I recently had a discussion with my friend Justin about "The Social Network." Ironically, we had the conversation on Facebook! DO HO HO! Since we both brought up some interesting points on the film, I've decided to post the conversation in full on the blog! The following conversation started after Justin commented on the film's hyperbolic tone.
John: I don't think the film's hyperbole is really a problem. The movie makes it very clear that it is not trying to imitate real life. After all, no one really talks in fast-paced, witty, Aaron Sorkin dialogue.
Justin: My comment on hyperbole is in reference to the gross sensationalism, which is good, otherwise the film would be quite boring.
John: I see. I do think the film is trying to say something though. Forgive my pretentious rhetoric, but I see it as a film which puts classic themes (ambition, friendship, betrayal) in a modern context. Before seeing the film, I thought it would be more of a comment on isolation in the digital age, but it's really more about the dangers of ambition and greed.
Justin: True. The majority of the characters have hedonistic tendencies.
John: But that does not mean the film approves of their hedonistic tendencies.
Justin: Definitely not. I think Zuckerberg is the contrast to the hedonism of his environment. He's more "pure." He wants to make something cool and significant, while everyone else wants money and women.
John: I did find it interesting that he did not really care about the money, but, in the end, he screws over his best friend - his only friend. So, I don't really seem him as a "hero." Ultimately, what he did was pretty pathetic. He created a website to impress a girl.
Justin: Right. And I don't think he's a hero because the film does not present an objective morality. For all its hyperbole, everyone is human and prone to error.
John: True. The film doesn't pick sides. While I disagreed with many of Mark's decisions in the film, I could see his point of view, especially when dealing with the Winklevoss twins.
Hey Reader! Do you like this banter? Should I try something like this again? Let me know in the comments! Also, feel free to leave your opinion on the film - to keep the discussion going.