A CRITIQUE OF "THE SOCIAL NETWORK" USING STUART HALLS PERSPECTIVE/LENS

INTRODUCTION

    Stuart Halls lens comprises on the {dominant, negotiated and oppositional}, the; Dominant- they are the people that agree fully with the way the writer portrayed a character and or the  series of events in the film. they agree on the view the creator had while creating or rather encoding the film.

Negotiated: These are the people that can agree but also have some complains about the point of view of the writer/creator, the way they made some certain things seem or even the way they portrayed a certain character. they just don't fully agree.

Oppositional- they are very clear about their disagreement with the encoder of the film, they do not share the same view and they believe their view to be right and are solely against that of the creator/writer. These are the various lenses i will use to carefully critique this film.

      Looking at the cultural context of the film, it was around the early 21st century (it reflects the rise of social media and its impact on society). The film captures the shift in social interaction from face-to-face ton online, highlighting the increasing importance of digital connections— using a scene from the movie, we can see that the character after being sort of recruited by a few of his school mates began to think deeper than an app to just compare people you know (face mash) or would i rather say (ladies you know), he began to think of problems like; how to keep people updated on your relationship status and he began to figure out a solution to them. The film also explores the cultural obsession with status, popularity and exclusivity, using Facebooks exclusivity to Harvard students as the perfect example. A few characters are noted for their hunger of status and maybe even popularity (Eg; the brothers that claim mark stole their idea, even mark Zuckerberg himself was hungry for status in some way, Sean parker) they all wanted the status that came with being the creator of the app or in the case of the Winklevose brothers, they wanted credit for their "idea"

ENCODING THE FILM

      The editing styles used in this film "the social network" were fast cut and pacing, rhythmic editing, parallel editing, continuity editing—just to mention a few. The fast cuts and pacing helped us as viewers feel the energy and intense nature of the film. Like in the scenes where Mark and Erica were having a conversation in the bar(the first scene) or even when Mark was hacking into different school database to get pictures of the girls he used on the face mash app. But the most prominent editing style was rhythmic editing. Rhythmic editing is all about how the length of the shots and the pace of the cuts match the music and the overall rhythm of the scenes. Think about the scenes where they're coding like crazy (the editing gets fast and more intense). This editing makes the movie feel more dynamic and keeps you hooked.

      Furthermore, the editing, mis-en-scene and narrative structure all work together to show how ambition, power, gender and class play out in the tech culture. For the mis-en-scene, the settings and visual elements highlight the contrast between social classes and changing dynamics of power. The elite old-money atmosphere of Harvard is juxtaposed with the more casual, almost chaotic environment of the early Facebook offices. This contrast underscores how tech culture can disrupt traditional hierarchies, allowing someone like Zuckerberg to much power and influence despite his relatively humble background. As for the narrative structure it is rather 'non-linear' it jumps between different timelines and depositions, reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of ambition and power. The film questions whether Zuckerberg's success was driven by genuine innovation or by a ruthless pursuit of social status and control. The depiction of gender is also significant, as the female characters are often marginalized or used as motivation for the male characters' actions, reflecting the gender imbalances in tech culture.

     In addition, "The Social Network" employs a non-linear narrative by intercutting between scenes of Mark Zuckerberg in court depositions and flashbacks to the events leading up to the lawsuits. For instance, the film jumps from the deposition hearings to scenes of Mark creating Facebook in his dorm room, his interactions with Eduardo Saverin, and his encounters with Sean Parker. This fragmented structure reveals the story from multiple perspectives and timeframes, highlighting the conflicting accounts of how Facebook was founded and the complex relationships that fractured along the way. By not presenting the story in a straightforward, chronological order, the film emphasizes the subjective nature of truth and the multiple interpretations of events surrounding Facebook's rise. And finally for editing, the fast-paced editing mirrors the relentless drive and ambition of the characters, especially Mark Zuckerberg. Quick cuts and montages emphasize the speed at which ideas are developed and power is gained in the tech world. The constant forward momentum suggests that success requires an almost obsessive focus and a willingness to leave others behind. Flashbacks are seamlessly woven to provide context and disrupted memories, suggesting subjective truths. The editing uses quick cuts for tension and slower pacing for reflection, guiding the viewer's response. Ultimately, the editing in "The Social Network" isn't just about connecting scenes, it's a powerful tool for storytelling, enhancing the film's themes, and shaping the audience's experience.

DECODING

       Talking from the negotiated perspective of the Stuart hall theory, The social network film is seen as a dynamic interplay between the film's encoded messages and the audience's decoding practices. The film, on one hand, presents a narrative of innovation and ambition, showcasing the creation of a revolutionary social platform that redefined human connection. A negotiated reading acknowledges this aspect, recognizing the transformative impact of Facebook on global communication and social interaction. Viewers might appreciate the film's depiction of the challenges and triumphs of startup culture, the brilliance and drive of its protagonist, and the allure of technological disruption. However, this acceptance is tempered by a critical awareness of the ethical compromises, personal betrayals, and potential consequences that accompany such rapid innovation. The negotiated stance allows viewers to both admire the film's portrayal of entrepreneurial spirit and question the moral implications of its characters' actions.

         Furthermore, the negotiated reading is shaped by the diverse social positions and personal experiences of the audience. Individuals who have benefited from Facebook's ability to connect people across geographical boundaries may be more willing to accept the film's narrative of progress and innovation. They might focus on the platform's positive contributions to social movements, political activism, and community building. Conversely, viewers who have experienced the negative aspects of social media, such as privacy breaches, online harassment, or the spread of misinformation, may be more critical of the film's portrayal of Facebook's early days. Their negotiated reading might emphasize the ethical dilemmas faced by Zuckerberg and his team, questioning the long-term consequences of their decisions and highlighting the potential for technology to be used for both good and ill. This distinct interpretation reflects a negotiation between the film's intended message and the audience's own values, beliefs, and lived realities.

        in conclusion, the negotiated reading of "The Social Network" underscores the active role of the audience in constructing meaning. Viewers do not passively absorb the film's message but actively engage with it, drawing on their own knowledge, experiences, and values to form their own interpretations. This process of negotiation results in a diverse range of readings, reflecting the complex interplay between the film's encoding and the audience's decoding. By acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of Facebook's story, and by considering the film's narrative in light of their own social positions, viewers arrive at a negotiated understanding that is neither fully accepting nor fully resistant, but rather a nuanced and critical engagement with the film's themes and messages. with all this being said, Considering the film's portrayal of ambition and success, at what point do the ends no longer justify the means, and where do you draw that line?