The social network - Module 5

C1 Advanced · Cross Text Multiple Matching · Advanced Expert Coursebook, Pearson Education

You are going to read four reviews of a film about a social network. For questions 1–4, choose from the reviews A-D. The reviews may be chosen more than once.

From the very outset, the rapid-fire dialogue in The Social Network identifies itself unmistakably as the work of the writer Aaron Sorkin. And while the superb script has a tendency to fall into 'geek-speak' at times, this is skimmed over where necessary to get to the heart of the movie, which focuses on a gloomy contradiction: teenager Zuckerberg creates a half-billion network of 'friends' by betraying his only real friend. Rebels and outsiders have always been a fixation for the director, David Fincher, and this movie is no exception: his 'hero' does all he can to shift power from the rich and well-connected and overturn the social order in favour of the 'computer nerd'. He depicts the lead actor as complex and ambiguous; Zuckerberg's self-confidence is impressive, amusing, yet extraordinarily hostile. And after each of his many immature outbursts, one can just detect a tiny hint of regret.

On the face of it, the topic of this film – the founding of a relationship site by Zuckerberg, a computer whizz who is unable to connect with human beings and steps over anyone who stands in his way – comes across as rather dreary. But, surprisingly, the human drama at its core results in a fascinating story. Sorkin is well known for his intelligent, witty scripts. No surprises here, then, and this is his best to date. The unexpected element is Fincher, the director: there is none of the physical menace associated with his previous work, the real-world situations in this film are treated sensitively, and he allows time for us to absorb the impact of a word or a gesture. In the writer and director's view of him, Zuckerberg demonstrates a selfishness and total inability to understand people's feelings, a serious weakness in any context other than the world of computer science. It is an impressive performance.

Director David Fincher has created a gripping story in which the self-centred and uncommunicative protagonist comes over not quite as a hero, but not exactly a mediocre character either. The director, being even-handed, encourages us to make up our own minds about the other characters. Fincher has modified his usually distinctive style, so that the sharp engaging dialogue takes centre stage: this may disappoint his fans but it keeps the audience glued to the screen. The film has as its focal point the bitter legal dispute as to who gets the credit for Facebook's start-up. It successfully manages to convey the passion of a very recent social network revolution along with the thrill of big money moving fast to create the world's youngest billionaire. It is an entertaining and hyperactive account of its time, cleverly highlighting the unpleasant atmosphere and lack of trust which surrounded the origins of the now much more 'friendly' Facebook.

The opening scene, a dialogue between Zuckerberg and the girlfriend who wants to break up with him, sums up Facebook's flaw: arrogance, obsessiveness and a lack of empathy. Coldly analysed in terms of what actually happens, the film is just scenes of people sitting in front of screens or in lawyers' offices, bars or diners. Frantic and information is crammed to a fault. Sorkin's fast-paced chatter is relentless, making it a struggle at times for those with no interest in technology to follow. However, this is a movie which succeeds in entertaining almost despite its subject matter – the fact that it is about Facebook is almost irrelevant. The relationship of Zuckerberg with his business partner is the main point: the genius and the tragedy of Zuckerberg seeing the world in strictly practical terms, at the expense of real-world relationships.

shares reviewer C's opinion regarding the portrayal of Facebook's creator?

expresses a different view from the others concerning the impact of the dialogue?

agrees with reviewer B that the film is a new departure for the director?

has a different opinion from the others about what constitutes the main theme of the film?

Four reviewers comment on a film (written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher), which is based on Mark Zuckerberg's creation of the social network Facebook.

The social network

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