Ironic Techniques Used In David Fincher's The Social Network

In this shot from David Fincher’s The Social Network, the renowned brain Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) is talking to his soon to be ex-girlfriend Erica Albright (Rooney Mara). He continuously tries to overpower her with his ample knowledge, which ultimately leads to their relationships demise. She asks Zuckerberg which final party “is the easiest to get in to?” He inhales deeply and asks her “Why would you ask me that?” He is very agile and pointed with his words and responses, which to her seems as if he is simply being “an ass”. Shary explains that nerds are “socially inept and uncouth,” and “struggle to be understood,” (Shary, 36-37). This explains why Erica is so taken back by the answers and responses that Zuckerberg blows back at her. Not only does the dialogue, but the film stock, lighting and eye level view are crucial elements in the shots’ …show more content…
Barsam says that fast film stocks are “extremely sensitive to light” and are “useful in low-light situations,” (Barsam, 210-211). The film stock also helps in junction with the lighting. The lighting mixes several elements together such as low-key lighting and backlight and is a key component in building a realistic view. The light is able to hit their faces from varying directions which is able to illuminate the normalness of the shot as if they were in a regular dim-lighted space, which can imply the use also of low-key lighting. This element allows the to contrast the light and dark light, which can imply the judgment that Zuckerberg has, as twisted as his mind is since he is so intelligent. The backlight also helps and ties in with the low-key lighting, as the light can be seen dimly behind, on the side and on top of both characters, which is able to separate the characters from the background. This creates the illusion of depth, especially while the camera continues to keep an eye level view of both Mark and