social network

1. In 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) begins work on a
new concept that eventually turns into the global social network known as Facebook. Six years later, he
is one of the youngest billionaires ever, but Zuckerberg finds that his unprecedented success leads to
both personal and legal complications when he ends up on the receiving end of two lawsuits, one
involving his former friend (Andrew Garfield). Based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires."
The Social Network

2. Camerawork
 In the beginning of the opening scene, a master shot is used to establish the spatial relationship
between the characters, and inform us of the set – a bar. We next go into an over-the-shoulder
shot of the protagonist, forming the 180 degree rule. As the two characters exchange dialogue,
the switch between each shoulder becomes faster – the conversation is growing more intense.
However, when the conversation comes to a halt, we are taken back to the initial master shot of
the pair. This quick change in camera angles signifies to the audience that the conversation has
hit a bump. This bump is brief however, as the protagonist begins spouting dialogue again, and
we return to the over-the-shoulder shots. When the protagonist exclaims something important
however, the shots change to close-up of both characters faces. This sudden change heightens
the tension felt by the audience.

3. Mise en scene
 The use of Mise en scene in this opening scene informs the audience about the characters to a
great extent. Firstly, it is evident from the characters’ costumes that they are both students at a
university. In addition, the background behind these two characters tells us that they are in a
drinking establishment. Furthermore, the use of props (beer) confirms this fact to the audience.
Low-key lighting is used, perhaps to suggest that the bar is not a place of high standards. This
juxtaposes the two main characters (at this point) as they are having an intellectual conversation.
This makes it clearer to the audience what they should be focusing on.

4. Sound
 There is a great use of ambient sound throughout this opening scene. This includes the clinking
of glasses, uproarious cheers from extras and the sound of people moving around the room. This
instantly lets the audience get an understanding of the scene’s location. Additionally, the dialogue
between the two characters informs us that this film takes place in America, as both characters
possess an American accent. Also, we can infer from the dialogue that the male character is
rather awkward and intellectual – this provides some insight. Contrarily, the female character
comes across as far more open and confident, as she is less likely to use facts, but more likely to
state her thoughts.

5. Editing

6. What did we learn?
 From this clip, we learnt that both characters attend the same university, the male character is
awkward and intellectual whereas the female character is more broad and confident. Additionally,
we learnt that the male character is attempting to begin a relationship with the female character,
however he is not confident about the prospect of asking her due to her desired ‘idealised’ male
type.

7. What could we ask?
 Why does the protagonist desire to be with this woman?
 Why are the two at a bar?
 What university do they attend?