The Social Network
The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin.
The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Accidental Billionaires. It dramatizes the founding of Facebook and the legal disputes surrounding its early years, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg. The film received major critical acclaim and screened widely in Canada, remaining a frequently cited example of a major Hollywood drama about the rise of social media.
Premise
The film follows Mark Zuckerberg as he develops Facebook while facing lawsuits and disputes with former collaborators. Its narrative links the company’s rise with questions of friendship, ambition, and ownership.
Production
The movie was directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, adapting Ben Mezrich’s book about Facebook’s early history. It was released in 2010 and produced for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Reception
The Social Network was strongly received by critics and has been widely regarded as one of the most notable films about the internet era. It also received major industry awards recognition, including several Golden Globe wins.
Historical basis
Although based on real people and events, the film uses a dramatized account of Facebook’s founding and related legal conflicts. Public-record summaries describe the story as involving Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, the Winklevoss twins, and Sean Parker.
Key facts
- The film portrays the creation of Facebook and the conflicts among its early founders and associates.
- Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, with Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin and Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker.
- The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin and the film was directed by David Fincher.
- It is based on Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires.
- The film was widely praised by critics and won major awards, including Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
The film screened widely in Canada and remains a frequently cited example of a major Hollywood drama about the rise of social media, a topic of continued relevance for Canadian audiences.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Social Network about?
Who directed The Social Network?
Who wrote The Social Network?
What book is The Social Network based on?
Who plays Mark Zuckerberg?
Did The Social Network win major awards?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_NetworkSupports: Basic film identification, director, writer, cast, source book, and awards information.
- AllMovie — https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-social-network-am28819Supports: Film synopsis, director, writer, cast, and basis on The Accidental Billionaires.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the-social-networkSupports: Synopsis, release information, genre, and credited production details.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/Supports: Plot summary and cast information.
- Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/629816/the-social-network-movie-factsSupports: General context about the film’s cultural relevance over time.