The Social Network: A New Era in Filmaking?
Posted by Luc in 
Last Friday, The Social Network opened to an International audience. It made $23 million in North America alone, and has received very good reviews from pro and amateur critics (97% on Rotten Tomatoes). Many people were likely expecting a flop, but the film is written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, Charlie Wilson’s War) and directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en, Panic Room) and turned out surprisingly good.
One of the reasons every one expected so little out of the movie is that its based on something that is currently taking place (Facebook is still on the rise and the story is nowhere near complete). Another reason, is that people roll their eyes most of the time when Facebook is mentioned.
The general public is still in a state of sub-conscious disbelief at how much Facebook has taken our lives. Most of us check Facebook first thing in the morning (and last before we go to sleep), but we would never admit that out loud. Whenever someone offers up interesting information about an event or a friend, and they are asked how they know that and the answer is Facebook, they will say it in a mocking funny kind of way. As if it’s so hilarious/embarrassing to admit you found valuable information on Facebook. As if it’s not a credible source. And with that in mind, why would you go out of your way to see a film about something that is so silly?! But you will go see it. Because Facebook is a much larger part of your life than you want to let yourself believe.
And Hollywood has finally caught on. Starved for ideas, The Social Network made it seem that Hollywood had finally reached the bottom of the barrel, and were now grabbing at anything to make a film out of. Saying that you need Facebook to live was so taboo, that making a film about it’s origin just seemed pathetic. Yet here’s the film, #1 in the world in it’s first week. So I ask, is this just the tip of the Iceberg?
Yes. There are now talks of a Google film, and I would not be surprised if most other major websites followed. After all, we don’t mind reading the incredible life stories of their creators online, do we? Everyone loves to marvel at how Google was “just 3 guys with an idea” or Napster was “just an easy way to share files”. These are success stories. Something that Hollywood (and the general population) thrives on.
So embrace it, dear members of the public. No longer do you need to be afraid to admit that a website is essential to your existence. After all, Hollywood was able to.