The Social Network

When I saw this film, I was not on Facebook, had no interest in Facebook, and continue to be rather low on the technically proficient scale. I knew very little about Mark Zuckerberg, other than a recent profile of him in The New Yorker magazine. I am, of course, intrigued by film, and the means of storytelling that film includes: writing, performance, production details, pacing, sound design, editing, cinematography. And, from that passion and deep interest, I spent the most exciting and riveting 2 hours and 1 minute in a darkened theater watching "The Social Network" than I have spent watching film in ages.

The rhythm, pacing and very smart script coalesce to engage from the very first beat. It's not that the pace is relentless, but that the story is constructed, dialogue spoken and characters revealed in such a skilled manner that my attention never wavered. The sound design and musical choices add enormous texture and intelligent context.

Ironically, Facebook connects people electronically. "The Social Network" conveys the many layers of in person relationship, the complexity of communication, and how loneliness and personal need can drive events.

Jesse Eisenberg, as Zuckerberg, is incredible. His face and body register myriad emotions, subtexts, confusions and comprehensions, sometimes all at once. And the supporting cast, especially Andrew Garfield, equals his excellence. Having just seen Garfield in "Never Let Me Go", I am in awe of his range.

There is not a wasted shot nor a moment in excess. Cinematography, set design, lighting, casting are all top notch. The film is nothing short of exhilarating! Although I did join Facebook, I left the film longing to converse, live time and in person, about "The Social Network". See it and discuss!