Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network” provides the perfect combination of suspense, intrigue, excitement and satire while at the same time, providing an inside look on the creation of one of the most popular social networking websites in the world.
“The Social Network” tells the tale of Zuckerberg in his days as a student at Harvard University, where he spent the bulk of his time perfecting his skills as a computer hacker.
The film gave an accurate view of the college life, as well as going into the minds of the average Harvard college student.
Eisenberg’s character can be described as the quintessential wise-ass, delivering quick remarks with an “I don’t care” attitude.
If Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerberg is at all accurate to the man himself, it is surprising, and at the same time, baffling, how his employees can put up with him and his $25 billion empire.
Justin Timberlake also starred in the movie, playing the role of Sean Parker, the co-founder of file-sharing juggernaut Napster who was slammed with numerous lawsuits that led to the website being shut down.
What many people do not know is that Timberlake’s character played a pivotal role in incorporating Facebook until 2004, when he was arrested for cocaine possession and in the movie, was told by Eisenberg, “go home, Sean. Just go home.”
Timberlake has really developed himself as an actor, branching out from his persona as a singer and actually selling his character to those who have never heard the story behind the infamous businessman.
He gives viewers the sense of arrogance, confidence and at the same time, insecurity, with his portrayal of Parker.
The film also shows the controversy surrounding the creation of Facebook, which includes Zuckerberg diluting the stock shares of co-founder Eduardo Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield.
Garfield’s character provides the perfect complement to Eisenberg’s dry, witty and careless attitude toward the movie’s serious aspects, including being involved in two separate lawsuits, to which he responds, “I didn’t know that, tell me more.”
“The Social Network” can be described in only one word: eye-opening. It truly reveals to its audience that Facebook is more than just a website to interact with friends, it is a worldwide internet revolution.
This movie has proven to be a success, topping box office sales by earning $23 million on its opening weekend. It truly shows that anyone can make something great, as long as they have the drive and the attitude to do it.
“The Social Network” lives up to the saying on its promotional posters: “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”