Post by klep on Jan 4, 2016 8:06:52 GMT -6
MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 1/4: The Social Network
The Social Network is a rare moment when everyone involved on the creative side is on the same wavelength. Aaron Sorkin specializes in writing about powerful, abrasive men who see themselves as superior to those around them. David Fincher is great at dealing with the poisonous parts of the human psyche. Jesse Eisenberg is fantastic at showing the hidden hurt and loneliness behind the misanthrope. Jordan Crenowith shoots the film as dark as the hearts of its characters, even when the lights are on. And this film even marks the first time Trent Reznor would score a film for Fincher - Reznor of course having made his career on writing the kind of music that explores the dark places of the soul.
The core conflict of The Social Network is almost a cliche - Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg) is a man who can connect anyone with anyone except himself. Indeed in the first few minutes Mark is told that he will always be lonely because he's an asshole. But aside from that opening thesis statement the film shies away from directly addressing this point, allowing it to be seen through the way that Mark interacts with others. He's a man of brilliance who expects everyone around him to be able to keep up and if they can't, he doesn't have much time for them. The problem is that when you're always the smartest guy in the room, taking that approach prevents much in the way of human connection.
One of the problems Aaron Sorkin has is a difficulty with writing women believably - he tends towards writing them as mirrors to reflect the greatness of his men. In The Social Network women play a minor, almost peripheral role. Do you think that Sorkin's problems with female characters are evident in this film and if so, is it possible that they actually make it work better? Do you think David Fincher shares any of these same problems in his work?
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 1/11: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
After an exciting and surprising race, Demy's masterpiece will be our next Movie of the Week. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is available on Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video, though it is not free for Prime Members
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 1/5: Star Wars and The Force Awakens
This week the Next Picture Show compares and contrasts the first and the latest installments in the Star Wars franchise. We'll take a day this week to discuss the former and next week we'll have a day for the latter.
The Social Network is a rare moment when everyone involved on the creative side is on the same wavelength. Aaron Sorkin specializes in writing about powerful, abrasive men who see themselves as superior to those around them. David Fincher is great at dealing with the poisonous parts of the human psyche. Jesse Eisenberg is fantastic at showing the hidden hurt and loneliness behind the misanthrope. Jordan Crenowith shoots the film as dark as the hearts of its characters, even when the lights are on. And this film even marks the first time Trent Reznor would score a film for Fincher - Reznor of course having made his career on writing the kind of music that explores the dark places of the soul.
The core conflict of The Social Network is almost a cliche - Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg) is a man who can connect anyone with anyone except himself. Indeed in the first few minutes Mark is told that he will always be lonely because he's an asshole. But aside from that opening thesis statement the film shies away from directly addressing this point, allowing it to be seen through the way that Mark interacts with others. He's a man of brilliance who expects everyone around him to be able to keep up and if they can't, he doesn't have much time for them. The problem is that when you're always the smartest guy in the room, taking that approach prevents much in the way of human connection.
One of the problems Aaron Sorkin has is a difficulty with writing women believably - he tends towards writing them as mirrors to reflect the greatness of his men. In The Social Network women play a minor, almost peripheral role. Do you think that Sorkin's problems with female characters are evident in this film and if so, is it possible that they actually make it work better? Do you think David Fincher shares any of these same problems in his work?
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 1/11: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
After an exciting and surprising race, Demy's masterpiece will be our next Movie of the Week. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is available on Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video, though it is not free for Prime Members
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 1/5: Star Wars and The Force Awakens
This week the Next Picture Show compares and contrasts the first and the latest installments in the Star Wars franchise. We'll take a day this week to discuss the former and next week we'll have a day for the latter.