The Social Network (2010) is the Citizen Kane of Our Generation

I just saw the film The Social Network last week. This is one of the most talked about movies of last year, probably 2nd only to Inception. I did think it was entertaining film, and I can see why so many people enjoyed it. You are watching a film about one of the most prevalent parts of our culture: social networking. These days, social networking is so natural we don't think about it anymore. We do it naturally. There are social networks for books, fashion, music, and anything else you can think of. We all have such a deep need to connect to others. Since most of us are lacking deep, authentic, meaningful connections with the people around us, we forge these online relationships that give us someone to talk to. But, I digress.

Like I said, I enjoyed The Social Network as a film, but at the end, the main feeling I had was sadness. As I pondered this feeling, I realized that the film felt empty. Here is Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, wealthy and famous. You would think he has it all. But no, at the end of it all, he is just looking for a little love. The closest thing I can compare this movie to is Citizen Kane.

Now, as a film, I am not saying that The Social Network is even close to being on the same level as Citizen Kane. Citizen Kane is a classic and on a plane above all but a few films. But the story gave me the same feel.

Have you seen Citizen Kane? If not, go out and get it tonight, right this minute. You have really missed out if you haven't seen it. The film is about the life of a fictional character name Charles Foster Kane, a newspaper tycoon. Through bullying and blundering, he has come to dominate the press. He has amassed millions of dollars and lives in a fabulous mansion. But as he dies, the last words that pass his lips are "Rosebud." We find out his official life bio through news reels. Then the real story starts. A reporter goes through a list of Kane's friends and enemies to attempt and solve the mystery of who Rosebud is. Well, Rosebud doesn't turn out to be a person, but a thing, a symbol of Kane's lost innocence. What I always got out of this film was that you can amass all kinds of wealth and be the most famous person in the world, but it will never make you happy.

Similarly, we see the rise of Zuckerberg from geeky, awkward, brilliant blunderer to wealthy, successful, still awkward adult. We meet the enemies he makes along the way. The friends he betrayed. He got what he thought he wanted. But, is the man happy? I won't give away the last scene, but suffice it to say that the same thing is driving him the whole time. He wants to be noticed and appreciated. He wants to be valued and set apart by someone. And at the end, he's still thinking about the girl who walked out on him.

So definitely go see the Social Network. It is a fascinating story. Zuckerberg shows utter devotion to a vision and idea. He knows what THE Facebook can do and never strays from his original vision. He saw the need people had to connect, maybe because he desires so desperately to connect to someone. Some crude sexuality and language is included. Blessedly, it is short-lived and mostly happens at the beginning of the film.