The Social Network…hold onto your seat…it’s a gripping ride.

Who’d have thunk that a film about the creation of Facebook would have you sitting on the edge of your seat for close to 2 hours?  I was very curious to see the movie, particularly since I started blogging in early 2005…just as blogs were starting to be explored outside the realm of solely personal online diaries.  I experienced the Facebook revolution from the perspective of a niche blogger and watched (and continue to watch) Boomers and 50 Plussers weigh in on whether social networking was their cup of tea.  Even today, when I lecture to small groups (where we can enjoy robust participation), many attendees reject Facebook.  In my opinion, rejecting the notion of Facebook is like saying it doesn’t exist, or burying one’s head in the sand.  Just as Facebook revolutionized online socialization, so too, does this movie revitalize the notion of the ability of smart dialogue to move the plot forward with every word and every scene. 

For those who haven’t yet seen it,  it is a must — both for the story of the evolution of the phenomena (regardless of whether or not there has been artistic license taken), and because it is a fantastically crafted film.   Viscerally directed by David Fincher and extraordinarily written by Aaron Sorkin (based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich), the audience follows the creation, implementation and success of the Facebook revolution.  We follow the unmatched genius of Mark Zuckerberg played by uber-talented Jesse Eisenberg and his Harvard undergrad partner, Edourdo Savorin, played by Andrew Garfield, as they spark together and fuel a wild ride to the success of Facebook. Because the storyline follows the multiple lawsuits (over ownership of the original idea) and uses the deposition and discovery process as the template for the plot, every scene, every point of view, pushes the plot forward.  It is fast-paced and furious, as was the creative force behind the programming. 

Heck, even the movie website is exhiliarating.  I dare you to head over there without experiencing heart palpitations.  Even if you know the general story, the competing POVs, the incredible dialogue, soundtrack (Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross), and the surprising performances are worth the film. 

Definitely one that will stay with you for a long time, and that will take you back to your days of the wild energy, creative enthusiasm  and take-no-prisoners ‘tude of your college days.