Detailed Summary
The Beginning: Harvard and the Birth of Facebook
The film starts with Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) being dumped by his girlfriend Erica Albright (Rooney Mara) at Harvard University. Distraught, he creates a website called “FaceMash” by hacking into college databases, comparing female students’ photos. This act garners him attention, both positive and negative, and leads to academic probation.
The Idea of “The Facebook”
Mark is approached by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) and their business partner Divya Narendra (Max Minghella) to develop a social networking site for Harvard students, HarvardConnection. Instead, Mark pitches his own idea to his best friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) – a social networking site called “The Facebook.” Eduardo provides the initial funding.
Expansion and Legal Troubles
“The Facebook” quickly gains popularity across various universities. Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), co-founder of Napster, becomes involved, advising Mark to drop “The” from the name, making it just “Facebook.” Parker’s involvement leads to significant investments, but also tensions, particularly with Eduardo.
The Fallout with Eduardo
Eduardo’s role in Facebook becomes marginalized as Mark and Sean Parker take control. Eventually, Eduardo is tricked into signing agreements that dilute his share in the company. Feeling betrayed, Eduardo confronts Mark, leading to a dramatic and emotional showdown.
Lawsuits and Betrayal
The film presents two lawsuits against Zuckerberg: one by the Winklevoss twins for intellectual property theft and one by Eduardo for unfair treatment. The narrative weaves through the creation of Facebook, the legal battles, and personal conflicts.
The Resolution
The film concludes with Mark settling both lawsuits, still in control of Facebook but seemingly lonely and introspective. He sends a friend request to Erica, refreshing the page repeatedly, symbolizing his desire for connection.
Movie Ending
The ending of “The Social Network” is both triumphant and tragic. Mark Zuckerberg achieves immense success and control over Facebook but ends up isolated and disconnected from his former friends. He repeatedly refreshes Erica’s Facebook page, symbolizing his unfulfilled need for genuine human connection amidst his digital empire.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Social Network” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
The film is a biographical drama that explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of friendship and business.
Cast
- Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg
- Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin
- Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker
- Armie Hammer as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
- Max Minghella as Divya Narendra
- Rooney Mara as Erica Albright
- Rashida Jones as Marylin Delpy
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. The music combines electronic and orchestral elements, enhancing the film’s intense and reflective tones.
Filming Locations
- Harvard University: While most of the campus scenes were shot at Harvard, some were filmed at other locations to represent Harvard.
- Johns Hopkins University: Used for certain academic and dormitory scenes.
- Boston, Massachusetts: Various urban locations were used to depict the entrepreneurial atmosphere.
These locations were essential in grounding the story in a believable academic and entrepreneurial environment.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jesse Eisenberg), and more.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield developed a close friendship during filming, mirroring their characters’ initial bond.
- Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter, made a brief cameo as an advertising executive.
- The Winklevoss twins were portrayed by Armie Hammer with the help of body double Josh Pence and digital effects.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich.
- Real Events: The story draws heavily from real events but takes creative liberties for dramatic purposes.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. The narrative was tightly constructed to follow the arc of the legal disputes and personal conflicts.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Faithful Adaptation: While the film closely follows the book’s narrative, it condenses certain events and dramatizes interactions for cinematic effect.
- Character Portrayals: The film amplifies certain character traits and conflicts to heighten the drama.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- FaceMash Creation: The scene where Mark creates FaceMash, setting the stage for Facebook.
- Initial Facebook Launch: The excitement and energy surrounding the launch at Harvard.
- Eduardo’s Confrontation: Eduardo’s dramatic confrontation with Mark in the Facebook offices.
- Deposition Scenes: The intense legal depositions framing the narrative.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m CEO, bitch.” – Mark Zuckerberg
- “You better lawyer up, asshole, because I’m not coming back for 30%. I’m coming back for everything.” – Eduardo Saverin
- “A guy who makes a nice chair doesn’t owe money to everyone who ever has built a chair.” – Mark Zuckerberg
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s opening and closing scenes both feature Zuckerberg on Facebook, highlighting his loneliness.
- Real-life companies and websites like Napster and MySpace are referenced to establish the tech landscape of the time.
Trivia
- Jesse Eisenberg’s cousin, Hallie Eisenberg, makes a cameo as one of the Facebook users.
- Mark Zuckerberg originally criticized the film, calling it inaccurate, but later stated he enjoyed it.
- The rowing scenes were shot at the Henley Royal Regatta in England.
Why Watch?
“The Social Network” is a gripping tale of ambition, innovation, and betrayal, with stellar performances and a sharp screenplay. It offers a fascinating look into the origins of one of the most influential companies of the 21st century, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in technology, business, or human drama.
Director’s Other Movies
- Se7en (1995)
- Fight Club (1999)
- Panic Room (2002)
- Zodiac (2007)
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Gone Girl (2014)
- Mank (2020)
