The Social Network Reflection

The Social Network, one example of Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue writing genius, is a test in character relationships. I think a lot of the movie deals with a characters relationship to themselves and with others. Jesse Isenberg’s character, Mark Zuckerberg deals with being called an asshole and losing people in his life. These conflicts become the central storyline in the movie.

One moment in the film that stood out to me was Mark Zuckerberg asking, “Is this real?” When his girlfriend Erica, played by Rooney Mara, breaks up with him, he doesn’t know how to take it and asks her this question. Not only does it elude to the false reality of Facebook, but also connects with Mark’s misunderstanding of sarcasm. In the same conversation, Mark tells Erica that he would take her to meet people at the final club parties once he got in. She asks sarcastically, “You would do that for me?” because he doesn’t understand the rudeness of his comment. He also misses the sarcasm of hers.

I find this character trait interesting because when communicating online it is almost impossible to convey sarcasm. Zuckerberg is smart and sharp but socially inept. However, later in the film, he uses that same line when talking to the Winklevoss twins and Divya. They say that programming their website could help rehabilitate his image. This backhanded compliment is met with Mark’s sarcasm. However, his tone hints at the fact that he wants to be seen in a good light, maybe by Erica, maybe by final club members. So he accepts the offer. The back and forth that is shown between present and past, between Mark and the other characters, is funny, sad, and sometimes difficult to watch.