time, seemed to make sense.

What makes The Social Network an enthralling film is that it doesn't try to give reasons to its characters' actions. Zuckerberg isn't the hero, nor is he the villain. He's just a smart kid, who feels more comfortable talking to a computer than a human. At the same time, Saverin isn't the victim, but we do feel sorry for him. Perhaps because we can understand that betrayal is even worse when it's done unconsciously.

The Social Network is, without a doubt, the most relevant movie of the year. On top of that, it is also funny and dramatic. The dialogue is refreshishingly realistic and wonderfully sharp, particularly Zuckerberg's lines. My highest praises, though, go out to Eisenberg for his portrayal of Zuckerberg. After years of flying under the radar in fantastic roles, he seems to have at last broken into mainstream media. And yes, it's true Justin Timberlake is in this movie, but my money is on Eisenberg for the Oscar nomination. 

Whether you're a Facebook user or not is irrelevant to this film. The Social Network is more interested in the man at the keyboard than the content of what he's typing. So go see it. Because the name Zuckerberg is far from fading away.