Simon Dillon reviews the film

If like me you think My Space, Twitter and its ilk are a sign of the impending apocalypse then no doubt you won't be thrilled at the prospect of a film about the invention of Facebook. Indeed, there are now so many social networking websites that I don't' see why they can't just amalgamate the wretched things (Twitbook anyone)? Nevertheless, The Social Network is a film well worth watching for several reasons.

First it's directed by David Fincher, so that in itself makes it a must-see. Fincher has been on my "I will watch anything he directs" list ever since his heyday in the 90s when he helmed Seven and Fight Club. These days he has mellowed somewhat. I still can't make up my mind whether his last film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was brilliant or a self-indulgent load of nonsense, and certainly The Social Network doesn't have the same "you'll-need-a-stiff-whisky-after-viewing-this" ferocity of his earlier work, not to mention the same level of visual audacity. But although less showy, it is every bit as thought provoking.

Some of the credit for that must go to West Wing scribe Aaron Sorkin, whose razor sharp screenplay was apparently considered too long, but rather than cut dialogue Fincher simply had his actors speak twice as fast. Surprisingly this decision adds considerable energy, and as the tale of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg unfolds, the audience is riveted.

This is all the more remarkable because the film centres around some extremely unpleasant people. It comes as no surprise whatsoever to learn that the genesis of Facebook has its origins in a nasty break-up that Zuckerberg was clearly to blame for. In fact, the entire social network thing is shown to be deeply negative for all concerned, not least for Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, whose scarily possessive girlfriend ends up burning a present he bought her on a business trip, ironically because his Facebook status was "Single" and he didn't know how to change it.

The plot is structured in flashback as Saverin, formerly Zuckerberg's best friend, is now suing him, along with fellow Harvard undergraduates Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss, who claim he stole the idea from them. Along the way we learn how Zuckerberg enlisted the help of Sean Parker, who started music download site Napster, and it is his involvement that primarily drives the wedge between Zuckerberg and Saverin.

Performances are all terrific, especially from Jesse Eisenberg who as Zuckerberg rather resembles Michael from ET in his grey hoodie. Andrew Garfield is equally good as the put-upon Saverin, and Justin Timberlake of all people almost steals the show as Sean Parker. There is also a duo of excellent turns from Armie Hammer, who plays the Winklevoss twins. Some flawless special effects are employed too, during scenes where they are together.

The Social Network echoes the likes of Citizen Kane at times, in its story of a man who gains everything but loses the one thing that really mattered to him. Although the film has been accused of cynicism and misogyny in certain quarters, I don't think that is true. Just because a film contains cynical or misogynistic characters does not mean the film itself is endorsing their behaviour. Indeed, though the worst sides of human nature are explored in this film, it is done for a reason, as a cautionary tale about greed, betrayal, and the pursuit of success for success's sake.

All things considered, a very good film and one that I suspect will attract attention at the Oscars next year. Well worth watching, even if you hate Facebook. In fact, those who have renounced it will probably find their views on social networking strongly affirmed.