The Social Network

Concerning both entertainment and thematic quality, The Social Network is an excellent movie.  I had assumed Mark Zuckerberg was going to be the typical under-dog character who got his vengeance against those who had  wronged him, and was correct.  Though, not in the way expected.  Within the first bit of the movie, Zuckerberg is broken up with by his girlfriend because he is unforgivably insensitive.  She calls him an "asshole," and by the end he has proven her right.  The movie follows several other characters portrayed as cold and pretentious, but even they have their moments of weakness.  Eduardo, who seems the coldest, defined by his money and debonair attitude, is consistently shocked by Mark's unfeeling comments and eventual screwing over.  I think it's important that Mark is left generally confident, even in his lower moments. He springs back even when Erika breaks up with him, making the facemash page.  He never loses sight of business opportunities,  and despite wanting what the twins have, isn't pushed over by them.  His unfeeling character lets him constantly screw himself over, but also to work his way around and above the consequences.

 The movie was appealing because, like so many infamous characters, I loved to hate him, wished better for him, but would never want to be his friend.  He wasn't cool like Parker, or omnisciently wise like Erika.  Even at the parties and in the hearings he seemed removed and deceitfully pitiable.  When he stands up for himself against the twins he resembles an animal backed into a corner, and even cheering for him, I felt a little put off.  This quality about him certainly makes it easier to favor other characters in the film, and gives space to their story and narrative, but how he steals the show is his through his throrough understanding of how social interaction works.  As an outsider he has an objective perspective on the hazing he doesn't get to participate in, the girl from art history and how to figure out her relationship status, etc.  He is perfect for making a mechanical version of the social world.